The Future of Hero Collector Games

The latest episode of the Fateless Podcast featured host Brad, joined by Simon and Sham, as well as their special guest, Skratch, a long-time content creator and expert in hero collector games. Together, they tackled some of the hottest topics in the genre, diving into what makes these games engaging, how to maintain long-term player interest, and what innovations could take them to the next level.

One of the key discussions was about the minimum number of heroes a game should launch with to be successful. Skratch emphasized that 200-300 heroes are necessary for long-term engagement. Too few, and players get bored quickly. Many games that launch with only 50 or so heroes struggle to maintain interest. The conversation also touched on the importance of variety in hero skills, ensuring that no single character or team composition dominates the meta.

Simon and Sham agreed, noting that players need a reason to collect and experiment with different heroes. Having a diverse roster with distinct mechanics ensures that players remain invested in exploring team synergies and tackling new challenges.

The panel also explored the role of PvP and PvE content in keeping players engaged. Skratch argued that while PvP should be a core element, it shouldn’t be forced upon players in an unnatural way. Instead, games should incentivize PvP participation with exclusive rewards, making it something players aspire to rather than feel obligated to do.

Sham added that balancing PvP and PvE progression is key, ideally the rewards from each mode should enhance performance in that respective area. For example, PvP-focused gear should help in PvP, while PvE rewards should assist in clearing dungeons and boss fights.

Interestingly, the discussion touched on how some games, like Honkai: Star Rail, have succeeded without PvP altogether, relying instead on engaging PvE content drops and roguelike elements to keep players interested. The takeaway? A game doesn’t necessarily need PvP to succeed, but if included, it must be done right.

Skratch pointed out a fundamental issue with many hero collector games: players need a purpose for farming heroes and gear. Without a compelling endgame, players lose motivation. Some of his favorite games, like Destiny, kept players engaged through meaningful PvE and PvP experiences that rewarded continuous improvement.

Simon and Sham agreed that social experiences play a huge role in engagement. Clans, guilds, and cooperative gameplay give players a sense of belonging and progression. Features like world bosses, where an entire server works together to defeat a powerful enemy, were suggested as an exciting way to bring players together and add long-term goals.

When asked to name one feature he’d add to a game like Raid: Shadow Legends, Skratch couldn’t limit himself to just one! His top picks were:

1. Clan vs. Clan PvP: A structured, competitive mode where players strategize with their guildmates.
2. Live Arena Friendly Battles: The ability to challenge friends in live PvP matches, fostering community interaction.
3. World Bosses: A server-wide challenge where all players contribute damage to take down an epic enemy.

On the flip side, Skratch was more than happy to name one feature he’d remove: Tag Team Arena. He argued that it felt like a time-consuming chore rather than an exciting game mode, and its mechanics didn’t add meaningful depth to PvP.

Time investment is a major concern for many players. Skratch noted that 30-40 minutes per session is the sweet spot for a major game mode, like tackling a difficult boss. Anything longer, especially when required multiple times a week, can feel overwhelming and lead to burnout. Daily tasks, on the other hand, should be kept under 20 minutes to ensure players don’t feel burdened by mandatory chores.

At the end of the episode, Skratch shared his favorite legendary figure that he’d love to see in a game: Hercules! He’s a fan of the classic Kevin Sorbo-era Hercules from TV, making it clear he appreciates the powerful, battle-hardened version of the hero rather than Disney’s animated take.

This episode of the Fateless Podcast was packed with insightful discussions on what makes a hero collector game successful. From the importance of hero variety and social mechanics to the right balance of PvE and PvP, the conversation provided plenty of food for thought for both game developers and players alike.