# Netrek — The Internet's first team game

> Original internet team strategy space combat and conquest game. (iPhone/iPad app by David Root.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netrek/id1456021641 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [David Root](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770929653)
- Category: Games, Simulation, Strategy
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.67/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 13.5 · 3 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2019-04-03
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netrek/id1456021641/reviews.md

## What is Netrek?

Netrek is the _original_ Internet team strategy game.  First implemented in 1989, Netrek pits two teams of up to 8 players each against each other for control of the galaxy.

Use torpedoes and lasers to destroy enemy ships.

Bomb enemy planets.

Land armies to capture planets.

Work as a team to wipe your enemy from the galaxy.

This Netrek client is implemented in Swift and SwiftUI and is open source at https://github.com/darrellroot/Netrek-SwiftUI
 
Historic information and documentation about Netrek is available at http://www.netrek.org

Join the "Netrek-forever" Google group to get notifications of scheduled "human" games.   In the meantime practice against the robots!

Starting Instructions:
1) Select a server (we recommend a "Bronco" style server such as pickled.netrek.org).
2) Launch cruiser. 
3) A "Team not allowed" message may appear.  If that happens select a different team and repeat #2.

If no other humans are playing, practice against the robots!

Game controls:

Tapping near center of the screen fires torpedoes.
Tapping near the edge of the screen sets course.
Stepper in bottom-right sets speed.
The first tap on an enemy ship fires a laser.
More taps on enemy ships fire torpedoes.
Lasers recharge in 1 second.
Tapping on a planet locks onto the planet for orbit.
Pinch to zoom in the tactical window.
Exit by clicking both self destruct buttons.

At this time, the iOS and iPadOS versions of Netrek are not recommend for the "hockey" variant of the game due to lack of tractor/pressor controls.

## Key features

- Team-based space combat
- Destroy enemy ships
- Bomb and capture planets
- Galaxy conquest gameplay
- Practice against AI
- Scheduled human games

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netrek/id1456021641/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Wow, just found this

*2023-09-11*

Was really surprised to see this work well.  Seems smooth, and is the best implementation of netrek I’ve seen for iOS.  Works surprisingly well considering it was made for a keyboard and mouse

### 5/5 — It's back!

*2019-04-22*

Will never admit to how many grad school hours were spent in front of this game, but so happy it's back!  I guess it never really left, but to have an updated native Mac client is just... wow!

## Frequently asked questions about Netrek

### What is Netrek?

Netrek is the original internet team strategy game, first implemented in 1989. It pits two teams of up to 8 players against each other for control of the galaxy through ship combat, planetary bombing, and army deployment.

### How do I play Netrek?

Select a server, launch your cruiser, and choose a team. You can fire torpedoes and lasers at enemy ships, bomb planets, and land armies to capture them. Controls include tapping for actions and pinching to zoom.

### Can I play Netrek offline?

Yes, if no other humans are playing, you can practice against the robots to hone your skills and learn the game mechanics.

### Does Netrek have multiplayer?

Yes, Netrek is fundamentally a team-based multiplayer game, designed for two teams of up to 8 players each to compete for galactic control.

### What devices is Netrek available on?

The Netrek client is available on iOS and iPadOS devices, and the open-source code suggests potential compatibility with Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

### Is Netrek suitable for younger players?

Netrek has an age rating of 9+, indicating it is generally suitable for children aged 9 and above, though parental guidance may be advised for some.

### How often is Netrek updated?

The latest version of this Netrek client is 1.4, which was last updated on July 27, 2020. This indicates a moderate update frequency for the application.

### Does Netrek have ads?

No, this Netrek client does not contain advertisements. It is a free application with no in-app purchases or ads.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2020-07-27

Improved graphic performance.
Now supports 20 FPS when connected to a 20 FPS server (such as netrek.networkmom.net)
Some code improvements to the sound and preferences systems.

### 1.3 — 2020-07-20

Supports new "Empire" netrek mode on server netrek.networkmom.net
Fixed planet visibility logic.
Shield opacity never goes below 20%.
Plasma detonations now visible.
Fixed bug in torpedo data transmission.

### 1.2 — 2020-06-24

Fixed bug in preferences screen.
Updated metaserver list to reflect updated server names.

### 1.1 — 2020-06-19

Added iPhone support!
Pinch to zoom tactical screen!
Speed is set by stepper in bottom right.  No more dragging to set speed.
Course is set by tapping around edge of tactical screen.  No more dragging to set course.
Torpedoes continue to be fired by tapping near middle of tactical screen.

### 1.0 — 2020-06-15

No release notes.

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## More apps by David Root

- [Hex Madness](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hex-madness/id1511450966)
- [CIDR Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cidr-trainer/id1608806016)

All apps by David Root: https://appshunter.io/developer/1770929653

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*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 2026-06-10.*