Nebulous.io vs its rivals

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

Nebulous.io
This App
Agar.io
Nemesis
slither.io
Contender
Core Identity
DeveloperSimplicial Software, LLCMiniclip.comLittleBigSnake, IncAzur Interactive Games LimitedLowtech Studios LLCGeisha Tokyo Inc.VoodooVoodoo
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.1 / 54.5 / 54.7 / 54.5 / 53.7 / 54.7 / 54.6 / 54.5 / 5
Ratings Count2,626220,4128,21444,7532,832457,3831,971,6952,768,701
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateFeb 4, 2016Jul 8, 2015Dec 21, 2018Apr 3, 2018Mar 25, 2016Sep 25, 2018Jun 24, 2018Aug 9, 2018
Last UpdatedOct 6, 2025May 4, 2026Apr 14, 2026Jul 1, 2026Nov 10, 2025Feb 27, 2026Jun 25, 2026Jun 13, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixedterrible-mixed-positivemixedmixed
Score45/10022/100-65/100-75/10065/10045/100
Praises
  • Core gameplay loop provides a highly addictive and nostalgic experience for long-term players
  • Core gameplay loop provides nostalgic entertainment value for long-term players
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  • The core gameplay loop provides a satisfying and addictive experience for casual play sessions
-
  • Core snowball rolling mechanics provide an addictive and relaxing gameplay loop for casual players
-
  • Satisfying core gameplay loop provides a relaxing and addictive experience for casual players
Complaints
  • Frequent connection timeouts and server instability disrupt matches for players on mobile networks
  • Excessive ad frequency following every death disrupts the flow of gameplay
  • Server instability and connection errors prevent players from joining matches
-
  • Excessive ad frequency disrupts the gameplay flow and degrades the overall user experience
-
  • Excessive ad frequency disrupts the flow of short match sessions for active players
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  • Aggressive ad frequency interrupts gameplay flow and causes frustration during active sessions
Requests
  • In-game translation features for the chat bar to improve communication between international players
  • Customizable control placement to improve ergonomics for mobile players
-
  • Adjustable control options to improve precision and comfort during gameplay sessions
-
  • Multiplayer online mode requested to enable direct competition against real human friends
-
  • Implementation of an ad-free experience or reduced ad frequency for better engagement
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Clan system drives social network effects
  • Custom skin uploads create identity-based retention
  • Tournament mode incentivizes consistent economy engagement
  • Seasonal Golden Pass model sustains DAU/MAU ratio
  • Established brand recognition in the .io category
  • High-frequency session loops maximize ad-impression inventory
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  • Vanity-driven skin wardrobe sustains repeat session velocity
  • Offline-first architecture captures users in low-connectivity segments
  • Tactical playstyles increase session depth and ad-inventory
  • Minimalist aesthetic lowers barrier to entry
  • High-stakes survival loop drives session engagement
  • Physics-based combat loop drives high session frequency
  • Skin collection system sustains long-term meta-progression
  • High-satisfaction core loop drives organic install velocity
  • Simple controls minimize onboarding friction for casual segments
  • High-contrast visual style reduces screen clutter
  • Territory-claiming mechanic provides distinct progression
  • Daily login habit formation stabilizes DAU
Weaknesses
  • Frequent connection timeouts during active matches
  • Aggressive ad frequency driving uninstallation intent
  • Toxic chat environment lacks effective moderation
  • 0.45★ Android-iOS rating gap
  • High-frequency ad-monetization disrupts gameplay flow
  • Persistent server connectivity failures
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  • Ad-frequency complaints in reviews drive churn
  • Technical instability during events degrades competitive experience
  • Lack of content updates leads to long-term boredom
  • Lack of offline mode causes churn
  • Maintenance-mode update cadence limits retention
  • Excessive ad frequency disrupts match flow
  • Map-collision bugs cause competitive frustration
  • No ad-free purchase option
  • 1.6★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates poor optimization
  • Lack of social-retention mechanics limits LTV
  • Aggressive ad cadence causes high-frequency churn
  • Movement control rigidity post-update
  • Progression feels rigged due to AI behavior
Pricingfreemiumsubscriptionsubscriptionfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemium
MomentumZombie-Intense-ZombieMaintenanceActiveIntense
Update Cadence2 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~6d avg-5 versions-2 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~1d avg2 versions, ~45d avg5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~5d avg5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~4d avg

Compare Nebulous.io head-to-head

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 Nebulous.io, 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