Kingdom Rush Battles, the latest multiplayer spin-off from the acclaimed tower defense series, is now available on iOS and Android in France. For the first time, players can compete directly in strategic duels. This release also provides an opportunity to revisit a remarkable franchise that kicked off in 2011, which remains vibrant and has a strong presence on Apple Arcade.
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Dual-Speed Tower Defense
Kingdom Rush Battles marks a new era for the series. Gone are the days of battling enemy waves alone: each game now pits two players against each other in mirrored combat. Players build their defenses while simultaneously sending attackers to disrupt their opponent.
Any small misstep in placement or timing can tip the scales of the match, and the game is highly addictive, especially for those familiar with the franchise. I’ve certainly spent many hours playing since its release, which was actually just a few days ago, but you see, I was too engrossed in the game to write this article sooner.
A Richly Featured Game
The developers at Ironhide have launched with a robust set of features: 18 tower types, 11 heroes with special abilities, 9 spells, and 26 modifiers to spice up the enemy waves.
These are spread across 9 arenas, with varied environments ranging from classic forests to snowy deserts. A progression system allows players to unlock chests, rewards, and customization items. The Stadium, a competitive arena reserved for top players, serves as the pinnacle for ranked matches. Although the vertical layout may obstruct viewability during intense phases, the overall design remains true to the aesthetic of the series. The game is free-to-play and filled with microtransactions, yet it’s entirely possible to enjoy without spending a dime.
A Decade-Long Series
This latest installment is part of a well-established franchise. The original Kingdom Rush debuted in 2011 as a Flash game before being adapted for mobile. The core principle has always been the same: enemy waves, predefined paths, and strategically built defenses. The formula quickly captured a dedicated audience, prompting Ironhide to create several sequels in various settings. Despite gradual evolutions, the gameplay remained predominantly solo… until now.
Apple Arcade, a Parallel Showcase for the Series
Alongside the release of Kingdom Rush Battles, several other games in the series have been available on Apple Arcade for some time, free from in-app purchases and ads. Kingdom Rush Frontiers and Legends of Kingdom Rush are included, along with the very recent Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+, which unlocks all content upfront. This is a great way to explore or revisit the series in a more traditional, solo-focused format. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it—they’re quite fun games with plenty of pop culture references scattered throughout.
What’s the Verdict?
This multiplayer twist might be unexpected, but Kingdom Rush Battles offers more than just a simple versus mode. Ironhide has introduced a hybrid formula where defense and attack blend in real-time without becoming overwhelming. This approach is bold—the mobile PvP scene is already highly competitive, and balancing will be key to retaining players. For veterans like me, this new chapter shakes things up a bit. For newcomers, it’s an accessible entry point to a series that, despite its age, continues to evolve!