# Space Arena vs Stellaris

The clearest difference is rating: Space Arena at 4.7 against Stellaris's 4.0. Space Arena also leads on review sentiment (54% vs 31%) and ratings volume (18K vs 1.6K). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Space Arena sells 19 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.

Space Arena holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Space Arena has 18K ratings behind it against 1.6K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of Space Arena's written reviews are positive against 31% of Stellaris's.

Space Arena ships an update monthly, Stellaris every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Arena | Stellaris |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-arena-construct-and-fight/id1134614037/reviews)** | [4.0 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stellaris-galaxy-command/id1455954927/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 1.6K |
| Positive reviews | **54.5% of reviews** | 31.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 390 MB | 1.4 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [HC GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/482544510) | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Arena

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-arena-construct-and-fight/id1134614037)

Design and battle custom spaceships in a futuristic arena. Compete against other players worldwide to prove your design skills and climb the ranks. Unlock new blueprints and modules to create unique, powerful vessels for epic space combat.

**Highlights:** Unique gameplay, Unlockable spaceship blueprints, Masses of building modules, Beautiful space battles, Multiplayer ranking system

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (19)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Celestium Bundle #1 (Sale4) | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads + 20 Celestium | $2.09 | one-time |
| 300 Celestium (Sale) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Celestium Bundle #1 | $4.19 | one-time |
| Ship Wing + Bonus | $5.19 | one-time |
| Exclusive special pack | $5.19 | one-time |
| Pirates special offer! | $5.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $6.99 | one-time |
| Super good offer | $7.49 | one-time |
| Age Eagle ship | $8.49 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| Iota + bonus | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1350 Celestium (Sale) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Celestium Bundle #2 | $10.49 | one-time |
| Pirates special offer! | $10.49 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $12.99 | one-time |
| Pirates special offer! | $18.99 | one-time |
| Destroyer Vega Ship | $20.99 | one-time |
| Celestium Bundle #3 | $26.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Unique ship building mechanics
- 👍 Enjoyable gameplay
- 💡 Potential for strategy and customization
- 🚀 Decent progression without spending money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Matchmaking issues and unbalanced opponents
- ⏱️ Excessive repair times and waiting
- 💰 Pay-to-win elements and expensive upgrades
- 🐛 Inconsistent ship behavior and AI
- 🔍 Lack of visual feedback during battles

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and account data loss issues
- Glitches with daily challenges and rewards
- Incorrect or misleading in-app purchase offers

**Requested features**

- Add visual combat animations
- Improve matchmaking and ship balancing
- Reduce repair times or add alternative progression
- Allow ship rotation and more customization options
- Implement a sandbox mode for testing builds


### 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 Space Arena free?

Space Arena 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, Space Arena or Stellaris?

Space Arena is rated higher. Space Arena averages 4.7 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Stellaris averages 4.0 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do Space Arena or Stellaris have ads?

Both Space Arena and Stellaris show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Space Arena or Stellaris?

Space Arena ships an update monthly, and Stellaris every 2 months. Most recently, Space Arena was updated on September 24, 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.*