# Hades' Star vs Stellaris

The clearest difference is ads: Hades' Star at none against Stellaris's shown. Hades' Star also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (55% vs 31%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hades' Star sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Stellaris sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hades' Star holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3K and 1.6K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Hades' Star's written reviews are positive against 31% of Stellaris's.

Hades' Star ships an update every 3 months, Stellaris every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hades' Star | Stellaris |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hades-star/id1058502954/reviews)** | [4.0 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stellaris-galaxy-command/id1455954927/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 1.6K |
| Positive reviews | **55.1% of reviews** | 31.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 379 MB | 1.4 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Parallel Space Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/760171546) | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) |

## What reviewers say

### Hades' Star

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hades-star/id1058502954)

Build and expand a space empire in a persistent, evolving galaxy. Colonize planets, research technology, command fleets, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with millions of players. Participate in cooperative and competitive missions to gather resources and dominate the cosmos.

**Highlights:** Colonize and develop planets, Research advanced technology, Build and customize starship fleets, Engage in player diplomacy and cooperation, Participate in Red and Blue Star missions, Form Corporations for strategic gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hades' Star Platinum | $9.99 | per month |
| CRYSTAL PACK - SMALL | $2.99 | one-time |
| STARTER PACK | $4.99 | one-time |
| CRYSTAL SHIPMENTS | $4.99 | one-time |
| CRYSTAL PACK - MEDIUM | $9.99 | one-time |
| HYDROGEN TRANSMISSION | $9.99 | one-time |
| CRYSTAL PACK - LARGE | $19.99 | one-time |
| STARTER PACK 2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| CRYSTAL PACK - HUGE | $49.99 | one-time |
| CRYSTAL PACK - EPIC | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Awesome game
- 🕰️ Relaxing, slow-paced gameplay
- 👥 Great community and teamwork
- 🚫 No pay-to-win mechanics
- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and design

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Slow progression and upgrade process
- 🤖 Unbalanced AI and matchmaking issues
- 🔄 Repetitive gameplay and lack of variety
- 🔌 Connectivity and server stability problems
- 🔧 Bugs and glitches after updates

**Reported bugs**

- Login and account linking issues
- Crashes and freezes after updates
- Unreliable timers and resource generation

**Requested features**

- Offline mode or passive resource generation
- More ship types and customization options
- Improved corporation features and coordination
- Faster-paced PvP modes and events
- Expanded exploration and content updates


### Stellaris

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stellaris-galaxy-command/id1455954927)

Lead the rebuilding of galactic civilization after an inter-dimensional invasion. Build your space station, explore star systems, form alliances, and wage war in a real-time universe with thousands of players. Experience an epic sci-fi story with strategic gameplay.

**Highlights:** Space station construction and customization, Form and join alliances, Intergalactic trade systems, Fleet design and warfare, Explore a real-time universe, Engage in event chains and uncover mysteries

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GCC (Mini) | $0.99 | one-time |
| Small Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| GCC (Small) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| GCC (Medium) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| GCC (Large) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Huge Pack | $29.99 | one-time |
| Battle Pass (Elite) | $29.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack | $49.99 | one-time |
| Ultra Pack | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 😂 Chaotic but fun
- 🤑 Rewarding for free-to-play players
- 🤝 Good alliance and community features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤑 Heavily pay-to-win
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔄 Repetitive and grindy
- 🧭 Lack of in-game guidance and instructions
- 🏃‍♂️ Server merges and shutdowns

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to access solar systems
- Account data loss and resets
- Connectivity and server issues

**Requested features**

- More in-depth gameplay and strategy
- Improved UI and navigation
- Ability to customize ships and fleets
- Meaningful single-player content


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hades' Star free?

Hades' Star is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Stellaris free?

Stellaris is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Hades' Star or Stellaris?

Hades' Star is rated higher. Hades' Star averages 4.4 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while Stellaris averages 4.0 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do Hades' Star or Stellaris have ads?

Stellaris shows ads; Hades' Star does not.

### Which is updated more often, Hades' Star or Stellaris?

Hades' Star ships an update every 3 months, and Stellaris every 2 months. Most recently, Hades' Star was updated on October 24, 2026 and Stellaris on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*