XP Hero is an idle arcade RPG game by Supercent, released in February 2025, and it has scaled to over $70K in daily IAP revenue, according to AppMagic.
This is the second game to scale in this category this year, alongside Butcher Hero, which is now doing over $100K in daily IAP revenue.
So, let’s take a look at the design behind this game.
Familiar Core
The game builds on the familiar Idle Arcade core loop but combines it with RPG elements by adding enemy combat, loot collection, and continuous power progression to take on more powerful enemies. Compared with Butcher Hero, this game depends more on pure power progression, whereas Butcher Hero adds a little more strategy through its different weapon groups and enemy requirements. Additionally, XP Hero introduces an auto-hunting feature, pushing the experience closer to an idle RPG, while its smooth onboarding and clear objective system make the game more casual.
Deep Progression
The game features a lot of systems and unlocks them gradually, but relatively early, to keep the experience from feeling too grindy. The game is divided into chapters, with each chapter containing different stages, mobs and bosses. There are stat upgrade systems, inventory and forging systems, a hero system, challenges including PvP gameplay, and many other features such as blessings, collections, and chests, providing plenty of rewards to keep the power progression going. Additionally, LiveOps events are introduced early on to keep the game fresh.
Hybrid Monetization
The game uses both IAA and IAP monetization smartly to maximize revenue. Interstitial ads begin around player level 20, while RV ads appear across numerous placements, including timed boost offers, revives, bonus rewards, free rewards and other progression opportunities. Some of these placements are capped daily, limiting how often player can use them. On the IAP side, the in-game shop features stage packs, weapon and character packs, chests, ad-removal offers and more. Events also come with their own dedicated IAP offers, including another monetization layer for the players who are willing to spend.
With both Butcher Hero and XP Hero quietly scaling, it seems like this is just the beginning for this category. It will be interesting to see what kind of new innovations emerge in this space next.
Original Post: Kavindu Priyanath-LinkedIn
