Blue Archive in IOS

A Story-Driven anime adventure

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

90/100

Blue Archive is a masterclass in 'vibes.' It manages to take the tactical RPG genre and infuse it with a bright, 'urban fantasy' aesthetic that is both cozy and compelling. You play as a Sensei guiding students through various tactical combat scenarios, but the real heart of the game lies in the relationship building (MomoTalk) and the incredibly high production values of its story segments.

The combat is auto-attacking but requires precise timing for skill deployment. It feels like directing a tactical operation rather than individual characters. The game is famous for its incredible soundtrack and its 'L2D' (Live 2D) backgrounds which make the characters feel alive. It strikes a rare balance: it’s a game you can play casually while enjoying the charming story, but the late-game 'Total Assault' raids provide a genuine challenge for hardcore strategists.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

I find the premise of Blue Archive... questionable. Playing as a 'Sensei' surrounded by gun-toting schoolgirls is a trope I’ve seen enough of in my forty years, and it hasn't aged well. Beyond the theme, the 'gameplay' is barely there. Your characters walk and shoot on their own, and your only job is to wait for a bar to fill up so you can tap a portrait. It’s an idle game with high-budget window dressing.

The production values are undeniably high. The music is catchy, and the UI is actually one of the cleanest I’ve seen in a mobile RPG. But where is the challenge? Where is the agency? You’re just a manager for a group of AI entities. It’s a glorified digital pet game designed to sell you more 'students.' If you're looking for tactical depth, you’re looking in the wrong city. Kivotos is for people who want to read a visual novel and occasionally tap their screen to make an explosion happen.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Exceptionally clean and modern UI design
  • Great soundtrack and high production values
  • Generous stamina system for casual play
  • Boring, mostly automated combat
  • Heavy reliance on tired anime tropes
  • Story pacing is slow and often frivolous

Technical Report

Performance: Loads can be long, and the 3D models during combat can drain battery quickly.

Accessibility:

    Audience Fit

    Buy if: You want a 'side-game' with high-quality art and don't care about complex combat.

    Skip if: You find the 'teacher-student' dynamic off-putting or want real-time tactical control.

    Similar Games:
    • Princess Connect! Re: Dive
    • Arknights
    • Azur Lane

    Reviewer Context

    • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative expert
    • Hardware: iPhone 13 Pro
    • Playtime: 20 hours
    • Status: Completed Chapter 3 of the main story

    The Game

    Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

    Version 1.87.417475Mon Apr 06 2026

    1. Takane & Yakumo Pick-Up (4/7 – 4/20)

    2. "Winter Sky's Renaissance: Thesis on Cultural Exchange" Event Story Begins (4/7 – 4/20)

    3. Total Assault: Kurokage (Urban Warfare) Begins (4/7 – 4/13)

    4. Final Restriction Release: Chokmah (Heavy Armor) Begins (4/8 – 4/27)


    A Story Kept Within the Heart

    Youth x Academy x Military RPG = Blue Archive

    You have been appointed as an advisor to the Federal Investigation Club, Schale, located in Kivotos. It's a huge academy city where numerous academies are clustered together.

    Resolve the endless incidents that occur in Kivotos with charming allies full of personality, and build special memories with them!

    ■ 3D battles with cute characters

    3D real-time battles with detailed animations and skill cutscenes will keep you glued to the screen!

    Consider your team’s abilities, terrain, and synergy to guide them to victory with your strategic leadership!

    ■ The more you get to know them, the more charming your allies get

    The more time you spend with each character, the deeper the bond.

    Interact using the in-game messenger, Momo Talk, and discover new charming secrets!

    ■ An exciting story that gets you curious about how it will all unfold

    An unpredictable main story about the girls' friendship, love, and thrilling military action adventures!

    Discover a miracle within the wild daily lives of these characters through relationship stories that can reveal their innermost feelings, as well as sub stories that show the daily lives of various clubs!

    Follow Us:

    Official Site: https://bluearchive.nexon.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EN.BlueArchive

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/EN_BlueArchive

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrnDYrkovQhCCE8kwKcvKQ

    Note: An internet connection is required to play this game.

    *For the best gaming experience, the following specs are recommended: iOS 16 or higher / iPhone 14 or higher / Minimum 3GB RAM required

    By downloading this game, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

    - Terms of Service: http://m.nexon.com/terms/304

    - Privacy Policy: http://m.nexon.com/terms/305

    ■ App Permission Information

    In order to provide services below, we are requesting certain permissions.

    [Optional Permission]

    Camera: To take photos or record videos for upload

    Photos: To save and upload photos / videos

    Microphone: Required to record videos for uploads.

    Security: Required for personalized advertising and service usage analysis.

    * You can still use the service without agreeing to the optional permissions.

    [Permission Management]

    ▶Go to Settings > Privacy, select a permission and toggle the button next to the app's name.

    ※ This app offers in-app purchases. You can disable this feature by adjusting your device settings.


    Requires iOS 15.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    Embark on an adventure with the girls of this epic anime fantasy RPG, Blue Archive, and dive into its world of strategic combat, brought to life by stunning animations. Your journey through Kivotos will be one filled with victory and loss, love and heartbreak, all alongside an unforgettable, touching story. Build strong, deep relationships and get to know each student's unique story while leading your squad. So let's go, Sensei!

    ■A Fantasy-Filled Anime RPG You'll Never Forget!

    Step into Kivotos and your adventure as a teacher will begin. Experience a story of love and friendship with stunning cinematics, in both 2D and 3D animation. Throughout your journey, you'll meet and befriend the students of this world, learning their unique stories and motivations. Each girl plays a vital role in the story: building strong bonds, forming squads to protect those they love, and creating heartwarming memories with Sensei!

    ■Lead Elite Anime Girls into Battle in this Tactical RPG Experience!

    Form a squad with the girls you meet, each contributing their own unique combat elements. Adapt your strategies throughout the adventure to lead them to victory! With stunning animation and 3D cinematics, Blue Archive's combat is a blend of strategy and rich visuals.

    ■Foster Bonds with the Girls in Relationship Stories!

    Every girl in Blue Archive has her own story of love to share. Foster strong bonds with your students in their relationship episodes as you unlock new sides to them in MomoTalk and private chats that shape this fantasy world. With every chapter, you'll find new connections and elements that make this RPG what it is today.

    ■Explore an Anime-Inspired Fantasy MMORPG Full of Stories

    Experience a world where beautiful animation meets RPG mechanics. Its fascinating stories will immerse you as you experience life with the girls of Kivotos. Whether you're on secret missions, battling through gacha content, or enjoying club antics, every corner invites you into another adventure. Lead your squad into each challenge—victory and new stories await every encounter.

    ■Gacha Your Way to Victory—With Strategy, Epic Fantasy, and Anime Girls!

    Recruit students to your squad and battle your way to victory! Each new girl brings a fresh story and a powerful element to wield in your adventure. As you take them into battle, you'll develop new strategies and formations for your RPG adventure. Create strong synergy and lead your squad to victory, unlocking secret episodes!

    Blue Archive is more than a game—it's an epic RPG journey, filled with poignant stories of resilience, growth, and love. Experience a school story brought to life by unforgettable girls in this fantasy world. Meet the students of Kivotos and build your squad today!

    Follow Us:

    Official Site: https://bluearchive.nexon.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EN.BlueArchive

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/EN_BlueArchive

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrnDYrkovQhCCE8kwKcvKQ

    Note: An internet connection is required to play this game.

    *For the best gaming experience, the following specs are recommended: iOS 16 or higher / iPhone 14 or higher / Minimum 3GB RAM required

    By downloading this game, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

    - Terms of Service: http://m.nexon.com/terms/304

    - Privacy Policy: http://m.nexon.com/terms/305

    ■ App Permission Information

    In order to provide services below, we are requesting certain permissions.

    [Optional Permission]

    Camera: To take photos or record videos for upload

    Photos: To save and upload photos / videos

    Microphone: Required to record videos for uploads.

    Security: Required for personalized advertising and service usage analysis.

    * You can still use the service without agreeing to the optional permissions.

    [Permission Management]

    ▶Go to Settings > Privacy, select a permission and toggle the button next to the app's name.

    ※ This app offers in-app purchases. You can disable this feature by adjusting your device settings.


    Ratings & Reviews

    4.1 out of 5 with 5226 Counts
    Age Rating 16+

    Screenshots

    Blue Archive screenshot 1Blue Archive screenshot 2Blue Archive screenshot 3Blue Archive screenshot 4Blue Archive screenshot 5Blue Archive screenshot 6Blue Archive screenshot 7Blue Archive screenshot 8Blue Archive screenshot 9Blue Archive screenshot 10Blue Archive screenshot 11Blue Archive screenshot 12Blue Archive screenshot 13Blue Archive screenshot 14Blue Archive screenshot 15Blue Archive screenshot 16Blue Archive screenshot 17Blue Archive screenshot 18Blue Archive screenshot 19Blue Archive screenshot 20

    Blue Archive is a tactical RPG where you take on the role of a Sensei in the academy city of Kivotos. Manage a squad of students, each with their own unique firearms and special abilities, in real-time 3D tactical battles. Beyond the combat, engage with students through the MomoTalk system to unlock personal stories and beautiful Live2D memories. With a bright, youthful art style and a catchy soundtrack, it’s a journey about miracles, friendship, and the everyday life of a hero.

    Features

    1

    Stunning Live2D character interactions

    2

    Dynamic 3D tactical combat

    3

    Deeply emotional and humorous story

    4

    Generous daily rewards and events

    Tips

    Promotion Videos

    Blue Archive Official Trailer

    Related Videos

    News on this game

    Game company founded by former Blue Archive devs raided by police on suspicion of running off with Nexon’s undisclosed game project

    Korean game company Dynamis One is under police investigation on charges of leaking an undisclosed game project owned by Nexon Games,...

    AUTOMATON - Wed Sep 24 2025

    Report: Police raid South Korean studio Dynamis One over Nexon data leak allegations

    Dynamis One was established by a group of former Nexon employees who worked on mobile RPG Blue Archive.

    Game Developer - Wed Sep 24 2025

    Despite police raid of its offices, game company of former Blue Archive devs is reportedly still posting job listings

    Dynamis One, home to former Blue Archive developers, is still posting job listings despite being under investigation for multiple offenses.

    AUTOMATON - Thu Sep 25 2025

    Blue Archive Launches Main Story Update and Summer-Themed Events, Including Free Pulls and Mini-Game

    Nexon's anime RPG expands its narrative and adds limited-time swimsuit recruits, tower defense mode, and 100 free gacha pulls.

    MMOs.com - Fri Aug 29 2025

    Blue Archive Releases New Update For the Main Story

    Nexon dropped a big update this week into Blue Archive, as the game has a major update to the main story. The update has such a long title...

    Bleeding Cool News - Fri Aug 29 2025

    Police raid Dynamis One over NEXON Games project leak allegations - CHOSUNBIZ

    Domestic game company DINAMISONE is under police investigation for allegedly leaking development materials of an undisclosed project from...

    Chosun Biz - Tue Sep 23 2025

    Blue Archive's "Say-Bing!" Update Goes Live With New Story Content And Events | The

    Bringing one more update to their players before the end of the year, Nexon's RPG action-strategy game Blue Archive has launched the...

    The Otaku's Study - Tue Jul 29 2025

    Blue Archive’s former developers made plans to sabotage the game’s development before leaving Nexon, evidence from police raid confirms

    Dynamis One, a South Korean game company founded by former Nexon Games employees, was raided by Seoul police on February 24.

    AUTOMATON - Thu Sep 25 2025

    Nexon reveals anticipated Blue Archive summer update at Anime Expo 2024; expanding on beloved anime series storyline

    Building on a surge in popularity following “Blue Archive: The Animation,” Blue Archive's first Anime Expo attendance includes an...

    Journal Online - Sat Mar 01 2025

    Nexon Reveals Anticipated ‘Blue Archive’ Summer Update at Anime Expo 2024

    Fresh off their very first Anime Expo attendance this year, Nexon Korea Corp.'s Blue Archive just concluded their panel and with it comes...

    The Nerds of Color - Sat Mar 01 2025

    Gameplays

    Q&A

    The main story features full Japanese voice acting for an immersive experience.

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