# REDCON vs First Strike

The clearest difference is ads: REDCON at none against First Strike's shown. REDCON also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 49%). First Strike's advantage is ratings volume (9K vs 1.1K) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. REDCON sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and First Strike sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

First Strike holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: First Strike has 9K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of REDCON's written reviews are positive against 49% of First Strike's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | REDCON | First Strike |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/redcon/id1091375305/reviews) | **[4.5 (9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-strike-nuclear-rts/id1434281598/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **9K** |
| Positive reviews | **62.8% of reviews** | 48.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 48 MB | 276 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [David Peroutka](https://appshunter.io/developer/317379085) | [Blindflug](https://appshunter.io/developer/893118737) |

## What reviewers say

### REDCON

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/redcon/id1091375305)

Command your fortress in a perpetual war, managing resources and directing troops to defend against enemies and achieve objectives. Strategize with active pause, customize your base, and deploy a vast arsenal to conquer your foes.

**Highlights:** Build and customize battle fortress, Use Active Pause for strategic orders, Command vast arsenal of weapons, Manage ammo, power, and manpower, Replay levels and farm perks, Infiltrate, Annihilate, or grind targets

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| REDCON 2+ | $1.99 | one-time |
| REDCON 1+ | $1.99 | one-time |
| REDCON 1++ | $3.99 | one-time |
| REDCON 3 | $5.99 | one-time |
| REDCON 2 | $7.99 | one-time |
| REDCON 1 | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Unique and engaging gameplay
- 👍 Well-designed user interface
- 💡 Interesting story and world-building
- 🚀 Challenging but rewarding experience
- 👍 Satisfying progression and sense of accomplishment

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paywall to access full game content
- 🐛 Difficulty spikes and unbalanced levels
- 🔒 Limited replay value after completing campaign
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and technical issues

**Reported bugs**

- Restore purchases not working
- Inconsistent enemy AI behavior
- Graphical glitches on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Multiplayer mode
- Sandbox/custom level editor
- Difficulty options or customization
- Ability to replay completed levels
- Expanded story and additional campaigns


### First Strike

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-strike-nuclear-rts/id1434281598)

Lead a nuclear superpower in this intense 1v1 multiplayer RTS. Launch rockets, manage resources, and outsmart rivals in online battles for global dominance. Every decision risks survival in this fast-paced strategy game.

**Highlights:** Intense Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Global Domination, Advanced Weaponry, Multiplayer Battles, Strategic Alliances, Realistic Geopolitics, Planet Destruction Simulator

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nuclear Club | $2.99 | per month |
| Mexico | $0.99 | one-time |
| South Africa | $0.99 | one-time |
| Israel | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pakistan | $0.99 | one-time |
| Brazil | $1.99 | one-time |
| Australia | $1.99 | one-time |
| United Kingdom | $2.99 | one-time |
| Russia | $2.99 | one-time |
| China | $4.99 | one-time |
| United States | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Good game, fast-paced
- 👍 Fun and creative gameplay
- 👍 Challenging and strategic
- 🚀 Quick matches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paywall for most content
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Multiplayer issues and disconnects
- 🐛 Unresponsive controls
- 🐛 Progression reset after updates

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezes after winning
- Unable to quit or restart games
- Black screen on launch
- Diplomacy/alliance system not working
- Inconsistent missile damage and ADS functionality

**Requested features**

- Add sandbox/custom game mode
- Improve tutorial and onboarding
- More free content and unlockable nations
- Better multiplayer stability and features
- Streamline UI and controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is REDCON free?

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

### Is First Strike free?

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

### Which has better reviews, REDCON or First Strike?

First Strike is rated higher. REDCON averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while First Strike averages 4.5 from 9K ratings.

### Do REDCON or First Strike have ads?

First Strike shows ads; REDCON does not.

### Which is updated more often, REDCON or First Strike?

REDCON ships an update monthly, and First Strike monthly. Most recently, REDCON was updated on October 26, 2026 and First Strike on October 26, 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.*