Castle Busters is a PvP artillery shooter by Voodoo, released in July 2025, and it is already generating $200K+ in daily IAP revenue, according to AppMagic.
Developed by EpiCoro, d.o.o. the same studio behind Tiny Clash, this game is a prime example of how far hypercasual mechanics can evolve. Let’s take a look at the design behind it.
Genre Combination
The game combines the simple artillery shooting mechanics of Tank Stars with the strategic depth of Battleship formula. This results a deep hypercasual which is approachable yet strategic, while the physics-based destructible castles theme make it broadly appealing. Battles are also relatively longer, initially capped at 18 rounds before later extending to 24. To increase match variety, the game introduces collectible battlefield skills, and positioning-based buffs and even temporary nerfs. Additionally, the game further encourage situational decision making by allowing 3 win conditions: destroying all enemy units, the castle or achieving both.
Progression Depth
The game uses multiple overlapping progression systems to build depth. The main layer revolves around its various unit types, each designed with unique abilities suited for different battle strategies. Beyond deck-building, a secondary layer is tied to the castle progression, where players can expand the castle, upgrade walls, and strengthen foundations. There is also a third layer focused on customization, allowing players to modify castle wheels, offensive and defensive structures.
Interestingly, the game also introduces additional unit types called trainers and builders, which are required to initiate time-based upgrades, helping cap player progression speed while opening up new monetization opportunities. Additionally, the game’s meta layer appears heavily inspired by Supercell titles through the inclusion of systems like Forge Pass, daily reward chest limits, quests, leaderboards, streaks, and other LiveOps events.
Hybrid Monetization
The game combines both IAA and IAP monetization in a very structured way. On IAA side, the game relies entirely on RV ad placements ,which appear across match-end reward multipliers, upgrade speed-ups, instant chest replenishes, and daily soft currency offers in the shop. As players progress, these offers become increasingly valuable since gold is heavily tied to both unit and castle upgrades. On IAP side, the game’s shop various offers, time-limited bundles, premium units and castle cosmetics. Interestingly, the game also includes a unique ad-removal offer that makes all RV rewards instantly claimable for a limited duration. Additionally, situational offers are triggered during moments such as resource shortages, helping create a more natural funnel toward conversions.
Original Post: Kavindu Priyanath-LinkedIn
