Report updated Apr 5, 2026
Vainglory
v4.13.4Competitive gamers and MOBA enthusiasts looking for a high-fidelity, strategic, and cross-platform multiplayer experience.
What Is Vainglory?
Launched Nov 16, 2014
Updated Sep 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?
Competitive gameplay parity allowing users to play with friends across PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
Proprietary engine optimized for high-performance graphics, 120 FPS support, and precision control accuracy.
48+ playable heroes with unique combo systems, build paths, and ability overdrive mechanics.
Range of experiences from 5-minute BRAWLs to full-length 5V5 competitive battle arena matches.
Includes advanced MOBA mechanics like Fog of War, last-hitting, wave control, and active items.
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 excited sentiment. Users appreciate core gameplay quality and nostalgia and emotional connection, but report abandoned development and technical and multiplayer issues.”
What Users Love
Best mobile game of all time!
Truly special game and still nothing out there like it.
This game brought so much happiness to my childhood
Please bring back the love of my life!
Pain Points
The game looks abandoned
It hurts me that the company left this game to rot
MULTIPLAYER IS HORRIBLE TAKES FOREVER TO PLAY
The UI is so broken I am unable to on iPad.
High confidence · 52.3K reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Proprietary EVIL Engine (120 FPS, high performance)
- Superior touch-control precision
- True cross-platform parity (Mobile/PC/Mac)
- Deeply loyal, long-term user base
Cons
- No active development or content updates since 2022
- Technical debt leading to UI bugs on new devices
- Lack of server moderation and matchmaking optimization
- High mechanical learning curve for casual players
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Community-led revival or open-sourcing certain elements
- IP acquisition by a studio with live-ops expertise
- Targeting 'mechanical purists' dissatisfied with simplified rivals
Market Threats
- Dominance of League of Legends: Wild Rift
- App becoming unplayable due to future OS updates
- Total player churn as technical issues mount
Who competes with Vainglory?
The Nemesis
Why it's a threat
- +
Weaker sentiment at 25/100 — but still a direct threat
- +
Skill-Based Progression
Contenders
Onmyoji Arena
★4.7 (21K)NetEase Games
Focuses on high-fidelity graphics and complex hero mechanics, appealing to Vainglory's 'AAA' aesthetic audience.
Focuses on high-fidelity graphics and complex hero mechanics, appealing to Vainglory's 'AAA' aesthetic audience.
Heroes Evolved
★4.6 (6K)NetDragon Websoft Inc
A long-standing mobile MOBA that offers a classic 5v5 experience and a large roster of heroes.
A long-standing mobile MOBA that offers a classic 5v5 experience and a large roster of heroes.
Peers
Dominates the 'Brawl' and casual MOBA-lite space that Vainglory targets with its short-form modes.
Player-Designed Maps
Shares the same hardcore strategy user base looking for competitive hero-based gameplay.
Cross-Platform Play
Identity V
★3.4 (800K)NetEase Games
A highly competitive asymmetric multiplayer game that attracts the same high-skill mobile gaming demographic.
A highly competitive asymmetric multiplayer game that attracts the same high-skill mobile gaming demographic.
New Kids on the Block
A new hero-based arena combatant that offers competitive team-based play on mobile and consoles.
Dynamic Theming
What are the key takeaways?
Vainglory is a exciting games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.7/5 rating from 52.3K reviews, it excites its users from users. Users particularly appreciate core gameplay quality, though abandoned development remains a common concern.
Best for: Competitive gamers and MOBA enthusiasts looking for a high-fidelity, strategic, and cross-platform multiplayer experience.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
Focuses on a fair, skill-based monetization model where competitive advantages are not sold, and cosmetic items can be earned through play.