# Really Bad Chess vs 4x4 Chess

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 4x4 Chess at 100% against Really Bad Chess's 46%. 4x4 Chess also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Really Bad Chess's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (1.6K vs 3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Really Bad Chess sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. 4x4 Chess asks for nothing beyond the download.

4x4 Chess holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Really Bad Chess has 1.6K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of Really Bad Chess's written reviews are positive against 100% of 4x4 Chess's.

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, 4x4 Chess every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Really Bad Chess | 4x4 Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4x4-chess/id1329346327/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 46.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 125 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Zach Gage](https://appshunter.io/developer/294263418) | [Daisuke Shinzato](https://appshunter.io/developer/1329176830) |

## What reviewers say

### Really Bad Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921)

This app reimagines chess with completely randomized pieces, offering a fresh strategic challenge. It's perfect for both seasoned players seeking a new puzzle and beginners looking to learn the fundamentals in a fun, accessible way.

**Highlights:** Randomized chess piece sets, AI opponent challenges, Ranked, Daily, and Weekly modes, Freeplay practice mode, Local multiplayer (with IAP), Alternate color palettes (with IAP)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 Undos | $0.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Unlock | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive and fun gameplay
- 🤔 Unique and innovative concept
- 👍 Challenging and engaging
- ⭐ Great way to learn chess

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🕰️ Slow AI response times
- 💰 Paywalls for essential features
- 📺 Intrusive and excessive ads
- 🔁 Repetitive AI moves leading to stalemates

**Reported bugs**

- Pieces unable to move as per chess rules
- Game freezes and crashes
- Incorrect checkmate detection

**Requested features**

- Add draw conditions and stalemate rules
- Implement online/multiplayer mode
- Provide more difficulty settings
- Allow custom piece arrangements
- Sync progress across devices


### 4x4 Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4x4-chess/id1329346327)

Experience a fast-paced, simplified version of chess on a 4x4 board. Games conclude in about a minute, making it perfect for quick play sessions. This accessible variant is designed for both beginners and experienced players seeking a new challenge.

**Highlights:** 4x4 chessboard, Random piece arrangement, Quick 1-minute games, Beginner-friendly gameplay, Accessible chess variant

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Really Bad Chess free?

Really Bad Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is 4x4 Chess free?

4x4 Chess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Really Bad Chess or 4x4 Chess?

4x4 Chess is rated higher. Really Bad Chess averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while 4x4 Chess averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Really Bad Chess or 4x4 Chess have ads?

Both Really Bad Chess and 4x4 Chess show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Really Bad Chess or 4x4 Chess?

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, and 4x4 Chess every 7 months. Most recently, Really Bad Chess was updated on September 23, 2026 and 4x4 Chess on September 9, 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.*