Supercell Revamps Squad Busters with Strategic Heroes and Power Moves

Supercell, renowned for its blockbuster mobile games, has unveiled a transformative update for Squad Busters, its multiplayer action title launched less than a year ago. This update represents the most ambitious overhaul in the company’s 15-year history, aiming to address player feedback and enhance the game’s strategic depth and player control.

Despite a promising start with over 40 million pre-registrations and more than 60 million players, Squad Busters initially received mixed reviews and was considered disappointing by Supercell’s high standards, even after generating over $100 million in revenue. The core gameplay was seen as lacking in strategic options and direct player agency, which the update now seeks to remedy.

At the heart of the update are new Heroes and Squaddies. Heroes are super-charged versions of existing characters like Barbarian King and Archer Queen, equipped with powerful moves that players actively control. Losing a Hero results in the entire Squad being wiped out, emphasizing the importance of strategic selection and protection. Squaddies provide automatic abilities that activate during battles, adding layers of tactical decision-making.

Johnathan Rowlands, head of Squad Busters, highlighted that the update was driven by player feedback requesting more agency and strategic depth. The team experimented extensively with different configurations before settling on the current system, which balances accessibility with complexity. Players now choose a Hero and two Squaddies, each unlocking unique powers that influence gameplay style and strategy.

The update preserves the game’s signature mayhem and chaos but adds a new layer of strategic planning. Players engage in modes like Gem Hunt, Squad League, and Duos, where protecting the Hero and leveraging Squaddies’ abilities is critical to victory. The update also deepens the game’s lore, enriching the player experience and connection to the characters.

Supercell’s development process for this update began in late 2023, with prototyping in early 2024 and production following soon after. The team prioritized quality and player experience, even discarding features that didn’t meet their high standards. This dedication reflects Supercell’s commitment to creating games that engage players for years and generate sustained revenue.

Marketing efforts are underway to attract new players and re-engage those who were initially disappointed. Supercell targets a midcore audience that enjoys mobile action strategy games, with plans to expand marketing if the update gains traction. The company’s approach demonstrates how listening to player communities and iterating on gameplay can revitalize a title’s lifecycle.

Supercell’s Squad Busters update exemplifies how live game operations and player-centric design drive innovation in mobile gaming. By integrating strategic Heroes and dynamic Squaddies, the game now offers deeper engagement and meaningful choices, setting a new standard for multiplayer action games on mobile platforms.