BADLAND 2 is an atmospheric, physics-based side-scrolling platformer for casual and hardcore gamers on iOS and Android.
Product velocity
Dormant
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#95
Games · paid
Sentiment
4.2
1.6M reviews
Nemesis
Alto's Adventure
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Players use the app to experience high-stakes, reflex-testing survival in a unique, dark-atmospheric environment that rewards persistence.
For Casual and hardcore gamers who enjoy atmospheric, physics-based side-scrolling platformers.
What does it look like?
Key features
Supports up to four players on a single device for competitive or cooperative play.
Simplified input scheme for navigating physics-based obstacles.
How much does it cost?
Hybrid model using ad-supported access on Android and upfront purchase on iOS.
Velocity
Dormant developmentperformanceopaqueShow more...
BADLAND 2 has reached a zombie state, with no new feature builds or events released in the last six months. The latest release on Android occurred 184 days ago, while the iOS version has not seen an update in over 1,200 days. Development has effectively ceased, as the last several updates across platforms have been limited to minor bug fixes and technical maintenance.
Who built it?
HypeHype Oy
6 apps tracked · Games
BADLAND
Rumble Stars
Badland Brawl
BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition
BADLAND StickersUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads excited. Users appreciate atmospheric level design and challenging mechanics create a highly immersive experience for dedicated mobile gamers and cross-platform accessibility allows users to enjoy the game on television remotes and handheld devices, but report pay-to-progress mechanics force users to purchase premium access to continue through the campaign levels.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Atmospheric level design and challenging mechanics create a highly immersive experience for dedicated mobile gamers
- Cross-platform accessibility allows users to enjoy the game on television remotes and handheld devices
- Absence of intrusive advertising ensures a focused and uninterrupted gameplay experience for the user
- Pay-to-progress mechanics force users to purchase premium access to continue through the campaign levels
91 of 99 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Excited overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 2 user requests, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for BADLAND 2
How's the Games market?
BADLAND 2 holds a #82 Paid rank in the US Adventure category, competing directly with premium-feel titles like Alto's Adventure. The current monetization model creates a barrier to entry that limits the free-tier funnel compared to ad-supported rivals.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By Snowman
Shares the exact 'atmospheric side-scrolling' niche with high-fidelity art and physics-based movement that directly competes for the same casual-premium audience.
- Features a procedurally generated world that provides infinite replayability compared to BADLAND's level-based progression.
- Employs a minimalist, zen-focused aesthetic that differentiates it from the darker, industrial-gothic tone of BADLAND.
- Offers a more accessible, one-touch control scheme that lowers the barrier to entry for casual players.
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for BADLAND 2
Where is it heading?
The atmospheric platformer market is consolidating around titles that offer either infinite replayability or deep, narrative-driven progression. BADLAND 2's maintenance-mode cadence and gated progression model leave it exposed to more modern, community-focused rivals.
- The pay-to-progress model creates a high barrier to entry, which limits the free-tier funnel and accelerates churn among casual players.
- The absence of community-driven content tools prevents the game from sustaining the long-term replayability that its rivals currently leverage.
The SWOT
- Dark-atmospheric art style creates a distinct visual identity
- Reintroducing level editor as an in-app purchase
Next best moves
A/B test a free-to-play progression model because pay-to-progress gating is the top complaint → reduce churn
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The lack of a level editor is not just a feature gap…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Level Editor (available in the original BADLAND but missing here)
Since the last report: Development velocity has collapsed into a zombie state with no updates in 184 days, while the user rating improved from 4.19 to 4.59 despite ongoing frustration with pay-to-progress gating.
Bottom line
The current pay-to-progress model is eroding the user base, and the absence of community-driven content limits long-term engagement. Pivoting to a more accessible progression model while prioritizing the return of the level editor would address the primary drivers of negative sentiment.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is BADLAND 2 free to play?
How does BADLAND 2 compare to Alto's Adventure?
Does BADLAND 2 have a level editor?
What is a good alternative to BADLAND 2?
Sources
- [1] App Store listing, source
Report last updated