The acclaimed ship-crafting roguelike shooter Nova Drift is officially making the jump to mobile. Developer Chimeric has confirmed that Nova Drift will launch on iOS and Android on March 10, 2026, bringing its fast-paced arcade combat and deep build-crafting systems to handheld devices for the first time.
Best of all, the mobile release will be a paid premium experience, featuring the complete PC version with no ads and no in-app purchases.
What Is Nova Drift?
Nova Drift blends classic arcade-style space shooting with action RPG progression, creating a gameplay loop built entirely around experimentation and player choice. Each run allows players to rapidly evolve their ship, transforming a basic vessel into a devastating custom build within a single session.
As enemies fall, new upgrades and modifiers reshape how your ship moves, attacks, and survives—making every run feel distinct, challenging, and highly replayable.
From Indie Project to Genre-Defining Hit
Nova Drift’s journey began in 2014, entered Early Access in 2019, and steadily evolved through years of community-driven updates. The game is widely credited with helping popularize modern roguelike and survivors-like design principles long before the genre’s explosion in popularity.
After years of refinement, Nova Drift officially launched version 1.0 on PC in late 2024, cementing its reputation as one of the most satisfying build-focused shooters in the indie space.
Nova Drift Mobile Launch Details
The iOS and Android versions of Nova Drift will launch on March 10, 2026, delivering the full core experience to mobile players. iPhone users can already pre-order the game via the App Store, while Android players can expect availability at launch.
The mobile edition has been carefully optimized for handheld play without compromising depth or performance.
Touch Controls, Gamepad Support, and Full PC Features
Nova Drift on mobile includes a highly customizable touch control system, allowing players to tailor the interface to their preferred playstyle. For those who prefer physical controls, mobile gamepad support is also included.
All gameplay features from the PC version are present on mobile, ensuring parity across platforms.
Deep Build Crafting With Over 200 Modular Upgrades
One of Nova Drift’s standout features is its massive upgrade system. With over 200 modular upgrades, players can craft wildly different builds every run.
Snipe enemies from afar, command swarms of drones, discharge shields offensively, ignite foes with thrusters, or smash directly through enemy lines. The system encourages creativity, risk-taking, and experimentation—rewarding players who push builds to their limits.
Endless Replayability Through Procedural Design
Every run in Nova Drift is procedurally generated, keeping encounters unpredictable and intense. Players can progress through the campaign or dive into endless modes designed to test the limits of their builds and reflexes.
Short session lengths make Nova Drift ideal for mobile play, allowing for quick experimentation and steady progression even in brief gaming sessions.
A True Premium Mobile Experience
Unlike many mobile releases, Nova Drift is launching as a fully premium title. There are no advertisements, no microtransactions, and no in-app purchases—just the complete game as originally designed.
This approach ensures that progression is skill-based and experimentation-driven, staying true to the game’s core philosophy.
Music and Presentation Backed by Pixeljam
Nova Drift is created by independent studio Chimeric, with music and promotional support from Pixeljam. The game’s pulsing soundtrack and clean visual effects enhance the intensity of each run while keeping the focus on readability and fast reactions.
Prepare for Launch on March 10
With its mobile release just weeks away, Nova Drift is poised to bring one of PC’s most celebrated roguelike shooters to a new audience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time pilot, the upcoming iOS and Android launch offers the perfect entry point into its endlessly replayable universe.
iOS and Android versions will launch on March 10, 2026. iPhone users can now pre-order Nova Drift on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nova-drift/id6744329971
