King of Fighters AFK Mobile Game Now Available: Netmarble's New Idle RPG Launches Globally
South Korean gaming giant delivers fresh take on classic fighting franchise with September 2025 release
Netmarble has officially released "The King of Fighters AFK" worldwide on September 4, 2025, marking the company's latest entry into the idle RPG market. The mobile game transforms SNK's iconic fighting series into an accessible collection-based experience available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Idle Gameplay Meets Fighting Game Legacy
Unlike traditional King of Fighters titles that require precise manual inputs, KOF AFK focuses on strategic team building and automated battles. Players collect and upgrade fighters while the game progresses even when not actively playing, earning the "AFK" (Away From Keyboard) designation that defines the idle gaming genre.
The game features 114 collectible fighters at launch, including 36 Legendary-tier characters. Classic roster members like Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, and Leona return in charming pixel art style reminiscent of Neo Geo Pocket Color graphics from The King of Fighters R-2.
Strategic Team Combat System
Combat revolves around 5v5 team battles where character synergies determine success. Fighters belong to categories like Fury (finisher specialists), Rush (skill-focused), and Solid (support roles), with strategic combinations unlocking powerful bonuses. Some synergy effects can provide damage boosts exceeding 1000%, making team composition crucial.
The game includes 12,600 stages across multiple difficulty levels, plus 10 different dungeon types for resource farming. Social features include club systems for collaborative play and competitive PvP modes.
Launch Rewards and Monetization
New players receive substantial welcome bonuses including 3,000 summoning tokens, 210,000 rubies, and a guaranteed Legendary fighter. The "Lucky Ride" system, featuring Terry Bogard on a motorcycle, provides equipment through fuel-based mechanics that encourage periodic engagement.
Netmarble designed the monetization around advertising revenue with affordable purchase options, positioning the game as accessible entertainment for casual sessions.
Community Reception and Context
The launch comes amid mixed fan reactions due to timing. Netmarble shut down "The King of Fighters Allstar" on October 30, 2024, disappointing longtime players who lost years of progress. KOF AFK's announcement just months later at Tokyo Game Show 2024 sparked controversy within the community.
Despite over 1.5 million pre-registrations, some metrics suggest lingering skepticism. The new game's YouTube channel has only 1,830 subscribers compared to Allstar's 65,500, and comments remain disabled on promotional videos.
Market Position
This release represents Netmarble's continued expansion in idle gaming following successes with "Seven Knights Idle Adventure" and "The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross." The company aims to preserve the visual and audio appeal of classic KOF while eliminating technical barriers that limited the fighting game's audience.
The timing coincides with The King of Fighters' 30th anniversary, though the transition from active to passive gameplay represents a significant departure from the franchise's competitive roots. Whether this adaptation can satisfy both fighting game enthusiasts and casual mobile players remains to be seen.
KOF AFK includes original sound effects and character voices from the fighting series, maintaining audio authenticity while adapting to mobile gaming conventions. The game targets players seeking secondary mobile entertainment during commutes or downtime.
Download: The King of Fighters AFK is now available free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store worldwide.
