Backpack Battles, the innovative inventory management auto battler game, has taken the PC gaming world by storm since its early access release on Steam on March 8, 2024. Developed and published by PlayWithFurcifer, the game has players strategically arranging items in their backpack to create powerful builds and battle against other players.
With its unique gameplay mechanics and addictive strategy elements, many mobile gamers are wondering: when will Backpack Battles be available on iOS devices? Here’s what we know so far.
Strong Consideration for a Mobile Port
According to the game’s official Discord FAQ, a mobile port of Backpack Battles is “strongly considered” as the developers believe the game would work well on mobile platforms. However, their current focus is on optimizing the PC version first before seriously exploring mobile options.
The strong player interest in an iOS version, as evidenced by posts on Reddit and other gaming forums, will likely further motivate the developers to bring the game to the App Store once the PC release is stable and polished. A well-received PC version will be key to justifying the additional development efforts for mobile.
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Gameplay Well-Suited for Mobile
Backpack Battles’ core gameplay loop revolves around acquiring and organizing items in your backpack to create synergistic builds. This strategic inventory management system could translate very well to a touchscreen interface on iPhones and iPads.
The game also features auto battles where the player-created builds face off against others. This means the action-packed combat is more of a sit-back-and-watch experience, which is ideal for on-the-go mobile gaming sessions. The lack of timers or twitch-based mechanics further supports the game’s mobile potential.
Potential Release Timeline
While no official release date has been announced, we can make some educated guesses based on the typical development timeline for PC-to-mobile ports:
- Stabilizing the PC Version: The developers will likely spend the next few months gathering player feedback, squashing bugs, and fine-tuning the gameplay balance while in early access on Steam. This crucial period will help them lock down the core game before expanding to new platforms.
- Porting and Optimization: Once the PC version is stable, the developers can begin the process of porting the game to iOS. This involves optimizing performance for mobile hardware, adapting controls for touchscreens, and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. This process could take several months.
- Beta Testing and Soft Launch: Before a full public release, the iOS version will likely go through a beta testing period to identify and fix any platform-specific issues. The game could also soft launch in select regions to gather data and make final tweaks. This phase typically lasts a few months.
Based on this rough timeline, it’s possible we could see Backpack Battles on the iOS App Store in late 2024 or early 2025 if development goes smoothly. However, unforeseen challenges or shifting priorities could easily push the release further out.
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How to Play Backpack Battles on iOS Now
For eager fans who can’t wait for the official iOS release, there are a couple of ways to experience Backpack Battles on your iPhone or iPad right now:
Steam Link App
If you own the PC version on Steam, you can use the Steam Link app to stream the game from your computer to your iOS device. This requires a strong network connection and a compatible PC, but it allows you to play the full game with touch controls.
While not as convenient as a native App Store release, these options at least provide a way to get your Backpack Battles fix on the go.
A mobile version of the hit Steam game Backpack Battles seems highly likely based on developer interest and the game’s mobile-friendly mechanics. However, the exact iOS release date remains uncertain as the PC version is still in active development. In the meantime, iOS users can stream the PC version or hold out hope for potential cloud gaming support. One thing’s for sure: the future looks bright for this innovative indie gem.