# StickWars

> Fast-paced castle defense game with strategic troop deployment and spellcasting. (iPhone/iPad app by John E. Hartzog.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stickwars/id309527804 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [John E. Hartzog](https://appshunter.io/developer/309527807)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Action, Casual
- Price: $0.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 110 App Store ratings · 454 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-04-01
- Data updated: 2026-09-11
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stickwars/id309527804/reviews.md

## What is StickWars?

StickWars is a fast-paced, action-packed game that requires lightning-fast fingers and cunning strategy. Defend your kingdom against the invading stick figure army.

Tap, flick, and shake your way to victory in the top castle defense game for iPhone/iPod touch.

FEATURES
- Unlimited rounds. Play until you’re defeated.
- Shake to deploy bombers, and again to detonate!
- Use multi-touch to command your wizards, casting meteors and other spells.
- Use captured stick figures to build up defense.
- Two free StickWars Ultimate Challenge games.

## Key features

- Unlimited rounds
- Shake to deploy bombers
- Multi-touch spellcasting
- Use captured figures for defense
- Free Ultimate Challenge games

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $0.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StickWars Bonus Challenges | $0.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of StickWars?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎮 Addictive gameplay
- 🎨 Great graphics and visuals
- 🕹️ Fun and engaging
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🕰️ Nostalgic experience
- 🔨 Challenging difficulty
- 🎯 Satisfying combat mechanics

**Cons**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🕰️ Slow progression
- 🤖 Unresponsive AI
- 💰 High upkeep costs
- 🎨 Outdated graphics

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Game crashes on certain levels
- Bomber units not functioning properly
- Enemies clipping through walls
- Wizard spells not working as intended
- Saving and loading issues

**Most requested features**

- More enemy variety
- Ability to upgrade/customize troops
- New game modes and challenges
- Improved save/load functionality
- Expanded spell/ability system
- Larger castle/fortress upgrades
- Multiplayer or co-op mode

## Recent user reviews (10 of 454)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stickwars/id309527804/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Memories

*2025-12-09, version 1.9.0*

Brings back a lot of memories. Fire game.

### 5/5 — Still love it after 14 years.

*2025-03-13, version 1.9.0*

Always catch myself looking for it and downloading it on my new iPhone, would pay for it

### 5/5 — Hard to believe it’s still working.

*2024-11-16, version 1.9.0*

Pretty impressive one of the games I played years ago still works after no updates for 7 years. There’s no sound but gameplay is great. Love this game.

### 1/5 — Glitch

*2024-09-19, version 1.9.0*

Everytime i try to buy the prison the game closes on its own

### 5/5 — Can’t get past level 115

*2024-08-10, version 1.9.0*

Good nostalgia. Level 115 is bugged (enemies stop spawning), and so you can’t get past it.

### 5/5 — 10/10 nostalgia value

*2024-07-22, version 1.9.0*

I used to play this game on the family-shared iPod touch. I am now currently redownloading it on my iPhone 13. Time doesn’t change everything.

### 1/5 — Nasty

*2024-04-01, version 1.9.0*

Boring app without updates. Dangerous app is making my phone hot and warm. Take this trash out of the App Store.

### 5/5 — Best mobile game of all time

*2024-03-10, version 1.9.0*

Zero ads, incredibly engaging and fun gameplay, and really good difficulty balancing on normal mode

### 1/5 — Game crashes when trying to buy Prison

*2023-10-12, version 1.9.0*

Every time an attempt is made to purchase the Prison option in upgrades the game suddenly crashes

### 5/5 — The best mobile game of all time

*2023-09-29, version 1.9.0*

God Bless you John E Hartzog. Please never remove this iOS holy grail from the App Store. However please add your other 2 masterpieces, SW2 & 3.

## Frequently asked questions about StickWars

### What is StickWars?

StickWars is a fast-paced action game where you defend your kingdom from an invading stick figure army. It requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking to succeed.

### What are the main features of StickWars?

Key features include unlimited rounds, the ability to shake your device to deploy bombers, multi-touch controls for casting spells like meteors, and using captured enemies to build defenses.

### Is StickWars free to play?

Yes, the game is free to download and play. It offers free in-app purchases, meaning you can enhance your gameplay experience through optional purchases.

### What kind of strategy is involved in StickWars?

The strategy involves effectively deploying your troops and utilizing spells to counter the invading stick figure army. You can also use captured enemies to bolster your defenses, adding a layer of resource management.

### What devices is StickWars compatible with?

Based on the description, the game is available for iPhone and iPod touch. It is designed for mobile devices that support touch controls.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9.0 — 2017-08-07

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

- 64 bit compatibility

### 1.8.9 — 2013-09-20

- Fixed bug in transferring saved game from lite to paid version

### 1.8.8 — 2013-06-08

- Removed OpenFeint
- Corrected Crash Bugs
- Added support for iPhone 5

### 1.8.6 — 2010-10-27

Fixed bug that prevented some iOS 4 users from using the game properly.

### 1.8.5 — 2010-09-08

- Fixed occasional freezes on iOS 4.
 - Native application for iPad as a universal binary. No more black bars around game!
 - Improved multitasking support for iOS 4…pick up your game exactly where you left off, even mid-level.
 - New wizard fireball spell animation.
 - Game now automatically rotates with your device.
 - Higher resolution icons and splash screens for iPad and iPhone 4.
 - Added leaderboards for all challenges.
 - Updated new game menu UI.

## Apps similar to StickWars

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cartoon Defense 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartoon-defense-2/id1279660060) | 4.4 (7) | Free | Games |
| [Cartoon Defense](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartoon-defense/id1279146055) | 3.1 (13) | Free | Games |
| [Tank Hero](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tank-hero/id438314348) | 4.7 (1,534) | $0.99 | Games |
| [Tap Knight - Idle Adventure](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tap-knight-idle-adventure/id1591690861) | 4.7 (90) | $0.99 | Games |
| [A Little War](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-little-war/id511841021) | 4.7 (10,537) | Free | Games |
| [Cartoon Defense 4](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartoon-defense-4/id1279113147) | 3.5 (22) | Free | Games |

## More apps by John E. Hartzog

- [StickWars Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stickwars-lite/id309528712)

All apps by John E. Hartzog: https://appshunter.io/developer/309527807

## Related topics

[stick wars](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/stick-wars) · [stick defense](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/stick-defense)

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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.*