My Hero Academia Ultra Impact to Shut Down in May

Fans of My Hero Academia are facing an unexpected goodbye as one of the franchise’s most popular mobile games prepares to go offline. With just weeks remaining, the shutdown marks the end of a widely played RPG experience that brought the anime universe to life on smartphones.

For players who invested time and money into the game, the closure raises questions about the future of anime-based mobile titles and the evolving gaming landscape.

A Sudden Farewell for a Fan-Favorite Mobile RPG

Bandai Namco Entertainment’s My Hero Academia Ultra Impact is officially set to shut down on May 18, bringing its three-year run to an end. The game, developed in collaboration with Criware, launched in February 2022 for iOS and Android platforms.

In the weeks leading up to its closure, the experience has already begun to change. As of March 17, all in-app purchases—including premium currency and subscription services—have been discontinued. This means players can no longer buy Hero Gems, a key resource used for unlocking characters and progressing through the game.

While the servers remain active, the removal of monetization features has significantly altered gameplay, leaving fans with a more limited version of what was once a fully supported live-service title.

What Made Ultra Impact Stand Out

At its core, Ultra Impact was more than just another anime tie-in. It offered a surprisingly deep RPG experience, allowing players to build teams, engage in strategic battles, and relive iconic story moments from the My Hero Academia universe.

The game featured over 50 playable characters, including fan favorites like Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, and All Might. Alongside these heroes, players could interact with numerous non-playable characters and encounter special guest appearances that enriched the overall narrative.

Its turn-based combat system, combined with visually striking animations and character-driven storytelling, helped distinguish it from many other mobile RPGs. For many fans, it was one of the most accessible ways to engage with the franchise beyond the anime and manga.

Strong Reception Despite Shutdown

Despite its impending closure, Ultra Impact enjoyed a largely positive reception throughout its lifespan. On Google Play, the game maintains a 4.2 out of 5 rating, based on tens of thousands of user reviews.

It has also surpassed one million downloads on the platform, underscoring its popularity among both casual players and dedicated fans of the series.

Given these metrics, the decision to shut down the game has come as a surprise to many in the community. While Bandai Namco has not publicly detailed the specific reasons behind the closure, such decisions in the mobile gaming industry are often tied to long-term revenue sustainability and player engagement trends.

A New Era: All’s Justice Takes the Spotlight

While Ultra Impact prepares to exit, the My Hero Academia franchise continues to expand its presence in gaming. In February, a new title titled My Hero Academia: All’s Justice was released by developer Byking Inc.

Unlike the RPG-style gameplay of Ultra Impact, All’s Justice leans into fast-paced combat. The game features a roster of over 60 characters and focuses on dynamic 3v3 battles set in expansive 3D arenas.

The shift in genre reflects a broader trend in anime gaming, where developers experiment with different formats to keep audiences engaged.

Creator Kohei Horikoshi Praises the New Title

Ahead of the release of All’s Justice, series creator Kohei Horikoshi shared his thoughts after getting early access to the game.

Horikoshi described the experience as highly entertaining and true to the spirit of My Hero Academia. He highlighted the exaggerated character enhancements, expressive animations, and attention to detail in facial expressions as standout elements.

He also noted his interest in exploring the game’s online battles, signaling confidence in its replay value and competitive appeal.

His endorsement carries weight among fans, many of whom look to the creator’s perspective when evaluating new additions to the franchise.

What This Means for Players and the Franchise

The shutdown of Ultra Impact reflects a broader reality in the mobile gaming space: even successful titles are not guaranteed longevity. Live-service games require constant updates, player retention, and financial viability to sustain operations.

For players, this means losing not just a game, but also the progress, collections, and time invested over the years. It also highlights the ephemeral nature of digital gaming experiences, where access can disappear once servers go offline.

At the same time, the release of All’s Justice suggests that the franchise is far from slowing down. Instead, it appears to be shifting focus toward new gameplay styles and platforms that can attract a wider audience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of My Hero Academia Games

As Ultra Impact nears its final days, the focus now turns to what comes next for My Hero Academia in the gaming world.

The franchise remains one of the most globally recognized anime properties, and its adaptability across different gaming genres positions it well for future success. Whether through fighting games, RPGs, or entirely new formats, developers are likely to continue exploring ways to bring its characters and stories to interactive platforms.

For fans, the shutdown is bittersweet, a reminder of the game’s impact, but also an opportunity to embrace what lies ahead.

Conclusion

The end of My Hero Academia Ultra Impact marks the closing chapter of a beloved mobile RPG that resonated with fans worldwide. While its shutdown may come as a disappointment, it also signals a transition toward new gaming experiences within the franchise.

As the industry evolves and player expectations shift, My Hero Academia continues to adapt, ensuring that its heroes remain as relevant in gaming as they are in anime and manga.