Typhoon Thunder
Welcome to the ultimate guide for Typhoon Thunder—India’s most beloved air combat mobile game that has taken the desi gaming scene by storm! Developed by the homegrown studio Desi Skies Interactive and published by Daman Games, this blockbuster title blends heart-pounding action with authentic Indian storytelling, regional maps, and intuitive gameplay that resonates with millions of gamers across the subcontinent. Whether you’re a casual player looking to kill time on your daily commute or a competitive gamer aiming to climb the leaderboards, Typhoon Thunder offers something for every desi gamer out there.
Launched in March 2024, Typhoon Thunder quickly became a sensation in India, crossing 10 crore downloads within just six months of its release. What sets it apart from other air combat games? It’s the perfect mix of “desi tadka” and world-class gameplay—think realistic storm mechanics inspired by India’s monsoon season, jet liveries adorned with the tricolor and Ashoka Chakra, maps based on iconic Indian locations like the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, and even in-game chat support for regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. This isn’t just a game; it’s a celebration of Indian culture wrapped in high-octane action!
Designed with the Indian gamer in mind, Typhoon Thunder follows a free-to-play model with optional in-app purchases, making it accessible to everyone—from students in small towns to professionals in metro cities. The game’s mobile-first approach ensures smooth performance even on mid-range smartphones, which dominate the Indian market. With its engaging campaign mode, thrilling multiplayer battles, and regular updates based on user feedback, Typhoon Thunder has cemented its place as a staple in the desi gaming community.
Gameplay
Typhoon Thunder’s gameplay is designed to be easy to learn but hard to master—perfect for both newbies and seasoned gamers. At its core, it’s an air combat game where players take control of advanced fighter jets, navigate through treacherous storm conditions, and complete missions ranging from dogfights to rescue operations. The controls are fully optimized for touchscreens, with a virtual joystick on the left for movement and action buttons on the right for firing weapons, activating boosters, and deploying defensive measures.
Core Mechanics
The game’s biggest highlight is its realistic storm physics, inspired by India’s monsoon and cyclone seasons. As you fly through a level, you’ll encounter heavy rain, strong winds, lightning strikes, and low visibility—all of which affect your jet’s performance. For example, strong crosswinds can push your jet off course, while lightning strikes can temporarily disable your weapons. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay: you can’t just rush into battle; you have to adapt to the weather conditions to survive!
Another key mechanic is jet customization. Players can unlock and upgrade a variety of fighter jets, each with unique stats (speed, agility, firepower). What makes this feature special is the desi-themed customizations. You can deck out your jet with liveries like the “Tricolor Warrior,” “Ashoka Chakra Defender,” or “Desi Pride,” and equip weapons inspired by Indian military technology. For example, the “Monsoon Missile” is a powerful weapon that can take down multiple enemies at once, while the “Himalayan Shield” provides temporary invincibility against storm damage.
Power-ups are scattered throughout levels to help you overcome challenges. These include “Fuel Boosts” to extend your flight time, “Weapon Upgrades” to enhance your firepower, and “Weather Shields” to protect against storm effects. The game also features a “Jugaad” system—an ode to India’s famous innovative spirit—where you can combine two power-ups to create a super power-up. For example, combining a Fuel Boost with a Speed Booster gives you the “Desi Dash,” which lets you zip through the storm at lightning speed!
Game Modes
Typhoon Thunder offers four main game modes, each catering to different playstyles:
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Campaign Mode 🌍: The story-driven mode where you play as Aarav Singh, a young Indian Air Force pilot tasked with stopping a mysterious typhoon (dubbed “Typhoon Thunder”) from destroying India. The campaign consists of 50 levels, each set in a different Indian location—from the snow-capped Himalayas to the coastal city of Chennai. Each level has unique objectives, such as rescuing civilians, disabling enemy bases, or collecting data on the storm. The campaign also features cutscenes with voice acting in regional languages, making the story more immersive for desi gamers.
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Multiplayer Mode 🤝: Compete against other players from across India in real-time battles. You can play in 1v1 dogfights or 4v4 team deathmatches. The multiplayer mode has a ranking system, with tiers ranging from “Desi Beginner” to “Maharaja Elite.” Winning matches earns you rewards like in-game currency, jet parts, and exclusive skins. The mode also supports clan creation—called “Desi Clans”—where you can team up with your dosts (friends) and compete in clan wars for big prizes.
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Survival Mode ⚔️: Test your skills in endless waves of enemies and increasingly intense storm conditions. The goal is to survive as long as possible and climb the global leaderboard. Survival mode is perfect for players who love a challenge, and it’s a great way to earn rare resources. Every 10 waves, you’ll face a boss enemy—like a giant storm monster or an enemy warship—adding extra excitement.
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Event Mode 🎉: Regularly updated with seasonal and thematic events based on Indian festivals and occasions. For example, the “Diwali Blast” event features firecracker-themed weapons and festive jet skins, while the “Republic Day Rally” event lets you fly over iconic Indian landmarks like the Red Fort and India Gate. Event mode offers exclusive rewards that can’t be obtained in other modes, keeping the game fresh and engaging.
Controls & Accessibility
One of the biggest strengths of Typhoon Thunder is its accessibility. The game’s controls are fully customizable—you can adjust the size and position of the virtual joystick and action buttons to suit your preferences. This is a game-changer for Indian gamers who often use different-sized smartphones. The game also offers three control presets: “Simple” for newbies (auto-firing enabled), “Advanced” for experienced players (manual firing), and “Pro” for competitive gamers (additional controls for precise movements).
To cater to gamers with different skill levels, Typhoon Thunder has four difficulty settings: “Desi Beginner” (easy, with plenty of hints and power-ups), “Rajput Warrior” (medium, balanced challenge), “Maharaja Elite” (hard, for skilled players), and “Viraat Champion” (expert, only for the best of the best). The game also has a tutorial mode that walks you through the basics, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play.
Plot
Unlike many air combat games that rely on generic “save the world” storylines, Typhoon Thunder’s plot is deeply rooted in Indian culture and geography, making it relatable to desi gamers. The story is set in modern-day India, where a series of unprecedented typhoons—collectively known as “Typhoon Thunder”—have been wreaking havoc across the subcontinent. From flooding in Kerala to sandstorms in Rajasthan, the storms are causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Story Setting
The game opens with a dramatic cutscene: a massive typhoon hits the coastal city of Vishakhapatnam, destroying homes and infrastructure. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is called in to rescue civilians, and we’re introduced to our protagonist, Aarav Singh (voiced by popular Indian voice actor Sharad Kelkar). Aarav is a young, talented pilot with a reputation for being brave and resourceful—qualities that make him the perfect candidate for the mission to stop Typhoon Thunder.
As Aarav embarks on his first mission, he discovers that the typhoons aren’t natural disasters—they’re being caused by a rogue tech firm called “Black Storm Industries.” The firm has developed a weather-control device that can generate and manipulate storms, and they’re using it to blackmail the Indian government into handing over billions of rupees. Their ultimate goal? To take control of India’s key resources and establish a monopoly over the region.
Main Characters
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Aarav Singh 🛩️: The protagonist, a 28-year-old IAF pilot from Punjab. Aarav is passionate about serving his country and has a personal stake in the mission—his sister lives in Chennai, which is one of the cities targeted by Black Storm Industries. He’s brave, quick-thinking, and has a sharp sense of humor, often cracking desi jokes during missions to lighten the mood.
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Dr. Meera Iyer 🔬: A brilliant meteorologist from Bangalore who helps Aarav understand the storm mechanics. Dr. Iyer is the one who discovers that the typhoons are man-made, and she provides Aarav with crucial intelligence throughout the campaign. She’s a strong, independent character who challenges gender stereotypes in the tech and military fields.
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Captain Rakesh Kumar 🎖️: Aarav’s mentor and a veteran IAF pilot from Uttar Pradesh. Captain Kumar is tough but fair, and he teaches Aarav the importance of discipline and teamwork. He’s also hiding a secret—he was once a member of Black Storm Industries but left when he realized their evil plans.
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Vikram Malhotra 😈: The antagonist, the CEO of Black Storm Industries. Malhotra is a former IIT Delhi graduate who turned to crime after his tech startup failed. He’s arrogant, ruthless, and believes that India’s government is incompetent, so he’s determined to take matters into his own hands. His backstory adds depth to the character, making him more than just a generic villain.
Story Arcs
The campaign is divided into five story arcs, each set in a different region of India and focusing on a different aspect of the mission:
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Arc 1: Coastal Crisis (South India) 🌊: Aarav is deployed to the southern coast to rescue civilians from the first typhoon. He battles enemy drones sent by Black Storm Industries and uncovers clues about the firm’s weather-control device. Along the way, he teams up with a Tamil coast guard officer, Rajesh, who helps him navigate the treacherous waters.
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Arc 2: Himalayan Havoc (North India) ❄️: The second typhoon hits the Himalayas, threatening to trigger avalanches that could destroy nearby villages. Aarav must fly through narrow mountain passes and avoid lightning strikes to reach Black Storm’s hidden facility in the mountains. Here, he meets Dr. Iyer, who joins his team.
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Arc 3: Desert Storm (West India) 🏜️: Black Storm Industries targets the Thar Desert, using a sandstorm to cover their theft of oil reserves. Aarav must navigate through low visibility and battle enemy tanks and helicopters. This arc introduces Captain Kumar, who helps Aarav escape a trap set by Malhotra.
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Arc 4: Delta Danger (East India) 🌀: The fourth typhoon hits the Sunderbans delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aarav’s mission is to protect the mangroves and rescue endangered animals, as well as stop Black Storm from setting up a new weather-control device. This arc features emotional moments, as Aarav learns that his sister’s village is in the path of the storm.
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Arc 5: Final Showdown (National Capital Region) 🇮🇳: The climax of the story, where Malhotra targets New Delhi with the biggest typhoon yet. Aarav and his team must infiltrate Black Storm’s main headquarters, destroy the weather-control device, and defeat Malhotra in an epic dogfight over the Red Fort. The ending is satisfying, with Malhotra being arrested and the storms subsiding—though there’s a post-credits scene that hints at a sequel!
What makes the plot of Typhoon Thunder so engaging is its authenticity. The game’s developers worked with Indian meteorologists and military experts to ensure that the storm mechanics and IAF operations are realistic. The story also touches on important themes like patriotism, teamwork, and the importance of protecting the environment—values that resonate deeply with Indian gamers. The regional language voice acting and cultural references (like Aarav eating samosas before a mission or Dr. Iyer quoting Rabindranath Tagore) add a personal touch that makes the story feel like it’s about “our people.”
Development
The journey of Typhoon Thunder began in 2022, when a group of IIT graduates with a passion for gaming founded Desi Skies Interactive. The team noticed a gap in the Indian gaming market: while there were plenty of international air combat games, none catered specifically to desi gamers—they lacked Indian themes, regional language support, and optimization for mid-range mobile devices. So, they set out to create a game that would celebrate Indian culture while delivering world-class gameplay.
Founding & Vision
Desi Skies Interactive was founded by four friends: Rohit Sharma (a former software engineer at Google), Priya Patel (a game designer with experience at Ubisoft), Arjun Nair (a 3D artist), and Vikram Bose (a marketing specialist). The team’s vision was simple: “Create games that Indians can relate to—games that feel like they’re made for us, not just localized for us.” They wanted Typhoon Thunder to be more than just a game; they wanted it to be a source of pride for the desi gaming community.
To bring their vision to life, the team secured funding from
Daman Games, one of India’s leading gaming publishers. Daman Games was impressed by the team’s passion and the uniqueness of the concept, and they provided not just financial support but also expertise in marketing, distribution, and user acquisition. This partnership was crucial for the game’s success, as it allowed Desi Skies Interactive to focus on development while Daman Games handled the business side.
Development Challenges
Developing Typhoon Thunder was not without its challenges. The biggest hurdle was creating realistic storm physics that would work on mid-range mobile devices. Most Indian gamers use smartphones with 4GB RAM or less, so the team had to optimize the game’s graphics and mechanics to ensure smooth performance without compromising on quality. They spent months testing the game on a variety of devices, from budget phones to flagship models, and made countless adjustments to the code to improve performance.
Another challenge was localizing the game for regional languages. The team wanted to support as many Indian languages as possible, but translating the game’s dialogue, UI, and tutorials into multiple languages was a time-consuming process. They worked with professional translators who were native speakers of each language to ensure accuracy and authenticity. For example, the Hindi translation uses colloquial terms like “bhai,” “yaar,” and “chalo” instead of formal Hindi, making it more relatable to gamers.
Researching Indian locations and weather patterns was also a key part of the development process. The team traveled to different parts of India—from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal—to study the terrain and weather conditions. They also consulted with Indian Air Force veterans to ensure that the jet mechanics and IAF operations were realistic. For example, the game’s HAL Tejas-inspired jet is modeled after the real-life Indian fighter jet, with accurate specs and capabilities.
Development Timeline
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January 2022: Desi Skies Interactive is founded, and the concept for Typhoon Thunder is finalized.
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March 2022: Partnership with Daman Games is announced, and funding is secured.
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June 2022: Development begins—core mechanics, storm physics, and basic jet models are created.
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December 2022: First playable prototype is completed, and internal testing begins.
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March 2023: Beta testing is launched with 5 lakh users across India. Feedback is collected and analyzed.
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June 2023: Major updates are made based on beta feedback—controls are refined, new maps are added, and performance is optimized.
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September 2023: Regional language support is added, and voice acting is recorded.
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December 2023: Final testing is completed, and the game is submitted to Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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March 2024: Typhoon Thunder is officially launched in India.
Team & Collaboration
The development team of Typhoon Thunder grew from 4 founding members to 25 people over the course of two years. The team was diverse, with members from different parts of India—Punjab, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Karnataka—bringing their unique cultural perspectives to the game. This diversity is reflected in the game’s regional maps, characters, and dialogue.
The team also collaborated with external experts to ensure the game’s authenticity. They worked with:
- Indian Air Force veterans to advise on jet mechanics and military operations.
- Meteorologists to create realistic storm physics based on India’s weather patterns.
- Cultural consultants to ensure that regional references and language translations were accurate.
- Voice actors from across India to record dialogue in regional languages.
One of the team’s core values was “user-centric development.” Throughout the development process, they regularly engaged with the desi gaming community through social media, gaming forums, and beta testing. They listened to feedback and made changes accordingly—for example, adding a “night mode” for multiplayer battles after many users requested it, or adjusting the difficulty of the Himalayan level after beta testers found it too hard. This commitment to user feedback is one of the reasons why Typhoon Thunder has been so well-received.
Release
Typhoon Thunder was officially released in India on March 15, 2024, after two years of development. The game launched on Android (Google Play Store) first, followed by iOS (Apple App Store) on April 1, 2024. It was also made available on popular Indian gaming platforms like JioGames and Airtel Xstream Games, which helped expand its reach to millions of users who use these platforms for gaming.
Pre-Launch Marketing
To build hype before the launch, Desi Skies Interactive and Daman Games launched an aggressive marketing campaign targeting desi gamers. The campaign focused on the game’s Indian themes and features, emphasizing that it’s a “game made for India, by Indians.”
Key marketing initiatives included:
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Influencer Collaborations 🎥: Partnering with top Indian gaming influencers like CarryMinati, Mortal, and Techno Gamerz. These influencers played the game on their YouTube and Twitch channels, sharing their thoughts and encouraging their followers to pre-register. CarryMinati’s gameplay video received over 10 million views within 24 hours, generating massive buzz.
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Celebrity Endorsement 🌟: Signing Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as the brand ambassador. Kohli, a self-proclaimed gaming enthusiast, promoted the game on his social media accounts and in TV commercials. His tagline—“Desi Josh, Global Gameplay”—resonated with fans and helped position the game as a source of national pride.
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Pre-Registration Bonuses 🎁: Offering exclusive rewards to users who pre-registered for the game, such as a free “Tricolor Jet” skin, in-game currency, and a rare power-up. Over 5 crore users pre-registered for the game, making it one of the most highly anticipated mobile game launches in India.
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Regional Marketing 📣: Running targeted marketing campaigns in regional languages across TV, radio, and social media. For example, in Tamil Nadu, they partnered with a popular Tamil film actor to promote the game, while in West Bengal, they ran ads during popular Bengali TV shows. This helped the game reach gamers in small towns and rural areas, where regional languages are dominant.
Launch & Post-Launch Updates
The launch of Typhoon Thunder was a massive success. The game topped the Google Play Store’s “Top Free Games” chart within 24 hours of its release, and it crossed 1 crore downloads in just three days. The iOS launch was equally successful, with the game reaching the top 5 in the App Store’s gaming category.
After the launch, the development team continued to update the game regularly based on user feedback. Some of the major post-launch updates include:
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May 2024: “Diwali Preview” update—added a new Diwali-themed event mode, festive jet skins, and firecracker-themed weapons. The update also fixed minor bugs and improved server stability.
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July 2024: “South India Expansion” update—added two new maps (Kerala Backwaters and Tamil Nadu Hill Stations) and support for two new regional languages (Malayalam and Kannada). The update also introduced a new multiplayer mode called “Capture the Flag.”
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September 2024: “Esports Update” — launched the Typhoon Thunder National Championship, with a prize pool of 50 lakh rupees. The update added a competitive ranking system and improved clan features.
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November 2024: “Winter Wonderland” update—added a new Himalayan winter map, snow-themed power-ups, and a new story chapter set in Ladakh. The update also optimized the game for low-end devices, making it accessible to more users.
Platform Availability
Typhoon Thunder is currently available on the following platforms:
- Android (Google Play Store): Requires Android 8.0 or higher, 2GB RAM, and 1.5GB of storage.
- iOS (Apple App Store): Requires iOS 14.0 or higher, compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- JioGames: Pre-installed on JioPhones and available for download on other Android devices.
- Airtel Xstream Games: Available for Airtel users on Android and iOS.
The team has also announced plans to launch the game on PC and consoles (PlayStation and Xbox) in 2025, expanding its reach beyond mobile gamers. The PC version will feature enhanced graphics and support for controllers, while the console versions will include exclusive content like new maps and game modes.
Reception
Typhoon Thunder has received overwhelming positive reception from both desi gamers and critics alike. Since its launch, the game has crossed 10 crore downloads and has a 4.5/5 rating on the Google Play Store (based on 5 lakh+ reviews) and a 4.6/5 rating on the Apple App Store (based on 1 lakh+ reviews). It has also won several awards, including “Best Indian Mobile Game” at the India Gaming Awards 2024 and “Most Innovative Game” at the Global Mobile Gaming Awards Asia.
User Feedback
The biggest praise from users has been for the game’s Indian themes and cultural references. Many gamers have expressed their joy at seeing familiar locations, regional languages, and desi characters in a mobile game. One user from Chennai wrote on the Google Play Store: “Finally, a game that feels like it’s made for us! Flying over the Bay of Bengal and hearing Tamil dialogue is amazing. Typhoon Thunder is a pride for Indian gamers!”
Users also love the game’s gameplay and accessibility. Many have praised the intuitive controls and smooth performance on mid-range devices. A user from Lucknow commented: “I have a budget phone, but Typhoon Thunder runs perfectly! The controls are easy to learn, and the storm physics are so realistic. I play it every day with my friends—multiplayer mode is addictive!”
While most feedback has been positive, some users have criticized the game’s in-app purchases and occasional server lag during peak hours. The development team has addressed these issues in updates—they reduced the cost of some in-app purchases and improved server capacity to handle more players. This responsiveness to user feedback has helped maintain the game’s high rating.
Critical Acclaim
Indian gaming publications have also praised Typhoon Thunder for its innovation and quality. GamingBharat, one of India’s leading gaming portals, gave the game a 9/10 rating, calling it “the best Indian mobile game of 2024.” The review praised the game’s “stunning graphics, engaging storyline, and perfect balance of action and strategy.”
DesiGamer, another popular gaming website, highlighted the game’s regional language support and accessibility. The review said: “Typhoon Thunder is a game that truly understands the Indian gaming market. By supporting regional languages and optimizing for mid-range devices, it has made air combat gaming accessible to millions of users who were previously ignored by international developers. The game’s Indian themes are not just a gimmick—they’re integral to the gameplay and story, making it a truly unique experience.”
International gaming publications have also taken notice of Typhoon Thunder. Pocket Gamer, a global mobile gaming website, called it “a shining example of how regional gaming can go global.” The review praised the game’s “polished gameplay and cultural authenticity,” noting that it “offers a fresh perspective on the air combat genre.”
Commercial Success
Typhoon Thunder has been a commercial blockbuster. In its first year of release, the game generated over 100 crore rupees in revenue, primarily from in-app purchases and advertising. The game’s success has helped Desi Skies Interactive become one of the leading game development studios in India, and it has attracted investment from international gaming companies.
The game’s success has also had a positive impact on the Indian gaming industry. It has shown that there is a huge market for homegrown games with Indian themes, inspiring other Indian developers to create games that celebrate their culture. Many industry experts believe that Typhoon Thunder is a “game-changer” for the Indian gaming industry, paving the way for more high-quality desi games in the future.
Future Updates
The team at Desi Skies Interactive has big plans for Typhoon Thunder’s future. They have released a roadmap for 2025-2026, which includes new maps, game modes, characters, and platform expansions. The team’s goal is to keep the game fresh and engaging for years to come, while staying true to its desi roots.
2025 Roadmap
The key updates planned for 2025 include:
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PC & Console Launch 🖥️🎮: As mentioned earlier, Typhoon Thunder will be launched on PC (Steam) and consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S) in Q2 2025. The PC and console versions will feature enhanced graphics, 4K resolution, and support for controllers. They will also include exclusive content like new maps (e.g., Ladakh Valley, Andaman Islands) and a new game mode called “Storm Simulator,” where players can create their own storms and challenge their friends.
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New Story Chapter 📖: A new campaign chapter titled “The Return of Black Storm” will be released in Q3 2025. The chapter will pick up where the original story left off, with Aarav Singh facing a new threat from a revived Black Storm Industries. The chapter will introduce new characters, including a female pilot from Assam and a villain with ties to Aarav’s past. It will also feature new maps set in Northeast India.
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Esports Expansion 🏆: The Typhoon Thunder National Championship will be expanded to include regional qualifiers and an international tournament. The 2025 championship will have a prize pool of 1 crore rupees, making it one of the biggest mobile gaming tournaments in Asia. The team also plans to partner with major esports organizations like Team India and Global Esports to promote the game’s competitive scene.
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New Regional Languages 🗣️: The game will add support for four new regional languages in 2025: Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Odia. This will make the game accessible to even more Indian gamers, particularly those in North and West India.
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Augmented Reality (AR) Mode 📱: An AR mode will be launched in Q4 2025, allowing players to bring the game’s jets and storms into the real world. Using their smartphone’s camera, players can fly virtual jets over their neighborhood, battle storm monsters, and take photos and videos to share on social media. This mode is designed to appeal to casual gamers and younger players.
Long-Term Plans
Beyond 2025, the team has even bigger plans for Typhoon Thunder. They are considering developing a sequel, which would expand the story to include other South Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The sequel would feature co-op gameplay, allowing players from different countries to team up and fight a common enemy.
The team also plans to collaborate with other Indian brands and organizations to create cross-promotional content. For example, they are in talks with the Indian Army to create a special in-game event celebrating Army Day, and with Indian Railways to create a map set on a train traveling through the Himalayas. These collaborations will help keep the game relevant and appealing to a wide audience.
Another long-term goal is to make Typhoon Thunder a global brand. While the game is currently focused on the Indian market, the team plans to localize it for other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They will adapt the game’s themes and content to suit local cultures, while retaining the core air combat gameplay. For example, the game’s Chinese version will feature maps set in China and support for Mandarin, while the Brazilian version will have maps set in the Amazon rainforest and support for Portuguese.
Throughout all these updates, the team remains committed to their original vision: creating a game that celebrates Indian culture and provides a fun, accessible experience for desi gamers. As Rohit Sharma, the co-founder of Desi Skies Interactive, said in a recent interview: “Typhoon Thunder is more than just a game for us—it’s a love letter to India. We want to make Indians proud of their gaming industry, and we’ll continue to work hard to deliver the best possible experience for our players.”