# Honkai Impact 3rd vs SwordArtOnline

The clearest difference is ads: SwordArtOnline at none against Honkai Impact 3rd's shown. SwordArtOnline also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Honkai Impact 3rd's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (47K vs 12K). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Honkai Impact 3rd sells 12 one-off in-app purchases and SwordArtOnline sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Honkai Impact 3rd holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 47K and 12K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 69% and 69% positive.

Honkai Impact 3rd ships an update every 2 months, SwordArtOnline fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Honkai Impact 3rd | SwordArtOnline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (47K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/honkai-impact-3rd/id1336342304/reviews)** | [4.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swordartonline-integralfactor/id1347075404/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **47K** | 12K |
| Positive reviews | 68.6% of reviews | 68.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3.1 GB | 387 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599719156) | [Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/352305770) |

## What reviewers say

### Honkai Impact 3rd

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/honkai-impact-3rd/id1336342304)

Embark on a sci-fi adventure with stunning 3D graphics and dynamic combat. Team up with unique characters to explore new worlds and uncover mysteries. Experience an epic story with immersive events and a talented voice cast.

**Highlights:** 3D cel-shaded graphics, Real-time action combat, Infinite combo system, Intersecting storylines, Flexible team compositions, LITE system for daily tasks, New open maps

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 65 B-Chips | $0.99 | one-time |
| 330 Crystal Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| 330 B-Chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| 660+50 Crystals | $9.99 | one-time |
| 990 B-Chips | $14.99 | one-time |
| 1,320 Crystals | $19.99 | one-time |
| 1320+110 Crystals | $19.99 | one-time |
| 1,320 B-Chips | $19.99 | one-time |
| 1,980 B-Chips | $29.99 | one-time |
| 3,300 B-Chips | $49.99 | one-time |
| 3300+560 Crystals | $49.99 | one-time |
| 6600+1488 Crystals | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 🎨 Stunning graphics
- 📚 Engaging story
- 🎶 Excellent soundtrack
- 🎮 Fluid combat mechanics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 Gacha system can be expensive
- 🔍 Overwhelming menu and UI
- 🔋 High storage requirements
- 🕰️ Slow energy/stamina recovery
- 🔀 Repetitive mission types

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Inconsistent server connectivity
- Progress reset after updates

**Requested features**

- Add more playable male characters
- Improve camera controls and targeting
- Increase energy/stamina recovery rate
- Streamline UI and menu navigation
- Expand open-world exploration


### SwordArtOnline

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swordartonline-integralfactor/id1347075404)

Step into the world of Sword Art Online as the protagonist in this MMORPG. Team up with other players to conquer Aincrad, forge weapons, and experience an "what-if" story that diverges from the original anime.

**Highlights:** Become the protagonist, Cooperative MMORPG gameplay, Experience original SAO story from your POV, Forge weapons and use skills, Battle monsters and complete quests, Behind-the-scenes stories

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Boost Mode | $8.99 | per month |
| Arcanagem A | $0.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem B | $3.99 | one-time |
| 1H Sword Rookie's Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem C | $7.99 | one-time |
| Arcana Gem Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem D | $12.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem E | $26.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem F | $39.99 | one-time |
| Arcanagem G | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent graphics and visuals
- 👍 Engaging storyline and characters
- 🎮 Smooth and responsive gameplay
- 📱 Great mobile experience
- 🎨 Customizable character creation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔁 Repetitive and grindy gameplay
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🕰️ Slow progression and level grinding
- 🔇 Audio issues and sound cutting out

**Reported bugs**

- Bosses disappearing during battles
- Characters getting stuck and becoming invisible
- Inability to change servers or send messages to friends
- Arcana gems not being properly credited
- Constant update loop with no available updates

**Requested features**

- Controller support
- Ability to change partner character's appearance
- In-game trading system
- Player-vs-player (PvP) mode
- More diverse weapon and skill options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Honkai Impact 3rd free?

Honkai Impact 3rd is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SwordArtOnline free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Honkai Impact 3rd or SwordArtOnline?

Honkai Impact 3rd is rated higher. Honkai Impact 3rd averages 4.7 out of 5 from 47K ratings, while SwordArtOnline averages 4.4 from 12K ratings.

### Do Honkai Impact 3rd or SwordArtOnline have ads?

Honkai Impact 3rd shows ads; SwordArtOnline does not.

### Which is updated more often, Honkai Impact 3rd or SwordArtOnline?

Honkai Impact 3rd ships an update every 2 months, and SwordArtOnline fortnightly. Most recently, Honkai Impact 3rd was updated on September 25, 2026 and SwordArtOnline on September 24, 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.*