The SLG market in April saw a major shift, with the overseas top performer encountering turbulence while the domestic market intensified its competition.
Based on monitoring over 100 domestic and nearly 300 overseas SLG products, alongside estimates from data platforms, the following are the Top 20 SLG products by estimated revenue for April 2026 in both domestic and overseas markets. The combined estimated revenue for the Top 20 overseas (iOS + Google Play) and domestic (iOS) products totaled 6.338 billion yuan.
First, examining the overseas market's iOS + Google Play Top 20 estimated revenue ranking.
The most discussed title in the overseas SLG market was "Last War." Starting in mid-April, "Last War" experienced a cliff-like decline on the iOS free charts in key markets like the United States and Japan. Concurrently, its performance on the iOS grossing charts showed abnormal volatility, dropping out of the US top 10 for the first time in nearly a year and falling as low as 20th place in Japan.
Many players reported that "Last War" removed some in-game bundles and adjusted pricing. Industry insiders also discussed that "Last War" had paused its user acquisition campaigns. Data shows its daily ad count plummeted from over 3,000 to under 300 per day starting in mid-April.
Observations indicate that while "Last War's" April revenue showed a slight increase compared to March, the overall estimated data trend is downward, with figures repeatedly hitting new lows for the past year. Furthermore, related products like "Last Z," "Top Heroes," and "Top War" also significantly reduced their marketing scale, and their estimated April revenues declined.
On another front, Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co.,Ltd.'s "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot" both achieved growth, with "Kingshot" moving closer to the top-tier products. A veteran SLG operations expert described "Kingshot" as "standing on the shoulders of giants." They believe that while "Kingshot" uses the same core framework as "Whiteout Survival," it introduces novel elements. This novelty is reflected in the better integration of its early-stage tower defense gameplay with later-stage siege battles, as well as iterative improvements in operational experience, thematic style, and the numerical and visual feedback provided to players after each action.
More importantly, as a sibling product, "Kingshot" has access to the historical iteration data and reasoning behind "Whiteout Survival's" development, allowing for more targeted product adjustments. This suggests "Kingshot" may have a higher growth potential in the future.
On the list, 37 Interactive Entertainment's "Last Asylum" saw another sharp increase, rising nearly 30%. The company highlighted in its Q1 2026 financial report that "Last Asylum" provided significant support for performance growth. Discussions with numerous SLG professionals about this product consistently highlighted its "theme." The game deeply integrates the historical characteristics of the Black Death with its early, mid, and late-game mechanics. This tiered experience lowers the barrier to entry while using the strong theme to create a unique memorable point for users.
Additionally, the overseas version of "Three Kingdoms: Strategic Edition" launched its "Overlord's Rebellion" version in April, topping the iOS grossing charts in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Japan, earning it a spot in this period's Top 20.
Now, examining the domestic market's iOS Top 20 estimated revenue ranking.
In this period's domestic ranking, Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co.,Ltd.'s "Benben Kingdom" (the Chinese version of "Kingshot") and Tuyoo Games' "Three Kingdoms: Ice Age" both entered the Top 4. With three SLG+X products now in the top four, it appears traditional SLG may be nearing its growth limit. Conversations with industry professionals revealed a general consensus on the trend towards SLG+X, but opinions on its future development vary.
A marketing head for a leading domestic product noted that the user bases for these two SLG types differ. SLG+X is in an upward phase because it can attract a broader audience of casual users. In contrast, acquiring new users for traditional SLG is difficult and costly. Coupled with the industry-wide challenge of player fatigue, which is hard to solve in the short term—making gameplay too revolutionary increases learning costs, while minor innovations may feel repetitive—traditional SLG still commands a large, dedicated user base.
Another veteran SLG developer stated that the current trend towards lighter, more generalized SLG depends on social trends. Traditional SLG, like "Rate Earth-like" games, are built on a social foundation that respects knowledge and the middle class, where the value of effort is recognized. The current social trends of "lying flat" and "anti-involution" drive demand for generalized, lightweight content, but this trend may be unsustainable. Firstly, if it persists, it becomes a serious social issue. Secondly, by that point, players may also find it difficult to continue investing time and money in games.
Focusing on specific products. "Endless Winter" launched its second-anniversary celebration in April, matching its historical peak ranking on the iOS grossing chart and repeatedly setting new single-day iOS revenue peaks for the year. Its estimated April revenue increased nearly 30% month-over-month, further solidifying its position as the top SLG.
Another Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co.,Ltd. product, "Benben Kingdom," launched a Labor Day event called "The Diligent One's Celebration" in late April. This not only propelled it to a new peak of 17th on the iOS grossing chart but also set a new single-day iOS revenue record. Its estimated April revenue surged 47%, pushing it into the Top 4.
On April 18th, Lingxi Interactive's "Three Kingdoms: Strategic Edition" and Bilibili's "Three Kingdoms: Strategic Ascendancy" launched new campaigns on the same day. Both games entered the iOS grossing Top 5 on the day of and the day after their respective launches, marking the first direct competition between these two Three Kingdoms-themed SLG titles.
It is also worth noting that another Lingxi Interactive product, "Three Kingdoms: Tactics Edition," held its third-anniversary celebration event in April, leading to an estimated iOS revenue increase of over 90% for the month and securing a spot in this period's Top 20.
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