Report updated Apr 5, 2026
Catalyst Black
v0.23.1Competitive mobile gamers who enjoy fast-paced, team-based shooter mechanics and strategic loadout customization.
What Is Catalyst Black?
Launched May 24, 2022
Updated Oct 2022
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Ability to transform into a powerful Primal entity to decimate enemy teams during combat.
Collect and upgrade guns and gear to define specific playstyles like sniper, assassin, or hunter.
Real-time team-based combat across various modes including Hydra, Slayer, and Eventide.
Drop-in to games instantly with friends and discover new allies for coordinated strategy.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate core gameplay mechanics, but report lack of developer support and broken progression and bugs.”
What Users Love
The combat is addicting, the gameplay is fun
Shooting feels a bit like a twin stick shooter, while game modes and objectives feel very MOBA
Pain Points
game hasn't been updated now for over FOUR years
It’s a shame this developer just abandoned this game
Unable to collect or claim rewards
When I try to purchase an item, it takes whatever currency I used but doesn’t give me the item
High confidence · 24K reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Unique Primal transformation mechanic
- High-quality core combat and 'feel'
- Deep loadout customization options
Cons
- No major updates since 2022
- Broken reward and IAP systems
- High prevalence of bots in matchmaking
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Market gap for a well-supported top-down hero shooter
- Potential for competitors to adopt the 'transformation' mechanic
- Capturing displaced fans of SEMC's design philosophy
Market Threats
- Dominance of Brawl Stars in the same category
- Brand erosion due to perceived abandonment
- New high-mobility shooters like Blood Strike
Who competes with Catalyst Black?
The Nemesis
Why it's a threat
- +
Users are happier — sentiment 55/100 vs 35
- +
Higher rated at 4.2★ vs 3.9★
Contenders
A top-down tactical shooter where hero abilities and team coordination are central to the competitive experience.
Tactical Stealth Vision
A top-down MOBA-shooter hybrid that offers similar multi-mode combat and hero-based progression.
Blockchain-Integrated Ecosystem
A top-down action game focusing on squad building and fast-paced environmental combat with hero-like characters.
Supercell Universe Crossover
A hero-centric shooter with heavy emphasis on unique character skills and high-mobility combat.
Buddy Pets
Peers
The premier mobile MOBA that shares the strategic hero-based team combat and ability-driven gameplay.
Skill-Based Progression
A highly popular MOBA that competes for the same audience interested in competitive hero-based strategy.
Fast-Paced Matchmaking & Gameplay
A massive MOBA ecosystem focusing on team strategy and hero mastery.
Skill-Based Fair Competition
Warframe
Digital Extremes
Offers deep loadout customization and high-speed sci-fi action, appealing to the 'power fantasy' player base.
Offers deep loadout customization and high-speed sci-fi action, appealing to the 'power fantasy' player base.
New Kids on the Block
A fast-growing shooter with hero-like 'Strikers' and high-mobility gameplay mechanics.
High-Performance Optimization
What are the key takeaways?
Catalyst Black is a frustrating games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 3.9/5 rating from 24K reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate core gameplay mechanics, though lack of developer support remains a common concern.
Best for: Competitive mobile gamers who enjoy fast-paced, team-based shooter mechanics and strategic loadout customization.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
The game follows a standard free-to-play model for mobile shooters, but users report that the purchasing and reward systems are currently buggy or non-functional.
iOS Version
0.23.1
Android Version
0.23.1 (149928)
Release Date
May 24, 2022
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Super Evil Megacorp