3D gameSuperhero-themed turn-based squad RPGOriginal by Scopely
Marvel Strike Force combines turn-based battles with five-hero squads and the passion for collecting and upgrading familiar superheroes. The game's depth comes from team synergies: heroes from the same faction boost each other's abilities, and players try to complete the right squad for every new piece of content. Alliance raids, seasonal wars and constantly refreshed events bring players back regularly.
The critical point here is licensing: Marvel characters and branding cannot be used without a licence; a similar game has to build its own superhero universe. Technically you need a turn-based combat engine, faction and synergy tags, shard-collecting progression, alliance raids and a heavy LiveOps panel. For gacha and loot box mechanics, publishing drop rates is essential in line with UK and EU expectations.
Why Marvel Strike Force works: the core loop
Systems you need to build a game like Marvel Strike Force
Team synergy and tags
Faction, role and origin tags on heroes, with abilities through which heroes sharing a tag boost each other. The heart of team building.
Shard-collecting progression
Unlocking heroes and raising stars by collecting shards from missions, shops and events. Creates long-term goals.
Turn-based 5v5 combat
Speed order, cooldown skills, counter-attacks and support effects, with an auto-battle option.
Alliance raids
Multi-tier raid maps that guild members progress through together, with shared rewards. The main source of social engagement.
Events and LiveOps panel
Limited-time hero events, a calendar, reward tables and server-managed offers.
Gacha, orbs and transparency
Odds tables on hero orbs, pity rules and server-side pull records.
What goes into the first version, what comes later
First version (soft launch)
- An original superhero universe and 25–30 heroes
- 5v5 turn-based combat and synergy tags
- Story campaign and shard-collecting progression
- Asynchronous arena and a simple alliance system
- Hero orbs with published drop rates
Later updates
- Alliance raids and alliance wars
- Seasonal events and limited heroes
- Costumes and special hero variants
- PC client and multiple languages
The hard parts of this genre
Original IP instead of a licence
Without the interest that familiar heroes bring, attracting players is hard. Memorable hero design and a strong universe story are essential.
Team balance
As synergies grow, some teams can crush everything. New factions must not make older teams completely worthless.
LiveOps workload
Games like this need a constant stream of events and new heroes. Team and tools must be able to sustain a weekly content calendar.
Team, timeline and budget
The estimate is based on the genre’s core systems, content volume, multiplayer and live-ops needs plus QA and project management: about 455 person-days for the full scope and 205 person-days for the first version. Cutting scope (fewer levels, one map, fewer characters) lowers the budget directly. Store accounts, servers, audio licences and user-acquisition budget are separate items. We send a fixed written price within 24 hours after the game design document.
Monetisation
Revenue comes from hero shard packs, hero orbs, a season pass and timed offers. Drop rates must be published clearly for orbs and pulls. Alliance content creates social ties and supports steady spending, but letting free players complete squads too keeps the community alive. A weekly event calendar keeps revenue regular and predictable.
Estimate your game budget and get a fixed quote
Let us scope it together and send a fixed written quote within 24 hours. NDA on request; you own the source code.
Calculated instantly from your choices, excl. VAT. A fixed written quote follows a free scoping call within 24 hours.
Choosing a game development company for a game like Marvel Strike Force
Most people searching “make a game like marvel strike force” are really looking for a reliable game development company. When comparing quotes, check four things:
- Can you play their released 3D games on your own phone?
- Are the source code, art files and store accounts transferred to you by contract?
- Do they build a playable prototype first and show a demo every two weeks?
- Are multiplayer servers, anti-cheat and scaling costs written into the quote?
Copyright and originality
Game mechanics on their own are generally not protected, but names, logos, characters, art, audio and level designs are. That is why we build a game “like Marvel Strike Force” with your own name, art and world. This is not legal advice; we recommend a trademark search before launch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Marvel characters?
No. Marvel characters, names, logos and artwork belong to the rights holder and cannot be used without an official licence. Building an original superhero universe is the only safe route. This is not legal advice.
How long does it take to make a game like Marvel Strike Force?
The combat and progression systems are standard; the number of heroes and the LiveOps infrastructure set the timeline. A soft launch with a small roster, then growing based on data, is the healthiest route.
Which engine should I use?
Unity URP is the most common choice for running 3D characters efficiently on mobile. With Addressables, it is easier to ship content updates without waiting for store approval.
What should I look for in a studio that builds squad RPGs?
Look at experience with server-side economies, LiveOps panels and 3D character production. Work with a studio that explains licensing risk openly and recommends developing original IP.
