# Retro Commander vs Trenches

The clearest difference is monetization model: Retro Commander at free against Trenches's free with in-app purchases. Retro Commander also leads on rating (3.8 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Retro Commander sells 14 one-off in-app purchases and Trenches sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retro Commander holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Retro Commander's written reviews are positive against 64% of Trenches's.

Retro Commander ships an update every 2 months, Trenches every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retro Commander | Trenches |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-commander/id1274342935/reviews)** | [3.5 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trenches-arcade/id1602548816/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **17** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 63.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 151 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Noble Master LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/310121642) | [James Lingo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1303899733) |

## What reviewers say

### Retro Commander

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-commander/id1274342935)

Engage in post-apocalyptic real-time strategy battles. Command diverse units and technologies in a rich story campaign or test your skills against AI and players in cross-platform multiplayer. Features include a map editor and extensive modding capabilities.

**Highlights:** Post-apocalyptic RTS gameplay, Story campaign with unique factions, Single-player skirmish matches vs AI, Cross-platform multiplayer, Map editor and modding support, Diverse units and research options, Multiple game modes (capture the flag, battle royale)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Map: Chapter 02 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map: Battle Map 02 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map: Battle Map 05 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Clan Manager | $1.99 | one-time |
| Map: Chapter 03 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Chapter 08 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Battle Map A1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Chapter 04 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Chapter 06 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Chapter 07 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Battle Map 03 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Map: Battle Map 04 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Modded Maps | $4.99 | one-time |
| All Maps & Modding | $19.99 | one-time |


### Trenches

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trenches-arcade/id1602548816)

Experience World War 1 combat in this retro-style arcade game. Fight for your country's honor by advancing through enemy trenches or defending your own. This pixilated simulation offers thrilling gameplay and classic sound effects for an immersive experience.

**Highlights:** World War 1 setting, Retro-style graphics, Classic sound effects, Trench warfare gameplay, Strategy and skill-based combat

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BPG Bucks: 4000 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Infantry | $9.99 | one-time |
| Infinite Bullets | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retro Commander free?

Retro Commander is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Trenches free?

Trenches is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Retro Commander or Trenches?

Retro Commander is rated higher. Retro Commander averages 3.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Trenches averages 3.5 from 17 ratings.

### Do Retro Commander or Trenches have ads?

Neither Retro Commander nor Trenches shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Retro Commander or Trenches?

Retro Commander ships an update every 2 months, and Trenches every 6 months. Most recently, Retro Commander was updated on October 6, 2026 and Trenches on October 7, 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.*