: Players were thrust into a subterranean prison colony, tasked with survival or vengeance against the cruel surface Empire [5, 11]. The Fall: The "Abandoned" Platform
: Over 50 spells and battle disciplines with a skill-based leveling system rather than fixed classes. How to Play Now
The Avernum series, crafted by indie RPG powerhouse Spiderweb Software, represents some of the finest old-school, isometric role-playing ever brought to touchscreens. Renowned for its rich worldbuilding, deep tactical combat, and unapologetically classic design, the series has earned a legendary status among turn-based RPG enthusiasts.
"Things are starting to slowly break. We want to be an honest company. If we can't support it, we can't sell it. So off they go." — Jeff Vogel avernum android exclusive
The Avernum series has its roots in the early 2000s, when the first game was released as a browser-based RPG. Since then, the series has evolved significantly, with multiple sequels and spin-offs released across various platforms. However, it wasn't until the release of Avernum: Escape from the Pit in 2011 that the game gained widespread recognition. The game's success led to the development of Avernum: The Complete Collection, which bundled all three games in the series.
As highlighted in, the game utilizes a 2D isometric style, prioritizing rich, descriptive text and lore over flashy 3D graphics, which makes it perfect for older or mid-range devices. Avernum and the "Android Exclusive" Myth
: The game is uniquely non-linear. You can win by completing any (or all) of three primary goals: : Helping the Avernites secure their new home. : Finding a secret route back to the surface world. : Assassinating the cruel Emperor Hawthorne. : Players were thrust into a subterranean prison
Objective: Infiltrate the Imperial Base (The Gilded Cage). Story Beat: You discover the Wardens are not just hoarding food; they are trying to break the seal of the Cyst to escape, but doing so will collapse the cavern, killing everyone inside. The native Slithzerikai want to destroy the Sunstone machinery to drive the humans back into the dark. You must pick a side: preserve the light (and the Empire's foothold) or embrace the darkness (and freedom).
Have you played Avernum on mobile devices? Share your experiences in the comments below. For official updates on Spiderweb Software's platform support, follow Jeff Vogel's blog at spiderwebsoftware.com.
One-line descriptions
Concise Tagline "Avernum — bargain with gods, shape the isles, and watch the world change with every choice."
If you'd like, I can help you find out which Avernum games are still playable on modern devices, or I can tell you more about the other Spiderweb Software titles.
Avernum was designed strictly for tablets. When users tried downloading it onto smaller Android smartphones, the text became microscopic and UI elements overlapped. Managing bad reviews from smartphone users who ignored the "Tablet Only" warning became a logistical headache. Renowned for its rich worldbuilding, deep tactical combat,