# Vigil RPG — Solo hero turn-based RPG > Solo hero, 8-bit style, turn-based RPG with strategic combat and auto-save. (iPhone/iPad app by Jonathan Schneider.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vigil-rpg/id911657250 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jonathan Schneider](https://appshunter.io/developer/911657253) - Category: Games, Adventure, Role Playing - Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $2.00) - Rating: 4.35/5 from 31 App Store ratings · 26 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 16.0 · 124 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2014-11-12 - Data updated: 2026-06-11 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vigil-rpg/id911657250/reviews.md ## What is Vigil RPG? One of the 10 best JRPGs available on iOS! -TouchArcade.com Now celebrating 10 years on the App Store: 2014-2024! Vigil RPG is a single-player, 8-bit-style, premium RPG, where *every* battle — not just boss fights — is quick, yet has interesting decision-making. Be a solo hero on a quest to discover the hidden cause behind the sudden appearance of marauding bands of goblins and monsters! Vigil RPG is the ideal pocket-size turn-based RPG, by incorporating features that you may come to wish that every mobile game had: • Created by a one-person development team with a design goal of maximum FUN — not maximum monetization! Vigil RPG has no ads (even before you buy!), premium currencies, stamina timers, or even "leave a review!" nags. If a feature doesn't add fun, then it didn't make the cut. • Meaningful decision-making in every combat — even vs. non-boss enemies! Every enemy has unique attack patterns and "tells" for a clever player to overcome. Healing is hard to come by outside of town, so employing efficient battle strategy is important and rewarding. • Fast turn-based combat! Select an action and launch each combat round in a single tap — no menus to navigate through. Each round takes about one second to play out. Zip through battles quickly against easy enemies; take your time to consider your strategy vs. tougher foes. Vigil RPG respects your time! • No annoying tropes common to console-port RPGs: No imprecise on-screen virtual joystick; just tap your destination to move. No save points, or manual saving; your progress is continually auto-saved -- even mid-battle! • No Internet connection required! Aside from a one-time in-app purchase to unlock the full game (after the generous free demo), you could play from start to closing credits in Airplane Mode! • Unlike many other mobile games, doesn't unduly drain your phone's battery! Vigil RPG is 100% implemented in Apple's native Objective-C and Swift programming languages — no bulky 3rd-party frameworks used! VIGIL RPG SPECIAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION - Huge v3.0 free update! • Vigil RPG is now free-to-try! Play through several quests before unlocking the full game with a single in-app purchase! No ads after -- OR BEFORE -- you buy! • Challenge HONOR MODE! Inspired by a certain awesome hit 2023 AAA RPG -- okay, fine, it's Baldur's Gate 3 -- you can now opt in to this challenging new mode, featuring even more difficult bosses, and PERMADEATH! • Bo the Bartender has even more new advice, commentary, and humor for you! Tap him at the tavern for more tips! • Reworked several normal enemies to be more fun to battle! The Armored Goblin now really doesn't like it if you bypass his shield block with LIGHTNING, for one! • Local high scores for quests! Challenge your best times from prior playthroughs! • Beautiful high resolution support for all iPhone and iPad sizes, from iPhone SE to the 13" iPad Pro! (Runs on your Apple Silicon chip Mac, too -- but Vigil RPG is best enjoyed as an iPhone game!) ## Key features - Solo hero turn-based RPG - Strategic combat with enemy tells - Fast-paced, one-tap combat rounds - Continuous auto-saving - Offline play supported - No ads or in-app purchase nags ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Full Game Unlock | $4.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 26) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vigil-rpg/id911657250/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Great simple game. *2025-11-22, version 3.0.6* I just randomly came back to playing this. Still lots of fun! ### 5/5 — Fun & the most elegant user experience *2025-11-13, version 3.0.6* This is such a well designed RPG experience specifically for iOS. I realise this game is 10 years old but I don’t think I’ve come across another RPG that feels as good as Vigil RPG does! The gameplay has been simplified in certain areas to suit the form factor, but it’s still just as fun and just as delightful a story. The aesthetics are kind of primitive, but in a way that also feels very handmade. This feels like a game that has been crafted to play, and not like a product engineered to extract time or money. ### 3/5 — So close..it’s good but.. *2025-01-13, version 3.0.6* It’s hard to get behind an RPG when it thinks that I’m a black woman. I’d give this game 5 stars if it allowed for the most basic character customization. And if it stopped calling me a woman. ### 5/5 — Truly fantastic. *2024-09-17, version 3.0.6* It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s got heart. i’m not the type to leave a review for anything but *this* sparks joy. your passion is tangible. thank you for making this game. ### 5/5 — Absolute gem *2024-07-25, version 3.0.6* I rarely do written reviews. But I needed to say, how I love it when these passion projects show up. They are hard to find, and I will gladly support devs like this . Well worth the admission fee for your hard work. So it’s not really a review, and more a thank you! And a note to anyone browsing.. there are no scams here. Honestly it’s a breath of fresh air to find games like this! ### 5/5 — Hidden gem *2024-06-04, version 3.0.4* I saw something pop up about a new major update and decided to re-download, and realized I had never left a review. Let’s fix that! The perfect blend of simplicity meets strategy, perfect for picking up for minutes or playing for hours. The game truly rewards efficiency in strategy as evidenced in the turn counts for better quest rewards and keeping track of your high score (in turns to objective). I agree adding a “tip” option would be great as 10 years of updates and comparability work is huge for a game with a one time unlock and that gives reasons to replay to beat old scores. Would love to see a sequel :) ### 5/5 — Finally! An accessible RPG! *2022-10-19, version 2.2.1* I don’t know how I missed this game all these years, but after searching high and low for an accessible RPG I finally found this, and I’m super happy I did. This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. I’ve tried so many different RPGs and deleted them for various reasons. But this developer has literally done every single thing right with this game. It’s super easy to learn. There’s depth without it being overly complicated like too many RPGs are. It saves progress at all times. You can quickly hop in and out whether you have only a minute or hours to play. For busy people like me, this is huge. It means I can play at my own pace and always make some progress. Also the file size is small, it hardly uses battery, there are zero ads or IAP, and the developer has kept this updated. Thank you so much, developer. I was about to give up on finding a well done, simple but deep enough, RPG. I thought it didn’t exist. You’ve made my day and this will stay on my phone. If there was a tip option I’d gladly tip you. I really appreciate the rare developers like you who make good games and monetize them fairly. I just can’t say enough good things about this game. ### 5/5 — Wonderful old school RPG!! *2019-08-06, version 1.2.1* I bought this as soon as I saw the graphics. This is old school all the way - even fown to the single developer working alone, just like those Atari 800 games I loved in the 1980s. The gameplay is simple (which I love), the goals are clear, the music is GREAT, and the graphics - perfect! I don't like ultra-real 3D scenery except in racing games. Loved the goatee on my character too. I am happy with graphics just like these. Loads of similarities to the original Wizardry (the "stables - free!" Was a giveaway), which again is a great thing. I wish we had the original Wiz for iPhone... The price is very reasonable, I appreciate the developer's efforts (I read the credits, Jon!) and am going to enjoy finishing this little gem. ### 1/5 — Boo *2019-03-06, version 1.2.1* Just falls flat... there is no healing... like what? ### 5/5 — Clever, focused old-school RPG *2018-06-02, version 1.2.1* I play this on breaks at work and it's perfect. Learning each enemy's attacks and optimizing your path are fun, or you can just go along for the ride. Well worth a buck! More, please. ## Frequently asked questions about Vigil RPG ### What kind of game is Vigil RPG? Vigil RPG is a single-player, 8-bit style, premium role-playing game. It focuses on quick, strategic turn-based combat where every battle requires meaningful decision-making. Players control a solo hero on a quest to uncover the cause of monster appearances. ### What are the key features of Vigil RPG? Key features include fast, one-tap turn-based combat, meaningful strategic decisions in every battle, continuous auto-saving (even mid-battle), no ads or stamina timers, and offline playability. It also offers an optional challenging 'Honor Mode' with permadeath. ### How much does Vigil RPG cost? Vigil RPG is free to try, allowing players to experience several quests before unlocking the full game. This full unlock is achieved through a single, one-time in-app purchase. There are no ads or additional nags, even before or after purchasing. ### What devices is Vigil RPG compatible with? The game supports high resolution on all iPhone and iPad sizes, from iPhone SE to the 13" iPad Pro. It is implemented using native Apple programming languages, ensuring efficient performance and minimal battery drain. It can also run on Apple Silicon Macs. ### What are some common use cases for Vigil RPG? Vigil RPG is ideal for players who enjoy classic RPG mechanics, strategic combat, and a story-driven adventure. Its pocket-size design, fast battles, and offline capabilities make it perfect for playing on the go, during commutes, or whenever you have a short break. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.0.6 — 2024-07-02 - Skeleton Pyromage now lasts only 1 round after running out of MP, unless it had 9 MP to start with. - Improved Ignis Goblin's appearance (different skin tone; better flaming sword)! ### 3.0.5 — 2024-06-22 Major version 3.0 update, celebrating 10 years of Vigil RPG on the App Store! • Vigil RPG is now free-to-try! A single full game unlock in-app purchase offered after a generous free demo portion unlocks the full game. Still NO ADS, even BEFORE you buy! • For veteran Vigil RPG players, challenge the new HONOR MODE! Bosses are upgraded with new attacks. PERMADEATH for the player upon defeat! • Over 100 enhancements to normal enemies, graphics, sound, and quality of life updates! • v3.0.5: Gave the shopkeeper and the innkeeper a bit more personality! Bo the Bartender still wears the crown, though! ### 3.0.4 — 2024-06-02 Major version 3.0 update, celebrating 10 years of Vigil RPG on the App Store! • Vigil RPG is now free-to-try! A single full game unlock in-app purchase offered after a generous free demo portion unlocks the full game. Still NO ADS, even BEFORE you buy! • For veteran Vigil RPG players, challenge the new HONOR MODE! Bosses are upgraded with new attacks. PERMADEATH for the player upon defeat! • Over 100 enhancements to normal enemies, graphics, sound, and quality of life updates! • v3.0.4: Fixed a bug where sound effects sometimes stopped playing after the app was restored to the foreground; added even more Bo the Bartender commentary, because I just can't help myself! ### 3.0.3 — 2024-05-31 Major version 3.0 update, celebrating 10 years of Vigil RPG on the App Store! • Vigil RPG is now free-to-try! A single full game unlock in-app purchase offered after a generous free demo portion unlocks the full game. Still NO ADS, even BEFORE you buy! • For veteran Vigil RPG players, challenge the new HONOR MODE! Bosses are upgraded with new attacks. PERMADEATH for the player upon defeat! • Over 100 enhancements to normal enemies, graphics, sound, and quality of life updates! • v3.0.2: Add display of the dungeon name and level while in dungeons. (iPhone only, for now!) v3.0.3: Balance changes: • Rework "Finisher!" to cost only 2 MP, but do only base+1 damage. • Minibosses in the final dungeon will now NOT revive after the hero returns to town! • Red Dragons now give a bit larger gold rewards! ### 3.0.2 — 2024-05-30 Major version 3.0 update, celebrating 10 years of Vigil RPG on the App Store! • Vigil RPG is now free-to-try! A single full game unlock in-app purchase offered after a generous free demo portion unlocks the full game. Still NO ADS, even BEFORE you buy! • For veteran Vigil RPG players, challenge the new HONOR MODE! Bosses are upgraded with new attacks. PERMADEATH for the player upon defeat! • Over 100 enhancements to normal enemies, graphics, sound, and quality of life updates! • v3.0.2: Add display of the dungeon name and level while in dungeons. (iPhone only, for now!) ## Apps similar to Vigil RPG | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Orna: A Fantasy RPG & MMO game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orna-a-fantasy-rpg-and-mmo-game/id1451775309) | 4.7 (115) | Free | Games | | [Age of Magic: Turn Based RPG](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/age-of-magic-turn-based-rpg/id1175370741) | 4.7 (2,031) | Free | Games | | [Age of Revenge: Card Based RPG](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/age-of-revenge-card-based-rpg/id1236412425) | 4.7 (479) | Free | Games | | [Questland: Turn Based RPG](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/questland-turn-based-rpg/id1079884680) | 4.8 (27,967) | Free | Games | | [Hero of Aethric: 8 Bit Fantasy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hero-of-aethric-8-bit-fantasy/id1645196122) | 4.8 (1,798) | Free | Games | | [Vampire's Fall: Origins RPG](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vampires-fall-origins-rpg/id1345626129) | 4.7 (9,666) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Jonathan Schneider - [Desktop Journey](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-journey/id1530583648) - [Gong Sound](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gong-sound/id1579942956) All apps by Jonathan Schneider: https://appshunter.io/developer/911657253 ## Related topics [vigil rpg](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/vigil-rpg) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*