Golly Alternatives

Apps similar to Golly include Artificial LIfe ENvironment, which is free and open source. Other options are The bibites, ProtoEvo Project and Cellex. In total there are four apps like Golly for Windows, Linux, Mac and the web.

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Golly alternatives page was last updated Feb 21, 2026

Artificial LIfe ENvironment
1 like
Artificial LIfe ENvironment (ALIEN) is an artificial life simulation tool based on a specialized 2D particle engine in CUDA for soft bodies and fluids. Each simulated body consists of a network of particles that can be upgraded with higher-level functions, ranging from pure...
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (BSD-3-Clause)
Platforms
Windows
itch.io
+1
Good alternative?Is this a good alternative to Golly?
The bibites
Like
A simulation where you are able to watch evolution happen before your very eyes!
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Good alternative?Is The bibites a good alternative to Golly?
ProtoEvo Project
1 like
The aim of this project is to create an environment where protozoa-like entities evolve their behaviours and morphologies in order to survive and reproduce. The simulation takes place in a 2D environment physically simulated environment.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Windows
Linux
Mac
IntelliJ IDEA
Docker
United Kingdom
+4
Good alternative?Is ProtoEvo Project a good alternative to Golly?
Cellex
Like
Cellex is a unidimensional cellular automaton visualizer and explorer. It handles rules, totalistic codes, as well as reversible rules and codes (aka second-order automata). It has the following features:
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Platforms
Online
+4
Good alternative?Is Cellex a good alternative to Golly?

4 of 4 Golly alternatives