# Really Bad Chess vs HARDSUM

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HARDSUM at none against Really Bad Chess's 2. HARDSUM also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, HARDSUM every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Really Bad Chess | HARDSUM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 125 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Zach Gage](https://appshunter.io/developer/294263418) | [Black Lotus Development Agency Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843846184) |

## 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


### HARDSUM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardsum/id6787540780)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, 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 HARDSUM free?

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

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

Really Bad Chess shows ads; HARDSUM does not.

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

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, and HARDSUM every 9 days. Most recently, Really Bad Chess was updated on October 20, 2026 and HARDSUM on October 10, 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.*