# StarStarter for Anxiety — Play your way to calm

> Brain training game for anxiety management using Attention Bias Modification. (iPhone/iPad app by Arcade Therapeutics.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starstarter-for-anxiety/id6477712898 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Arcade Therapeutics](https://appshunter.io/developer/1678193457)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Games, Action, Casual
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 59 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 428 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2024-04-03
- Data updated: 2026-09-11
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starstarter-for-anxiety/id6477712898/reviews.md

## What is StarStarter for Anxiety?

StarStarter is a clinically-validated brain training game to help manage anxiety symptoms and improve mental resilience. It’s brief, fun, and our results are backed by 7 NIH funded scientific studies, and published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders.

ABOUT THE GAME:
Your first mission is to save Planet Galea by using your ship, the StarStarter, to collect star energy. Our unique brain training method happens subconsciously during your game sessions. Recommended play time is just 6-12 minutes a day, 4 times a week to see results!

Features:
• Play calming therapeutic game sessions, whenever you need
• Unlock Stellar Wisdom for anxiety tips and tools
• Track your mood and get insights over time 
• Upgrade your ship with points to try new unique ships

PROUD TO BE AN APA LABS SILVER DIGITAL BADGE RECIPIENT*

“I believe this might be the first thing that has ever really addressed my anxiety." Anne-Marie, TX

THE SCIENCE: How Does StarStarter Work?
StarStarter’s core therapeutic method is a game-based approach to a subconscious cognitive training method called Attention Bias Modification (ABM). The human brain has the unique ability to recognize facial expressions subconsciously, as a baby responds to a parent’s smile. StarStarter uses facial expressions within game play to re-train emotional and attentional patterns that can drive persistent feelings of anxiety.

StarStarter’s proprietary training method has been designed and optimized through a decade of NIH-funded neuroscientific research by our Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary. To see our peer reviewed research, you can view it at www.arcadetherapeutics.com/research/.

Warnings and Limitations
StarStarter is available non-prescription under FDA enforcement discretion; it is not evaluated, cleared or approved by FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, monitor, treat, or prevent any disease. It may be considered as an adjunct to clinical care, and it does not replace clinical care.

App Privacy
The developer, Arcade Therapeutics, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.

Use of StarStarter is subject to Apple's EULA, which can be found here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

*This APA Labs Digital Badge reflects alignment with APA Labs criteria for scientific principles, safety, ethical use, and usability. It is not an endorsement, or guarantee, of effectiveness, nor is it an evaluation of financial condition, business prospects, investment merit, or legal compliance.

## Key features

- Clinically-validated brain training
- Therapeutic game sessions
- Anxiety tips and tools
- Mood tracking and insights
- Ship upgrades
- Attention Bias Modification (ABM)

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StarStarter Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starstarter-for-anxiety/id6477712898/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Fun and helpful

*2026-07-26*

I love doing this each and every morning! Have been doing even before it became a spaceship game! Just love it! It’s great for anxiety! Plus eye and hand coordination! Thank you!

### 5/5 — Calm training

*2026-06-24*

This is a game to practice focusing on the positive rather than the negative. Something I need right now in my life.

### 1/5 — Broken app

*2026-06-09*

Doesn’t work on iPhone 16 pro max. Tutorial doesn’t launch correctly.

### 1/5 — Disappointed

*2026-05-12*

Nowhere did it say in order to use this at all, that you had a monthly fee. Not cool.

### 5/5 — Calming Game

*2026-02-24*

This is a calming game that eases your mind but also doesn’t feel addicting like I have to play more. The game encourages a short amount of play coupled with sound advice to implement your emotional support.

### 5/5 — Great tool

*2025-06-30*

Enjoying using this tool as a simple way to reset my thoughts. Game play is relaxing and the science seems credible too. Definitely recommend!

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2025-04-17*

I look forward to playing this game each every morning brings a lot of comfort and joy into my life. Thank you so much for making available.

### 5/5 — 5-star StarStarter

*2025-04-02*

Fantastic app with real life applicability

### 5/5 — Love it!

*2025-04-01*

Star Starter has been such a helpful tool for managing anxiety. The visuals are soothing, and the gameplay is simple yet grounding. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an interactive and new way to cope with stress and anxiety.

## Frequently asked questions about StarStarter for Anxiety

### How does StarStarter help with anxiety?

StarStarter uses a game-based approach to Attention Bias Modification (ABM). This method retrains subconscious emotional and attentional patterns that can contribute to feelings of anxiety, as backed by scientific research.

### What is the recommended play time for StarStarter?

The recommended play time for StarStarter is 6-12 minutes a day, 4 times a week, to observe results. Sessions are designed to be brief and therapeutic, fitting easily into your routine.

### Can StarStarter be used as a replacement for clinical care?

StarStarter is intended as an adjunct to clinical care and does not replace professional medical advice or treatment. It is not evaluated or cleared by the FDA for diagnosing or treating any disease.

### What kind of scientific research supports StarStarter?

StarStarter's method is based on a decade of NIH-funded neuroscientific research by its co-founder, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary. Peer-reviewed research can be found at www.arcadetherapeutics.com/research/.

### What platforms is StarStarter available on?

StarStarter is available on iPhone and iPad devices, as indicated by its supported devices list.

### Does StarStarter have ads?

Based on the provided data, StarStarter does not have advertisements, allowing for an uninterrupted therapeutic experience.

### What is the subscription cost for StarStarter?

StarStarter offers a monthly subscription for $7.99, which includes a 7-day free trial. This subscription provides access to premium features and content.

### What is the age rating for StarStarter?

StarStarter has an age rating of 12+, making it suitable for teenagers and adults seeking anxiety management tools.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.33.3 — 2026-08-11

We’ve kicked off a full app redesign! In this first phase:
• New app icon and splash screen
• 3 new onboarding screens for first-time users
• Redesigned Sign Up and Login screens
• New look for the Initial Clinical Assessment
• Updated Forgot Password screen
This is just phase one, and more are getting the same treatment in upcoming updates. Thanks for being part of the journey!

### 1.33.2 — 2026-08-06

We’ve kicked off a full app redesign! In this first phase:
• New app icon and splash screen
• 3 new onboarding screens for first-time users
• Redesigned Sign Up and Login screens
• New look for the Initial Clinical Assessment
• Updated Forgot Password screen
This is just phase one, and more are getting the same treatment in upcoming updates. Thanks for being part of the journey!

### 1.33.1 — 2026-07-21

Fixes an issue where enterprise customers were not being able to progress in the game.

### 1.33.0 — 2026-07-18

-updated analytics
-minor fixes

### 1.32.0 — 2026-07-08

-Updates to onboarding
-Ability to unlock first wisdom before paywall

## Apps similar to StarStarter for Anxiety

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| [SuperBetter: Mental Health](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/superbetter-mental-health/id536634968) | 4.7 (7,880) | Free | Health & Fitness |

## More apps by Arcade Therapeutics

- [StarStarter Rx](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starstarter-rx/id6446508277)

All apps by Arcade Therapeutics: https://appshunter.io/developer/1678193457

## Related topics

[free anxiety relief gaming apps](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/free-anxiety-relief-gaming-apps) · [anxiety games helper](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/anxiety-games-helper) · [anxiety and depression games](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/anxiety-and-depression-games) · [calming anxiety games](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/calming-anxiety-games) · [therapeutic game](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/therapeutic-game)

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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 2026-09-11.*
