# Retro Commander vs Space Pixel Swarm

The clearest difference is rating: Space Pixel Swarm at 4.6 against Retro Commander's 3.8. Space Pixel Swarm also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). Retro Commander's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Space Pixel Swarm holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 21 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 81% and 82% positive.

Retro Commander ships an update every 2 months, Space Pixel Swarm every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retro Commander | Space Pixel Swarm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-commander/id1274342935/reviews) | **[4.6 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-pixel-swarm/id1611870560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | **81.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 152 MB | 218 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Noble Master LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/310121642) | [David Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/1611870562) |

## 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 |


### Space Pixel Swarm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-pixel-swarm/id1611870560)

Engage in an offline, single-player 2D space real-time strategy game. Overcome overwhelming odds by making difficult strategic choices, sacrificing planets to bolster your fleet, or fortifying your defenses. Enjoy diverse units, configurable AI, and a unique desperation mechanic.

**Highlights:** Offline single-player RTS, Procedural skirmish mode, Configurable swarm AI, Desperation mechanic: lost planets fuel forces, 29 campaign levels, Diverse unit types, Multiple enemy variations

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Buy 20 Merits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 Merits | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retro Commander free?

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

### Is Space Pixel Swarm free?

Space Pixel Swarm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Retro Commander or Space Pixel Swarm?

Space Pixel Swarm is rated higher. Retro Commander averages 3.8 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Space Pixel Swarm averages 4.6 from 21 ratings.

### Do Retro Commander or Space Pixel Swarm have ads?

Space Pixel Swarm shows ads; Retro Commander does not.

### Which is updated more often, Retro Commander or Space Pixel Swarm?

Retro Commander ships an update every 2 months, and Space Pixel Swarm every 4 days. Most recently, Retro Commander was updated on October 29, 2026 and Space Pixel Swarm on October 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*