South Korea’s mobile gaming industry is renowned for its innovation and diversity, offering experiences that cater to every type of player. From strategic survival games to action-packed RPGs and casual puzzles, these games redefine engagement and entertainment.
Here are the top 10 mobile games in South Korea as of November 2024, along with their estimated monthly active users (MAU) and revenue:
MAU & Revenue of Top 10 Mobile Games of South Korea
| Rank | Game Title | Developer | Monthly Active Users (MAU) | Revenue (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Last War: Survival Game | First Fun | 10M+ | $20M+ |
| 2 | 리니지M (Lineage M) | NCSOFT | 1M+ | $156M+ |
| 3 | Whiteout Survival | Century Games PTE. LTD. | 10M+ | $10M+ |
| 4 | Wuthering Waves | HK KURO GAMES LIMITED | 5M+ | $15M+ |
| 5 | Lineage W | NCSOFT | 1M+ | $99M+ |
| 6 | Royal Match | Dream Games, Ltd. | 100M+ | $30M+ |
| 7 | GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE | Level Infinite | 5M+ | $25M+ |
| 8 | 오딘: 발할라 라이징 (Odin: Valhalla Rising) | Kakao Games Corp. | 1M+ | $40M+ |
| 9 | Lucky Defense | 111% | 1M+ | $5M+ |
| 10 | Capybara Go! | Habby | <1M | $2M |
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the top 10 mobile games in South Korea based on the latest data, including gameplay mechanics, features, and unique aspects of each title.
Overview of Top 10 Mobile Games in South Korea
1. Last War: Survival Game
- Developer: First Fun
- Overview: This game combines strategy city-building with shoot ’em up action in a post-apocalyptic zombie-infested world. Players manage a base, gather resources, and assemble teams of heroes from different military branches.
Gameplay Mechanics of Last War: Survival Game
- Base Building: Players start with a small shelter that can be expanded and upgraded to gather resources essential for survival, such as food and iron.
- Hero Recruitment: Players can recruit heroes from three military branches, each with unique skills that enhance gameplay during both base management and combat.
- Shoot ‘Em Up Minigame: Unique to this game, players engage in a minigame where they dodge obstacles while shooting zombies, adding an exciting twist to the traditional strategy format.
- AFK Grinding System: An Armed Truck collects loot from defeated zombies automatically over time.
Community Features: Players can form alliances for cooperative gameplay, which is crucial for resource sharing and collective battles against zombies
2. 리니지M (Lineage M)
- Developer: NCSOFT
- Overview: A mobile adaptation of the classic MMORPG Lineage, featuring a rich fantasy world where players engage in quests and PvP battles.
Gameplay Mechanics of Lineage M
- Character Classes: Offers diverse classes that players can choose from, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
- PvE and PvP Content: Engages players in both cooperative quests against NPCs and competitive battles against other players.
- Cross-Server Interactions: Players can participate in cross-server dungeons, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
Community Engagement: The game has a strong community aspect with guilds and alliances that enhance social interaction among players.
3. Whiteout Survival
- Developer: Century Games PTE. LTD.
- Overview: A survival strategy game set in a frozen world where players must build shelters, gather resources, and fend off threats.
Gameplay Mechanics of Whiteout Survival
- Resource Management: Players collect resources to maintain their shelters and survive harsh weather conditions.
- Base Defense Mechanisms: Players must strategically build defenses to protect against environmental threats and enemy attacks.
Unique Features: The game emphasizes survival tactics, requiring players to make strategic decisions about resource allocation and defense.
4. Wuthering Waves
- Developer: HK KURO GAMES LIMITED
- Overview: An action RPG that blends exploration with intense combat in a beautifully crafted open world.
Gameplay Mechanics of Wuthering Waves
- Dynamic Combat System: Fast-paced battles where players utilize character abilities to defeat enemies.
- Exploration Elements: Encourages players to explore vast environments filled with hidden treasures and lore.
- Visuals and Design: The game is noted for its stunning graphics and immersive world-building.
5. Lineage W
- Developer: NCSOFT
- Overview: Another installment in the Lineage series, this game emphasizes large-scale multiplayer experiences in a fantasy setting.
Gameplay Mechanics of Lineage W
- Deep Narrative Elements: Engages players with rich storytelling based on the game’s lore.
- Massive PvP Battles: Supports large-scale player interactions, requiring strategic planning for successful engagements.
Community Features: Strong emphasis on guilds and alliances enhances player collaboration.
6. Royal Match
- Developer: Dream Games, Ltd.
- Overview: A match-three puzzle game where players solve puzzles to renovate royal castles.
Gameplay Mechanics of Royal Match
- Engaging Puzzles: Offers a variety of match-three challenges that increase in difficulty as players progress.
- Customization Options: Players can decorate their castles based on the rewards earned from puzzles.
Community Engagement: The game encourages social interactions through cooperative challenges.
7. GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE
- Developer: Level Infinite
- Overview: A sci-fi shooter RPG featuring female characters known as “NIKKE” who battle against alien invaders.
Gameplay Mechanics of GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE
- Gacha System: Players collect various characters, each with unique abilities that can be upgraded.
- Strategic Combat System: Combines shooting mechanics with character abilities for tactical gameplay during battles.
Visual Appeal: Notable for its high-quality graphics and character designs.
8. 오딘: 발할라 라이징 (Odin: Valhalla Rising)
- Developer: Kakao Games Corp.
- Overview: An MMORPG inspired by Norse mythology, featuring expansive worlds and epic quests.
Gameplay Mechanics of Odin: Valhalla Rising
- Rich Graphics and Lore: Features stunning visuals coupled with deep storytelling elements based on Norse myths.
- Exploration and Combat Systems: Encourages both PvE quests and PvP arenas for competitive play.
9. Lucky Defense
- Developer: 111%
- Overview: A tower defense game where players strategically place units to fend off waves of enemies.
Gameplay Mechanics of Lucky Defense
- Unit Customization: Players can upgrade their units for better defenses against increasingly difficult waves.
10. Capybara Go!
- Developer: Habby
- Overview: A casual adventure game featuring capybaras exploring various environments while collecting items.
Gameplay Mechanics of Capybara Go
- Simple Mechanics for All Ages: Easy-to-learn gameplay suitable for casual gamers.
South Korea’s gaming landscape is a testament to creativity and innovation. These top 10 mobile games showcase the variety and depth of experiences available to players, from thrilling combat in Wuthering Waves to cooperative puzzles in Royal Match.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these games have something special to offer. Dive into these adventures and discover your next favorite game today!
Notes:
- The Monthly Active Users (MAU) figures are approximations based on available data and trends in the gaming industry.
- The Revenue estimates reflect gross earnings from both the App Store and Google Play, showcasing the financial success of these titles.
- The rankings may fluctuate due to seasonal events, updates, or new game releases impacting player engagement and spending.
This data illustrates the competitive landscape of mobile gaming in South Korea, highlighting the dominance of established franchises like Lineage while also showcasing newer titles that have gained significant traction.