# Operation vs Stellaris

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Operation at 53% against Stellaris's 31%. Operation also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and rating (4.2 vs 4.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Operation sells 22 one-off in-app purchases and Stellaris sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Operation holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 616 and 1.6K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Operation's written reviews are positive against 31% of Stellaris's.

Operation ships an update every 2 weeks, Stellaris every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Operation | Stellaris |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (616 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/operation-new-earth/id1098898838/reviews)** | [4.0 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stellaris-galaxy-command/id1455954927/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 616 | **1.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **52.7% of reviews** | 31.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 262 MB | 1.4 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Tilting Point LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1095401785) | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) |

## What reviewers say

### Operation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/operation-new-earth/id1098898838)

Defend Earth from a massive alien invasion in this sci-fi multiplayer strategy game. Build your base, raise an army, and command powerful heroes to retake the planet. Form alliances and engage in real-time faction wars against both aliens and hostile humans.

**Highlights:** Build and upgrade military facility, Train specialized army units, Command and capture enemy heroes, Chat, trade, and invite players, Join alliances for strategic warfare, Engage in real-time faction wars

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

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bronze Supply Drop | $0.99 | one-time |
| Iron Supply Drop | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate Starter Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Gold Supply Drop | $2.99 | one-time |
| Bronze Shard Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Epic Bronze Booster Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Growth Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |
| Silver Shard Bundle | $29.99 | one-time |
| Gold Shard Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Shard Bundle | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Hero Equipment Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Invader Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Launcher Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Interceptor Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Cyber Bundle | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Behemoth Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Mobile Cannon Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Battle Disc Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Covert Agent Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Attack Rover Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Falcon Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Heavy Mech Bundle | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Enjoyable strategy elements
- 🤝 Good alliance system
- 💡 Potential for improvement

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Pay-to-win mechanics
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🕰️ Slow progression and long upgrade times
- 🤺 Bullying and imbalance between players

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and connection issues
- Inability to update or download new versions
- Glitches with UI and in-game mechanics

**Requested features**

- Improved shielding and protection options
- Expanded map and zoom functionality
- Better resource production and gathering
- More balanced matchmaking and region merges


### 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 Operation free?

Operation 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, Operation or Stellaris?

Operation is rated higher. Operation averages 4.2 out of 5 from 616 ratings, while Stellaris averages 4.0 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do Operation or Stellaris have ads?

Both Operation and Stellaris show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Operation or Stellaris?

Operation ships an update every 2 weeks, and Stellaris every 2 months. Most recently, Operation was updated on September 22, 2026 and Stellaris on September 22, 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.*