My Experience with Mortar Clash 3D: Battle Games
I remember downloading this on a boring Tuesday train ride home, just scrolling and looking for something to do. I figured I’d play a round or two and delete it. That was months ago. The first thing that got me was how simple it felt—just aim and shoot. But then I got into my first real PvP match against some guy named “ShellShockSteve” on a map called Canyon Crossfire. I fired, missed, and before I could even think, his shot came sailing perfectly over the central rock spire and wiped out my mortar. That moment, getting outplayed so cleanly, is what made me want to get better. It stopped being a time-waster and became this little puzzle I had to solve during my coffee breaks or while waiting in line.
Features Worth Noting
The core gameplay is its biggest strength. You’re not just tapping mindlessly; you have to actually think about the arc of your shot, the wind, and the terrain. Using a valley to lob a shot where your opponent can’t hit back feels incredibly smart. The asynchronous multiplayer is perfect for my lifestyle. I can take my turn in the morning, close the app, and then check back in the evening to see if Steve got what was coming to him. Earning gems through daily missions and wins lets you unlock new mortars without paying. I saved up for the “Ice Blaster” which slows enemies, and it completely changed how I approach certain maps. The cartoony 3D graphics are clear and fun, and the sound design, especially the *thwump* of firing and the explosion, is weirdly satisfying.
What Needs Work
My main grippe is with the ads. They pop up after every few matches, which is fair for a free game, but the placement of the “X” to close them is sometimes tiny on my iPhone 15 Pro screen. I’ve accidentally tapped the ad itself more times than I can count. Some of the menus feel a bit sluggish and navigating the upgrade screen isn’t as smooth as the actual battles. Also, while the game doesn’t force you to pay, there’s a noticeable wall a few weeks in where upgrading your gear gets really slow unless you grind for hours or open your wallet. The matchmaking can sometimes feel uneven, pitting my basic mortar against someone with all the fancy gear.
Pricing
As someone who refuses to pay for a game until I’m sure it’s worth it, I’ve stuck to the free version. You can absolutely play and enjoy everything without spending a dime. The in-app purchases are mostly for cosmetic skins, a premium currency to speed up upgrades, and a battle pass with extra rewards. I’ve never bought any of it. The game gives you enough free gems and coins from daily logins and winning to feel like you’re progressing, even if it’s at a slower pace. I appreciate that the paid stuff is for impatience or showing off, not for unlocking core gameplay. It’s a fair model, but they definitely make the shiny stuff tempting.
Developer Notes
I haven’t had to contact support, but judging by the App Store reviews, they seem pretty responsive to bug reports. I’ve seen the game update regularly, maybe once a month or so. They often add a new map or a limited-time event with special challenges, which keeps things from getting stale. A few months back they introduced Clan Wars, which added a whole new layer for the more dedicated players. It shows they’re putting work into it beyond just milking the cash shop. That activity gives me confidence the game won’t just be abandoned.
Security & Privacy
I got it from the official App Store, so I wasn’t worried about malware. The app asks for pretty standard permissions. It needs an internet connection for PvP, which makes sense. I checked its App Store privacy label, and while it does collect some data for ads and analytics (like most free games), it didn’t seem overly invasive compared to others. It hasn’t asked for anything weird like my contacts or location. For a casual game, it feels as secure as any other popular free title out there.
How does the asynchronous multiplayer work in Mortar Clash 3D?
You take your turn, aim, and fire, then close the app. Your opponent takes their turn later, and you can check back hours later to see the result. It's perfect for busy schedules since you don't need to be online at the same time.
Can I unlock new mortars without spending real money?
Yes, you can earn gems by completing daily missions and winning matches, then use them to unlock new mortars like the Ice Blaster. The Ice Blaster slows enemies, which can give you a big tactical advantage on certain maps.
Why do ads keep opening in my browser when I try to close them?
The close button ('X') on some ads is very small, especially on larger screens like the iPhone 15 Pro, making it easy to accidentally tap the ad itself. Try tapping carefully at the very edge of the screen where the 'X' appears, or restart the app if it gets stuck.
The menus feel sluggish after a battle. Is there a fix?
This is a known issue where the upgrade screen and some menus can lag after a match. Closing and reopening the app usually clears the sluggishness, and the developers are aware of it, so future updates may improve menu performance.
How does Mortar Clash 3D compare to other artillery games like Shell Shockers?
Unlike Shell Shockers' fast-paced real-time combat, Mortar Clash focuses on turn-based strategy where you must account for wind, terrain, and shot arc. The asynchronous multiplayer also lets you play at your own pace, making it more relaxed and puzzle-like.
