# Really Bad Chess vs Hex Chess

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hex Chess at 100% against Really Bad Chess's 46%. Hex Chess also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Really Bad Chess's advantage is ratings volume (1.6K vs 9) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Hex 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 9, 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 Hex Chess's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and July 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Really Bad Chess | Hex Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921/reviews) | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hex-chess/id6743667749/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 46.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 125 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zach Gage](https://appshunter.io/developer/294263418) | [Sawyer Christensen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1803902058) |

## 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


### Hex Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hex-chess/id6743667749)

Experience a fresh take on chess with a hexagonal board and familiar pieces. Challenge yourself against AI or friends online. This game introduces new strategies and movement patterns for a modern chess experience.

**Highlights:** Hexagonal board gameplay, Familiar chess pieces, New strategies and movement, CPU practice mode, Online multiplayer against friends

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

**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 Hex Chess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Really Bad Chess or Hex Chess?

Hex Chess is rated higher. Really Bad Chess averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while Hex Chess averages 5.0 from 9 ratings.

### Do Really Bad Chess or Hex Chess have ads?

Really Bad Chess shows ads; Hex Chess does not.

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

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, and Hex Chess every 3 weeks. Most recently, Really Bad Chess was updated on September 23, 2026 and Hex Chess on July 20, 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.*