Pune Aces Dominators: India’s Trailblazing Desi Action Multiplayer Game
In the dynamic and ever-growing landscape of Indian mobile gaming, where global titles often overshadow local innovations, Pune Aces Dominators has emerged as a game-changer—an authentic desi experience crafted by Indians, for Indians. Developed by the Pune-based indie powerhouse Pune Indie Labs and published exclusively by Daman Games, this action-packed multiplayer extravaganza launched on 15th August 2023, a date chosen to honor India’s Independence Day and celebrate national pride through gaming.
Unlike many mobile games that adopt generic global aesthetics or force pay-to-win mechanics, Pune Aces Dominators wears its Indian heritage on its sleeve. From the bustling streets of Pune’s old city to the vibrant celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, every element—be it the characters, power-ups, or game modes—resonates with the cultural nuances of Indian life. Whether you’re a college student bonding with friends at a chai stall, a professional unwinding after work, or a teenager in a small town looking for engaging local multiplayer fun, this game offers something for every desi gamer.
What sets Pune Aces Dominators apart is its unwavering focus on accessibility and community. Optimized for mid-range smartphones (the most common devices in India), featuring offline local multiplayer (a boon for areas with spotty internet), and avoiding predatory monetization, the game has struck a chord with millions across the country. Within just six months of launch, it crossed 8 million downloads, a testament to its universal appeal and quality.
Introduction
The Indian mobile gaming market is projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2027, driven by over 650 million gamers—most of whom are mobile-first users. Yet, for years, the market was dominated by foreign titles that failed to reflect Indian culture, values, or gaming habits. Pune Aces Dominators was born out of a simple yet powerful vision: to create a world-class multiplayer game that feels “for us, by us.”
Developed over two years by a team of 15 passionate gamers and developers at Pune Indie Labs, the game combines fast-paced action with deep cultural roots. The core concept revolves around a ragtag team of heroes from diverse backgrounds in Pune, who must unite to protect their city from a shadowy threat while competing in high-stakes tournaments that celebrate Indian festivals and traditions.
The target audience for Pune Aces Dominators is broad but focused: mobile gamers aged 12 to 40, with a special emphasis on players who value cultural relevance, social interaction, and fair gameplay. In India, where gaming is often a communal activity—friends gathering around a single phone, or playing together at local chai stalls or festivals—the game’s local multiplayer mode (supports up to 4 players offline) has become its biggest USP.
This focus on offline play has made Pune Aces Dominators a hit in rural areas and small towns, where internet connectivity remains a challenge. Unlike global titles that require a stable 4G/5G connection for multiplayer, this game lets users enjoy competitive action with friends without any data—making it inclusive and accessible to all.
Another key differentiator is the game’s “player-first” monetization model. While it’s free-to-play with in-game purchases, the vast majority of content (characters, game modes, skins) can be unlocked through gameplay. The premium Season Pass, priced at just ₹99 per season, offers exclusive cosmetics but no pay-to-win advantages— a refreshing change from many mobile games that lock core features behind paywalls.
Since its launch, Pune Aces Dominators has received widespread acclaim from both users and critics. It was featured as “Editor’s Choice” on the Google Play Store and App Store, and won the “Best Desi Game” award at the 2023 Indian Gaming Awards. Its success has paved the way for more local indie developers to create culture-centric games, marking a new era in Indian mobile gaming.
Gameplay
Pune Aces Dominators offers a gameplay experience that’s easy to pick up but hard to master—perfect for the Indian market, where gamers often seek quick, engaging sessions that don’t require hours of practice. The core mechanics draw inspiration from classic action games but are tailored for touchscreens, with intuitive controls that feel natural even for first-time players.
Core Mechanics
At its heart, Pune Aces Dominators is a team-based action game where players select a character from a diverse roster (each with unique abilities) and compete in objective-based matches. The gameplay loop is straightforward but addictive:
- Choose your character based on your playstyle (attacker, defender, support, etc.)
- Join a match (online or local multiplayer, story mode, or event mode)
- Collaborate with your team to complete objectives (capture flags, defend checkpoints, eliminate enemies)
- Earn XP, Pune Tokens, and rewards to unlock new characters, skins, and power-ups
- Level up your character’s skills and climb the ranks in competitive modes
What makes the gameplay stand out is the “Desi Synergy” system. Characters from different backgrounds have complementary abilities that, when combined, create powerful combos. For example:
- Mrunal (Folk Singer) + Rohit (Street Food Vendor): Mrunal’s healing Lavani Harmony boosts allies’ damage, while Rohit’s Vada Pav Barrier protects them—creating an unbreakable frontline.
- Veer (Ex-Soldier) + Anika (Tech Entrepreneur): Anika’s Tech Surge makes Veer invisible, allowing him to land a devastating Kargil Strike on enemy leaders.
This system encourages teamwork and strategic thinking, rather than mindless button-mashing. It also reflects Indian values of community and collaboration, making the gameplay feel more relatable to local audiences.
Mobile-Optimized Controls
The game’s control scheme is designed specifically for Indian mobile users, who often play on devices with varying screen sizes (from 5-inch budget phones to 6.7-inch flagship devices). Here’s how it works:
• Left side: Virtual joystick for movement (fully customizable size and position)
• Right side: Attack button (auto-fire option available), jump button, and special ability button
• Swipe on the right side to aim (with aim assist for beginners)
• Quick-access buttons for power-ups (bottom center of the screen)
One of the most praised features is the fully customizable controls. Players can adjust the size, position, and transparency of every button to suit their preferences— a must for gamers who play for hours on end.
Other mobile-optimized features include:
- Low Data Mode: Reduces internet usage by 50% for online matches, critical in a country where data plans are often limited.
- Low Graphics Mode: Optimizes visuals for budget phones (2GB RAM or lower) without sacrificing gameplay quality.
- Quick Match: Lets players join a game in under 10 seconds, perfect for short gaming sessions (common among Indian users who play during commutes or breaks).
- Auto-Run: Saves thumb strain during long matches by automatically moving the character forward when the joystick is held in the forward position.
Desi-Themed Power-Ups & Collectibles
No desi game is complete without quirky, culturally relevant power-ups—and Pune Aces Dominators delivers in spades. Every power-up draws inspiration from Indian daily life, festivals, or traditions, adding a fun, nostalgic touch to the gameplay.
Here are some of the most popular power-ups:
- Ganesh Chaturthi Blessing: Grants 10 seconds of invincibility, with floating Ganesh idols surrounding the player. Activated by collecting 3 modak icons.
- Diwali Patakha: Explodes on impact, stunning enemies in a 5-meter radius. The explosion effect mimics traditional firecrackers, with bright colors and festive sounds.
- Masala Chai Boost: Increases movement speed and attack damage by 30% for 8 seconds. Features a sound effect of a boiling chai kettle and a visual of steam rising from the character.
- Gudi Padwa Flag: Captures a 3x3 meter area for your team, healing allies within it by 2% per second. The flag design is inspired by the traditional Gudi (a bamboo pole wrapped in cloth, topped with a copper pot).
- Holi Rang Boost: Throws colored powder at enemies, slowing them down by 50% for 5 seconds. The powder colors (red, green, yellow) are traditional Holi hues.
- Vada Pav Shield: Creates a temporary shield made of vada pavs that absorbs up to 500 damage. The shield breaks with a crunching sound, adding a humorous touch.
Collectibles in the game include:
- Pune Tokens: Earned by winning matches, completing daily quests, or participating in events. Can be exchanged for character skins, accessories, and emotes.
- Heritage Coins: Rare collectibles found in story mode missions. Unlock historical skins (e.g., Peshwa-era outfits) and behind-the-scenes content about Pune’s history.
- Festival Boxes: Released during festive events (Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi). Contain exclusive skins, emotes, and power-ups themed around the festival.
Progression System
The progression system in Pune Aces Dominators is designed to reward both casual and hardcore players. It’s fair, transparent, and doesn’t force players to spend money to advance.
Account Progression: Players earn XP for every match they play (win or lose). As they level up their account (from Level 1 to Level 100), they unlock new game modes (e.g., Tournament Mode at Level 15, Boss Battles at Level 20), characters, and accessibility features.
Character Progression: Each character has their own skill tree with 3 branches (Offense, Defense, Support). Players earn Character XP by using the character in matches, which unlocks new abilities or upgrades existing ones. For example:
- Mrunal’s Lavani Harmony can be upgraded to heal over time or grant a damage boost.
- Rohit’s Vada Pav Barrier can be upgraded to last longer or reflect enemy projectiles.
Season Pass: The game features a seasonal progression system (4 seasons per year, each lasting 3 months). The free tier offers substantial rewards (characters, skins, tokens), while the premium Season Pass (₹99) unlocks exclusive cosmetics (e.g., golden skins, rare emotes) and bonus XP. Importantly, the Season Pass does not offer any gameplay advantages— it’s purely cosmetic.
Daily & Weekly Quests: Players can complete 3 daily quests (e.g., “Win 2 local multiplayer matches,” “Heal 5 allies”) and 5 weekly quests (e.g., “Play 10 festival mode matches,” “Get 50 kills with a support character”) to earn extra Pune Tokens and XP. Quests are designed to encourage players to try different game modes and characters.
Difficulty Levels & Accessibility
Pune Aces Dominators caters to players of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive gamers:
For players who want to practice, the game offers a comprehensive Training Mode with:
- Character Tutorials: Step-by-step guides for each character’s abilities and playstyle.
- Target Practice: Improve aim with static and moving targets, with leaderboards for fastest times.
- AI Dojo: Practice against AI opponents of varying difficulty levels, with customizable match settings.
- Combo Trainer: Learn advanced ability combos from top players, with visual cues and timing indicators.
The game also includes several accessibility features to ensure it’s inclusive for all players:
- Customizable text size (from small to extra-large)
- Colorblind mode (supports red-green, blue-yellow, and total colorblindness)
- Voice chat with text transcription (for players with hearing impairments)
- Reduced motion mode (turns off flashy effects that may cause motion sickness)
- One-handed mode (optimizes controls for single-hand play, common among commuters)
Characters
One of the biggest strengths of Pune Aces Dominators is its diverse, culturally rich roster of playable characters. Each hero is inspired by real-life people from Pune and Maharashtra, with backstories that reflect the state’s history, traditions, and modern lifestyle. The developers worked closely with local historians, cultural experts, and members of the community to ensure authenticity—avoiding stereotypes and celebrating the diversity of Maharashtrian culture.
Every character has a unique playstyle, backstory, and set of abilities, allowing players to find a hero that matches their personality and gaming preferences. The roster currently includes 8 playable characters (with 2 more planned for future updates), evenly split between male and female heroes— a deliberate choice to promote gender equality.
A 24-year-old Lavani singer from a small village near Pune, Mrunal learned music from her grandmother— a renowned folk artist. Her village was threatened by the game’s antagonist, forcing her to leave her musical career and join the Pune Aces.
Core Ability: Lavani Harmony – Heals all allies within 8 meters by 30% and grants a 20% damage boost for 6 seconds.
Passive Ability: Musical Aura – Allies near Mrunal (within 5 meters) regenerate 1% health per second.
Ultimate Ability: Folk Fusion – Unleashes a powerful musical wave that heals allies by 50% and stuns enemies in a 10-meter radius for 3 seconds.
A 30-year-old street food vendor who runs a popular vada pav stall in Pune’s Camp area. Known for his quick wit and generosity, Rohit uses his street smarts and makeshift weapons to protect his customers and city from harm.
Core Ability: Vada Pav Barrier – Creates a temporary shield (500 health) that blocks enemy attacks for 8 seconds. The shield can be destroyed by enemy fire.
Passive Ability: Spicy Defense – Rohit takes 15% less damage from ranged attacks.
Ultimate Ability: Explosive Vada Pav – Throws a batch of exploding vada pavs that deal 200 damage to enemies in a 6-meter radius and knock them back.
A 45-year-old retired Indian Army soldier who served in the Kargil War. After settling in Pune, Veer struggled to adapt to civilian life— until the threat to the city gave him a new purpose. He’s a skilled marksman with a strong sense of duty.
Core Ability: Kargil Strike – Deploys a precision shot that deals 300 damage to a single enemy (one-shot kill for most characters).
Passive Ability: Soldier’s Discipline – Veer reloads 25% faster and has 10% more accuracy than other characters.
Ultimate Ability: War Zone – Calls in a mortar strike that deals 150 damage per second to enemies in a 12-meter area for 5 seconds.
A 28-year-old tech startup founder from Pune’s Hinjewadi IT Park. Anika built her company from scratch, developing cutting-edge gadgets that she now uses to fight the game’s antagonist. She’s quick, clever, and always one step ahead of her enemies.
Core Ability: Tech Surge – Grants temporary invisibility (5 seconds) and increases movement speed by 40%.
Passive Ability: Hacker’s Edge – Anika can detect enemy positions through walls for 2 seconds every 10 seconds.
Ultimate Ability: Gadget Barrage – Deploys a set of drones that attack nearby enemies (dealing 50 damage per hit) for 8 seconds.
A 65-year-old farmer from a village on the outskirts of Pune. Bapuji has spent his life tending to his crops and protecting his land from industrialization. When the antagonist threatens to destroy his farm and village, he joins the Pune Aces using his knowledge of nature.
Core Ability: Crop Barrage – Deploys a field of tall crops that slow enemies by 30% and obscure their vision for 10 seconds.
Passive Ability: Nature’s Blessing – Bapuji regenerates 2% health per second when standing in grass or vegetation.
Ultimate Ability: Harvest Storm – Summons a storm of leaves and branches that deals 80 damage per second to enemies in a 10-meter area and heals allies by 1% per second.
A 22-year-old college student from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Passionate about social justice and environmental issues, Sakshi uses her leadership skills and homemade gadgets (made from recycled materials) to fight the antagonist and protect Pune’s youth.
Core Ability: Unity Rally – Calls in a group of student volunteers who attack enemies (dealing 40 damage per hit) and distract them for 7 seconds.
Passive Ability: Activist’s Spirit – Sakshi gains a 10% speed boost for every ally within 5 meters (max 30% boost).
Ultimate Ability: Smoke Bomb Barrage – Throws a set of smoke bombs that create a large smoke screen (15-meter radius) for 10 seconds, blocking enemy vision and slowing them down.
A 35-year-old priest from Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple. Gaurav is a devotee of Lord Ganesh, and uses his spiritual powers to bless allies and protect them from harm. His backstory revolves around protecting the temple’s sacred artifacts from the antagonist.
Core Ability: Ganesh Blessing – Grants an ally a 25% damage reduction and 15% attack boost for 8 seconds.
Passive Ability: Divine Aura – Allies near Gaurav (within 6 meters) have a 10% chance to deflect enemy projectiles.
Ultimate Ability: Modak Feast – Summons a pile of modaks that heal allies by 20% when collected and deal 50 damage to enemies who step on them.
A 26-year-old chai seller who runs a popular stall near Pune’s Shaniwar Wada. Zara is known for her quick reflexes and sharp shooting (she learned to shoot from her father, a former police officer). She joins the Pune Aces to protect her stall and the people who frequent it.
Core Ability: Masala Chai Shot – Fires a cup of hot chai that deals 150 damage to enemies and ignites them (dealing 20 damage per second for 3 seconds).
Passive Ability: Chai Energy – Zara gains a 5% speed boost every time she gets a kill (max 25% boost).
Ultimate Ability: Chai Stall Barrage – Sets up a temporary chai stall that fires projectiles at nearby enemies (dealing 80 damage per hit) for 10 seconds. Allies can stand near the stall to regenerate 1% health per second.
Non-Playable Characters (NPCs)
The game’s world is populated with a variety of NPCs that add depth, realism, and cultural context to the experience. These characters are not just background elements—they offer quests, share stories about Pune’s history, and provide valuable rewards. Some of the most notable NPCs include:
- Shrihari Joshi: A 70-year-old retired history teacher who runs a bookstore near Shaniwar Wada. He gives players quests to collect historical artifacts (e.g., Peshwa-era coins, old maps) and shares fascinating stories about Pune’s Peshwa dynasty. Completing his quests unlocks historical skins and behind-the-scenes content.
- Meera Kaur: A 40-year-old chaiwalli who operates a stall in the game’s main hub. She provides players with free Masala Chai Boosts (once per day) and shares gossip about other characters—helping players learn more about their backstories. She also gives daily quests like “Serve chai to 5 NPCs” or “Defend her stall from thieves.”
- Inspector Rane: A 48-year-old Pune Police officer who tasks players with stopping small-time criminals (e.g., pickpockets, smugglers) in the city. His quests gradually lead to larger missions against the game’s main antagonist. Completing his quests unlocks police-themed skins and gadgets.
- Amma Bai: An 85-year-old grandmother who lives in a village near Pune. She teaches players traditional Maharashtrian recipes (which translate to power-ups) and shares stories about her childhood in Pune. Her quests are often heartwarming and focus on community service (e.g., “Help her collect firewood” or “Deliver food to the village’s poor”).
- Rajesh Kumar: A 32-year-old tech support specialist from Hinjewadi. He helps players upgrade their gadgets and provides tips on using Anika’s tech abilities. His quests involve solving tech-related puzzles (e.g., “Hack into a computer to retrieve data”) and unlock advanced gadgets for Anika.
Character Customization (Desi Outfits & Accessories)
Pune Aces Dominators offers extensive character customization options, allowing players to dress their heroes in traditional and modern desi outfits. Every customization item is inspired by Indian culture, with a focus on Maharashtrian traditions— making the characters feel even more relatable to local audiences.
Customization options are divided into four categories:
1. Outfits
Each character has 10+ outfits, ranging from traditional attire to modern streetwear. Some popular options include:
- Mrunal: Traditional Lavani saree (red and gold), casual salwar kameez (blue with floral prints), festival lehenga (green with mirror work).
- Rohit: Street food vendor apron (with “Pune’s Best Vada Pav” print), traditional kurta pyjama (white with orange trim), festival kurta (red with gold embroidery).
- Veer: Indian Army uniform (camouflage), traditional Marathi safa and kurta, Diwali special outfit (white kurta with red turban).
- Anika: Tech startup casual (jeans and branded t-shirt), traditional churidar suit (purple with silver embroidery), Holi special outfit (colorful salwar kameez with water-resistant fabric).
- Bapuji: Farmer’s dhoti and kurta (white), traditional Marathi pheta (turban) and kurta, Ganesh Chaturthi special outfit (orange dhoti with Ganesh print).
2. Accessories
Accessories add personality to the characters and often have cultural significance. Popular options include:
- Traditional jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bangles) for female characters.
- turbans (safa, pheta) for male characters, with designs inspired by different regions of Maharashtra.
- Headscarves (dupatta, chunni) for female characters, with prints like bandhani, paithani, and ajrakh.
- Props related to the character’s backstory (e.g., a tambura for Mrunal, a vada pav spatula for Rohit, a rifle for Veer).
- Festival accessories (e.g., a Ganesh idol pendant for Gaurav, a Diwali diya hairpin for Sakshi, a Holi color packet for Zara).
3. Emotes
Emotes are a fun way for players to interact with each other during matches. The game features 20+ desi-themed emotes, including:
- Lavani Dance (Mrunal’s signature emote)
- Vada Pav Eating (Rohit’s signature emote)
- Salute (Veer’s signature emote)
- Tech Dance (Anika’s signature emote)
- Ganesh Aarti (Gaurav’s signature emote)
- Chai Serving (Zara’s signature emote)
- Holi Color Throwing
- Diwali Firecracker Lighting
- Gudi Padwa Flag Waving
- Bhangra Dance
4. Weapon Skins
Weapon skins add a visual flair to the characters’ weapons, with designs inspired by Indian culture and festivals. Some popular options include:
- Paithani Pattern (for Veer’s rifle)
- Ganesh Idol Design (for Zara’s chai cup launcher)
- Diwali Diya Print (for Anika’s drone)
- Holi Color Splatter (for Sakshi’s smoke bombs)
- Vada Pav Print (for Rohit’s spatula)
All customization items can be unlocked using Pune Tokens (earned through gameplay) or purchased with in-game currency (which can be bought with real money or earned through quests). Importantly, no customization item affects gameplay— they’re purely cosmetic, ensuring a fair playing field for all players.
Game Modes
Pune Aces Dominators offers a diverse range of game modes to keep players engaged— from story-driven single-player campaigns to competitive multiplayer matches. Each mode is designed to cater to different playstyles, ensuring that there’s something for everyone: whether you prefer to play alone, with friends locally, or compete against players from across India online.
The game currently features 6 core game modes, with new modes added every 2-3 months as part of seasonal updates. Additionally, it offers limited-time event modes tied to Indian festivals— keeping the game fresh and relevant throughout the year.
Story Mode: “Pune Ki Vijay Katha”
The game’s story mode, titled “Pune Ki Vijay Katha” (The Victory Story of Pune), is a single-player campaign that serves as an introduction to the game’s characters, world, and mechanics. It follows the journey of the Pune Aces as they unite to stop a mysterious organization called “Kala Pahad” (Black Mountain) from destroying Pune and stealing its historical artifacts.
The campaign is divided into 5 chapters, each set in a different location in Pune and featuring 10 missions. The locations are inspired by real-life landmarks, with meticulous attention to detail:
- Chapter 1: Shaniwar Wada – The first chapter introduces players to Mrunal, Rohit, and Veer. Missions involve protecting Shaniwar Wada from Kala Pahad’s initial attack and retrieving a stolen Peshwa-era sword.
- Chapter 2: Aga Khan Palace – Players meet Anika and help her hack into Kala Pahad’s computer systems. Missions focus on stealth and tech-based puzzles.
- Chapter 3: Sinhagad Fort – The team travels to Sinhagad Fort to stop Kala Pahad from retrieving an ancient artifact. Missions involve defending the fort from waves of enemies and climbing steep terrain.
- Chapter 4: Hinjewadi IT Park – Players join forces with Bapuji and Rajesh to stop Kala Pahad from hacking into Pune’s tech infrastructure. Missions feature fast-paced action and tech-based combat.
- Chapter 5: Mutha River Banks – The final chapter brings all the Pune Aces together to face Kala Pahad’s leader. Missions include epic boss battles and large-scale team fights.
Each mission features a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and stealth elements, with varying objectives (e.g., “Defend the checkpoint,” “Retrieve the artifact,” “Assassinate the enemy leader”). The story is told through beautifully animated cutscenes with voice acting in Marathi and Hindi (with English subtitles), making it accessible to both regional and national audiences.
One of the highlights of the story mode is its historical accuracy. The developers worked with local historians to ensure that the references to Pune’s history, landmarks, and culture are correct. For example:
- Missions in Shaniwar Wada include references to the Peshwa dynasty and the palace’s architecture.
- The Sinhagad Fort chapter features references to the Battle of Sinhagad (1670) and the story of Tanaji Malusare.
- NPCs in the Aga Khan Palace share facts about the palace’s role in India’s independence movement (it was where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned).
Completing the story mode unlocks exclusive rewards, including historical skins, heritage coins, and a special “Pune Protector” title. It also provides valuable backstory for the characters, helping players form a deeper connection with them.
Multiplayer Mode (Local & Online)
Multiplayer is the backbone of Pune Aces Dominators, and the game offers two main multiplayer options to cater to India’s diverse gaming habits: Local Multiplayer (offline) and Online Multiplayer (online).
Local Multiplayer (Offline)
Local Multiplayer is one of the game’s most popular features, designed for players who want to enjoy competitive action with friends without an internet connection. It supports up to 4 players, who can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Local Multiplayer offers two sub-modes:
- Team Deathmatch (2v2): Players split into two teams of 2 and compete to get the most kills (usually 30) within 10 minutes. The team with the most kills wins. This mode is perfect for small groups of friends and is often played at chai stalls, festivals, or college campuses.
- Free-for-All: