# Sub Zero vs Ronin

The clearest difference is price: Ronin at Free against Sub Zero's $0.99. Ronin also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 24 months). Sub Zero's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 18) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Ronin is free to download; Sub Zero costs $0.99 up front. Ronin sells 18 one-off in-app purchases. Sub Zero asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sub Zero ships an update every 24 months, Ronin monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sub Zero | Ronin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (3.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ronin-the-last-samurai/id1534821475/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3.3K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 478 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.6** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Software101](https://appshunter.io/developer/381972019) | [Dreamotion Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1151708423) |

## What reviewers say

### Sub Zero

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sub-zero/id1070265241)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ronin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ronin-the-last-samurai/id1534821475)

Embark on a revenge quest as a disgraced samurai in a war-torn Japan. Master a console-quality parry system, engage in tense, roguelike battles, and upgrade your character, pets, and weapons. Experience the beauty of ink wash-style graphics and face challenging bosses.

**Highlights:** Console-quality parry system, Roguelike action battles, Upgradable characters, pets, and weapons, Ink wash-style graphics, Challenging boss fights, Visceral sword combat

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gem x120 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gem x120 (Monthly Offer) | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer - 1200 #1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Traveler’s Backpack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer - 2500 #1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Magic Chest Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Gem x590 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Path of the Warrior | $4.99 | one-time |
| Guide's Gift | $4.99 | one-time |
| Gem x590 (Monthly Offer) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Merchant License | $5.99 | one-time |
| Path of the Warrior | $5.99 | one-time |
| Ronin’s Journey Backpack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Gem x1200 (Monthly Offer) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer - 12000 #1 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Gem x2500 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Gem x2500 (Monthly Offer) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Gem x12000 | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔥 Excellent combat system
- 🎨 Beautiful art style
- 🤖 Challenging but rewarding gameplay
- 💰 Generous free-to-play model
- 🕹️ Smooth and responsive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Difficult counter flash timing
- 🛒 Gear progression can feel grindy
- 💰 Fusion system is RNG-heavy
- 🔋 Energy system can limit playtime
- 🤖 Difficulty spike in later chapters

**Reported bugs**

- Stuck at 70% loading screen
- Losing progress after closing the app
- Wired sound effects that can't be turned off

**Requested features**

- Add more weapons, characters, and bosses
- Implement player-vs-player mode
- Introduce story mode or campaign
- Allow customization of control layout
- Add faction-based or guild-based content


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sub Zero free?

Sub Zero costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ronin free?

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

### Do Sub Zero or Ronin have ads?

Ronin shows ads; Sub Zero does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sub Zero or Ronin?

Sub Zero ships an update every 24 months, and Ronin monthly. Most recently, Sub Zero was updated on October 19, 2026 and Ronin on October 25, 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.*