# Nova Empire vs SpaceTapDuel

The clearest difference is price: Nova Empire at Free against SpaceTapDuel's $2.99. Nova Empire also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.2). SpaceTapDuel's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 weeks). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Nova Empire is free to download; SpaceTapDuel costs $2.99 up front. Nova Empire sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. SpaceTapDuel asks for nothing beyond the download.

Nova Empire ships an update every 6 weeks, SpaceTapDuel every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nova Empire | SpaceTapDuel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.3 (5.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-empire-space-wars-mmo/id1295555672/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.8 GB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) | [ANDREW PAUL BECKETT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793860591) |

## What reviewers say

### Nova Empire

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-empire-space-wars-mmo/id1295555672)

Engage in epic galactic warfare with players worldwide in this next-generation online space strategy game. Build and customize your space station, design powerful fleets, and form alliances to conquer sectors of space. Experience real-time battles and strategic gameplay with stunning HD graphics.

**Highlights:** Real-time galactic battles, Alliance system for sector control, Fleet design and customization, Space station building, Recruit elite admirals, HD graphics and sound

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tiny Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bonus Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Ultra Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Prime Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Huge Pack | $49.99 | one-time |
| Epic Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Dominator Pack | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent graphics and gameplay
- 🔒 Secure and stable connection
- 👍 Engaging alliance and community features
- 🚀 Smooth progression for free-to-play players

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and connection issues
- ⏱️ Extremely long build/upgrade times
- 💰 Aggressive monetization and pay-to-win mechanics
- 🔒 Poor customer support and lack of responsiveness

**Reported bugs**

- Shields randomly deactivating during wars
- Disappearing ships and lost progress after crashes
- Inability to leave or switch alliances due to glitches

**Requested features**

- Ability to transfer resources between alliance members
- More diplomacy options between alliances
- Improved tutorial and onboarding for new players
- Larger and more diverse galaxy to explore


### SpaceTapDuel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacetapduel/id6743118613)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nova Empire free?

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

### Is SpaceTapDuel free?

SpaceTapDuel costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Nova Empire or SpaceTapDuel have ads?

Neither Nova Empire nor SpaceTapDuel shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nova Empire or SpaceTapDuel?

Nova Empire ships an update every 6 weeks, and SpaceTapDuel every 2 days. Most recently, Nova Empire was updated on November 5, 2026 and SpaceTapDuel on October 30, 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.*