Platform Differences
Mobile vs Web — a complete feature comparison.
Overview
MainQuest's core gameplay loop — quests, habits, XP, leveling, and attributes — works on both mobile and web. However, the mobile app includes several features that have not yet been implemented on the web, particularly around HP damage and death, XP modifiers, and offline support.
The table below documents every known difference between the two platforms.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mobile | Web | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offline mode | Full support | Requires internet | |
| Death mechanics | Full system (HP ≤ 0 → death screen) | HP tracked, no death screen | Mobile-only |
| Quest abandon penalty | -10 HP | Not tracked | Mobile-only |
| Age-based quest bonus | 1.0–2.0x XP multiplier | Not implemented | Mobile-only |
| Fatigue penalty | 0.5x XP when ≥90% exhausted | Not implemented | Mobile-only |
| Clarity Buff | 1.2x XP for 4h from Dawn Scrolls | Not implemented | Mobile-only |
| Habit attributes | Single attributeId | Multiple attributeIds[] | Model mismatch |
| Subpoint awarding | No automatic progression | Active on check-in | Logic divergence |
| Daily quest reset | Client-side lazy | Server-side on fetch | |
| Habit check-in toggle | Immutable daily | “Toggle not allowed” message | |
| Surge mode | Available | Not available | Mobile-only |
| Vanishing ink (Dawn Scrolls) | Available | Not available | Mobile-only |
| Push notifications | Supported | Not supported | |
| Sync strategy | Local-first, offline queue | Server-authoritative |
Key Differences Explained
Death Mechanics
On mobile, when your HP drops to 0, your character dies and you are locked out of all gameplay until a friend sends a Second Chance Scroll. The web app tracks your HP stat but does not enforce death or block gameplay. See the HP, XP & Death guide.
XP Modifiers
The mobile app applies several XP modifiers that the web does not: the Clarity Buff (1.2x for 4 hours from Dawn Scrolls), the Fatigue penalty (0.5x when exhausted), and the age-based quest bonus (1.0-2.0x multiplier). The base XP formula and daily cap are identical on both platforms.
Sync Strategy
The mobile app uses a local-first approach — all data is stored on your device and synced to the server when you have an internet connection. The web app is server-authoritative, meaning all writes go directly to the backend. Both platforms share the same underlying data.
Habit Attribute Linking
On mobile, each habit links to a single attribute. On the web, habits can link to multiple attributes. This is a known model mismatch that may cause differences in how attribute growth is calculated across platforms.
Which Platform Should I Use?
Use Mobile When...
- You want the full MainQuest experience with all features
- You need offline access
- You want push notification reminders
- You want death mechanics for accountability
- You use Surge mode for rapid shard completion
Use Web When...
- You want quick access from a desktop or laptop
- You prefer a larger screen for managing quests
- You are at a computer and do not have your phone
- You want to link multiple attributes to a single habit