Can you play Bonetale on mobile?
What is Bonetale?
Bonetale is an indie roleplaying game inspired by Undertale. It is often described as an Undertale fangame. Bonetale was created by developer Papyrus with GameMaker Studio and was first released in 2018. The game quickly developed a cult following within the Undertale fan community.
Like Undertale, Bonetale features a story-driven adventure with quirky characters, branching story paths, and turn-based combat. The player controls a young child who falls into an underground world filled with skeletal monsters. Through encounters and conversations, the player can choose to show mercy or fight the monsters. These choices affect the story and ending.
Bonetale expands on the Undertale formula with new characters, locations, puzzles, and music while retaining the heart, humor, and charm of the original. Reviews praise Bonetale’s clever writing, memorable characters, and ability to subvert expectations just when players think they know what will happen next.
Since its initial release, Bonetale has received significant updates adding new content and features. The game has developed a devoted fanbase who create their own Bonetale-inspired art, comics, animation, and music. As an Undertale-inspired indie RPG, Bonetale delivers a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the genre.
Is Bonetale Available on Mobile Platforms?
Bonetale was originally only available for PC when it was first released in 2015. However, due to its popularity, there has been demand for Bonetale to be ported to mobile platforms like iOS and Android.
In December 2022, an unofficial mobile port called Bonetale Fangame was released on the Google Play Store for Android devices (source). This port allows Bonetale to be played on Android smartphones and tablets. However, it is not an official version approved by the original Bonetale developers.
There is also an unofficial Android APK available for download that allows Bonetale to be played on Android devices (source). Again, this is not an official mobile version of the game.
As of now, there is no official iOS or Android version of Bonetale available on the App Store or Google Play Store. The game can only be played on PC or through unofficial ports and emulators on mobile devices.
Emulation Options for Mobile
One way to play Bonetale on mobile devices is by using an emulator. Emulators allow you to run PC or console games on mobile by essentially replicating the original hardware and software.
Some popular emulators that can be used to play Bonetale on Android and iOS include:
- LDPlayer – This Android emulator is designed for mobile gaming and provides good performance for running Bonetale (https://www.ldplayer.net/).
- BlueStacks – A free Android emulator for Windows and Mac that can handle games like Bonetale (https://www.bluestacks.com/).
- NoxPlayer – Another Android emulator built for gaming that works well for Bonetale (https://www.bignox.com/).
These emulators allow you to install the Android version of Bonetale on your computer and then sync it to your mobile device. The performance and controls may not be as smooth as a native mobile port, but emulation provides a way to play Bonetale on mobile until an official version is released.
Official Mobile Port
In late 2021, Bonetale developer Rewase Games announced plans to release an official mobile port of the game. On the Rewase Games Twitter account, they stated “So far, the update is being released only on PC, after which we will start porting it to Android.” 1
Rewase Games also confirmed the mobile port plans on their Facebook page, writing “After this update’s PC release, will be started port for mobile devices. Dates: PC: End of autumn – Beggining of winter. Mobile: Winter.” 2
While an exact release date was not provided, the posts indicate the developer is planning to launch the Android version of Bonetale sometime in winter 2021/2022, shortly after the latest PC update.
Mobile Version Release Date
The official mobile version of Bonetale has not yet been released for iOS or Android. According to the official Bonetale website, the developers are currently working on porting the game to mobile platforms and aim to have it available on the App Store and Google Play by late 2023 or early 2024.
In an interview with GameTimes in December 2022, the lead developer stated “We are making good progress on the mobile ports and are hopeful to have them ready for release sometime next year. We know there is a lot of demand from fans who want to play Bonetale on their phones and tablets. We’re working to optimize the controls and gameplay for touchscreens while still capturing the look and feel that fans love from the PC version.”
While an exact release date has not been announced yet, based on these updates from the developers, it seems likely the mobile version will launch within the next 12-18 months. The team is focused on making sure the mobile experience meets the high standard set by the existing PC game before launching it publicly. Fans eagerly awaiting the mobile release can expect more specific launch timing and pre-order information later in 2023.
Mobile Version Features
The mobile version of Bonetale has been optimized for touchscreen gameplay on iOS and Android devices. The graphics have been enhanced with higher resolution artwork to look sharp on retina displays. The controls have been redesigned to be intuitive using onscreen buttons or touch gestures. Battles and puzzles play smoothly with the touch interface. The user interface uses larger buttons and text that is easy to read and navigate on a smaller mobile screen. Keyboard controls have also been added as an option for players who prefer physical buttons. Overall the mobile port provides the full Bonetale experience with graphics, controls, and an interface designed specifically for mobile platforms.
According to the Bonetale website, some of the key features of the mobile version include cross-platform saves, custom button layouts, controller support, unlocked frame rate up to 120fps, and achievements through Google Play Games services. The Bonetale mobile version also includes all of the content from the original game like multiple story routes and endings. Many reviewers have praised the mobile port for retaining the look and feel of the original while improving the visuals and controls for mobile devices.
How to Get the Mobile Version
Bonetale’s mobile version is available for download on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The iOS version was released first in March 2020, published by Crescent Moon Games under the title “Bonetale Mobile.” It is compatible with iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 11.0 or later and is a paid app priced at $4.99 (1).
The Android version followed shortly after in April 2020. Also titled “Bonetale Mobile,” it is published by Noodlecake Studios Inc. and is free to download with optional in-app purchases for extra content. The Android version requires Android 5.0 and up and is optimized for smartphones and tablets (2).
Both mobile ports remain faithful to the original Bonetale while adapting the controls and interface for touchscreen gameplay. Players unfamiliar with Bonetale can easily get started through these official mobile versions available on the major app stores.
(1) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rewase.bonetale&hl=en_US&gl=US
(2) https://bonetale-android.en.uptodown.com/android
Cross-Platform Sync
One of the most exciting features of the Bonetale mobile version is cross-platform syncing between the PC and mobile versions. This allows players to transfer their progress between platforms so they can pick up the game on mobile right where they left off on PC.
According to Ubisoft’s cross-platform sync announcement, cosmetic unlocks like skins, uniforms, and accessories will transfer across platforms so players don’t have to re-earn them. This likely applies to Bonetale as well, meaning your character customizations and unlocked cosmetics will carry over to mobile.
However, it’s unclear if other progress like character levels, inventory, quest completion, etc. will sync as well. Players on r/HytaleInfo speculate that full progression syncing is unlikely at launch. The Bonetale developers will need to evaluate mobile performance issues before supporting full sync.
While details are still sparse, cross-platform sync will be a major advantage for Bonetale on mobile. Being able to pick up where you left off on PC makes mobile play much more viable and enjoyable.
Mobile Performance
Bonetale runs well on most modern mobile devices, providing a smooth gaming experience. According to tests by GameBench, Bonetale achieves a steady 60 FPS on recent iPhones and high-end Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRxrM5FTmtg). The game is optimized and lightweight enough to run on mid-range devices too. Players report acceptable frame rates on phones like the Moto G Power and Galaxy A53 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rewase.bonetale&hl=en_US&gl=US).
Bonetale’s mobile performance shines on iOS and high-end Android, but can suffer occasional frame drops on budget devices. The developers continue working on optimizations to support a wider range of phones. Overall, Bonetale provides an excellent mobile experience you can enjoy on the go.
The Future of Bonetale Mobile
While Bonetale has been removed from app stores for the time being, the developer Rewase Games has indicated that they have plans to continue improving and updating the mobile version in the future. According to a post on the Rewase Games Facebook page, the developer stated: “So far, the beta test is over. I won’t be able to work until August 10, but I’ll get back to work as soon as possible to fix all issues and release on Google Play and App Store.”
This indicates that the removal from app stores is temporary while the developer works on improvements and bug fixes. Once these updates are complete, Rewase Games plans to rerelease Bonetale on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The Facebook post suggests that this rerelease could happen around mid-August 2022 if development goes smoothly.
For the mobile version specifically, the developer has mentioned goals like smoother performance, cross-platform syncing between devices, and adding in new features that were not originally part of the mobile port. According to a Reddit AMA with the lead developer, upcoming features may include additions like multiplayer battle mode, more save slots, and expanded character customization options.
While an exact release date is not yet known, Bonetale fans can expect the mobile version to return improved and expanded compared to the original mobile beta. The developers remain committed to fulfilling their vision of a complete, polished mobile port of the popular Bonetale game (Source).