Brawl Stars vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Brawl Stars's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Brawl Stars
This App
Fortnite
Contender
Core Identity
DeveloperSupercellZeptoLab UK LimitedDELUXE ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS LTDFunsol Technologies (Private) LimitedEpic Games Inc.Rollic GamesForgeGames MobilePlay365Full Fat Productions LtdMunkhbileg Natsagdorj
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesActionActionGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSAndroidAndroidiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.7 / 54.8 / 55.0 / 54.4 / 54.4 / 54.2 / 54.5 / 54.5 / 54.5 / 50.0 / 5
Ratings Count3,025,05399,8401148146,0885,955413,264349,6279630
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateDec 13, 2018May 21, 2020Jan 6, 2022May 3, 2023May 20, 2025Sep 4, 2023Feb 10, 2016Jan 26, 2017Aug 2, 2012Oct 16, 2025
Last UpdatedJun 30, 2026Apr 11, 2026Jan 6, 2022Jun 25, 2025May 18, 2026May 19, 2026Oct 30, 2025Apr 9, 2026Jun 28, 2025Oct 16, 2025
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativenegative--mixedterriblemixedpositivemixed-
Score25/10025/100--55/10015/10065/10075/10055/100-
Praises
  • Fast-paced game modes provide high-intensity entertainment for long-term players
  • Generous distribution of cosmetic rewards and resources for free-to-play users
  • Tactical top-down shooter gameplay provides an addictive and engaging combat experience
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  • Diverse game modes and frequent content updates maintain high engagement for long-term players
  • Occasional moments of satisfying gameplay provide brief entertainment for casual users
  • High-quality flight simulation mechanics provide an engaging experience for aviation enthusiasts on mobile
  • Nostalgic gameplay experience provides long-term entertainment value for returning players
  • Nostalgic gameplay loops provide a strong emotional connection for long-term players
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Complaints
  • Unbalanced matchmaking pairs low-skill teammates against coordinated opponents to force losses
  • Pay-to-win mechanics and hypercharged brawlers create insurmountable power gaps in ranked play
  • Performance degradation and frame rate drops during high-action game modes
  • Aggressive matchmaking pairs new players against significantly higher power level opponents
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  • Performance instability and thermal throttling on mobile devices degrade the core gameplay experience
  • Aggressive forced ad frequency disrupts the core gameplay loop for all users
  • Progression is artificially gated by predatory monetization and deceptive upgrade mechanics
  • Aggressive pay-to-win mechanics create significant progression barriers for non-paying players in competitive modes
  • Excessive ad frequency during the initial loading phase disrupts the user experience
  • Excessive advertisement frequency disrupts the flow of the core running experience
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Requests
  • Skill-based matchmaking that prioritizes player experience over speed of queue
  • Permanent availability of duels mode to reduce reliance on random teammates
  • Controller support for mobile devices to improve precision and reduce hand strain
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  • Expanded graphics and performance settings for budget-friendly mobile hardware
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  • Expanded offline content and additional game modes to provide variety beyond existing combat zones
  • Expanded stage content requested to provide a more challenging and limitless experience
  • Permanent purchase options for cosmetic items would improve the player experience
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • High-frequency seasonal content cadence drives consistent player return
  • Diverse Brawler roster allows for deep, personality-driven meta-game variety
  • Editors' Choice badge across five markets sustains organic install velocity
  • Stealth-vision mechanic creates a unique tactical combat niche
  • Hero-based progression loop drives daily mission engagement
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  • Cross-media IP integration drives broad appeal
  • Cross-platform progression creates high switching costs
  • Creative mode leverages user-generated content
  • Shooter-runner hybrid mechanics provide a higher skill ceiling than pure parkour runners
  • Ammo management loop forces consistent session engagement
  • 37+ aircraft library sustains long-term progression loops
  • Offline campaign modes preserve retention during connectivity gaps
  • Classic 2D shooter loop provides high nostalgia-driven retention
  • Vehicle-combat integration expands session depth beyond standard platformers
  • Nostalgic gameplay loop sustains long-term retention
  • Offline-play capability maintains DAU during travel
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Weaknesses
  • Matchmaking transparency is low, leading to player perception of rigged outcomes
  • Performance instability on high-end hardware during 5v5 modes
  • Premium tier monetization creates power gaps in ranked play
  • Matchmaking pairs new players against high-power spenders
  • Subscription-gated progression creates a pay-to-win barrier
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  • Large file size creates entry friction
  • Thermal throttling on mobile hardware
  • Persistent login errors post-update
  • 3.2★ Android rating indicates severe technical instability
  • Forced ad frequency is the #1 churn driver
  • Progression gates feel deceptive to users
  • Unbalanced matchmaking pairs beginners against high-tier prototypes
  • Transaction failures post-purchase disrupt revenue integrity
  • Aggressive ad-loading in the first session drives immediate churn
  • Jump control sensitivity is insufficient for stage progression
  • High ad-frequency disrupts session flow
  • Technical regressions cause control unresponsiveness
  • Monetization friction creates pay-to-win perception
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Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreefreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfree
MomentumIntenseActive--IntenseActiveZombieMaintenanceMaintenance-
Update Cadence5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~6d avg--4 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~7d avg5 versions, ~12d avg1 versions1 versions5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~163d avg-

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Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Brawl Stars, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0