# SwordArtOnline vs ESPIONAGE

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SwordArtOnline at 69% against ESPIONAGE's 0%. SwordArtOnline also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (12K vs 11). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SwordArtOnline sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and ESPIONAGE sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SwordArtOnline holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SwordArtOnline has 12K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of SwordArtOnline's written reviews are positive against 0% of ESPIONAGE's.

SwordArtOnline ships an update fortnightly, ESPIONAGE weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SwordArtOnline | ESPIONAGE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swordartonline-integralfactor/id1347075404/reviews)** | [3.9 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/espionage-mafia-evolved/id1604484995/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | **68.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 387 MB | 733 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/352305770) | [Another Time](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604485267) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### ESPIONAGE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/espionage-mafia-evolved/id1604484995)

Engage in a thrilling social deduction game where players uncover hidden adversaries. This free-to-play experience supports cross-play and cross-progression, offering anonymous matches and frequent updates.

**Highlights:** 6-8 player matches, Cross-play between PC and mobile, Cross-progression, No pay-to-win, No ads, Anonymous modes, Achievements and rewards

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| E-Coins (100) | $0.99 | one-time |
| E-Coins (200) | $1.99 | one-time |
| E-Coins (500+100 Bonus) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Founder's Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| E-Coins (1000+300 Bonus) | $9.99 | one-time |
| E-Coins (2000+800 Bonus) | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SwordArtOnline free?

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

### Is ESPIONAGE free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SwordArtOnline or ESPIONAGE?

SwordArtOnline is rated higher. SwordArtOnline averages 4.4 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while ESPIONAGE averages 3.9 from 11 ratings.

### Do SwordArtOnline or ESPIONAGE have ads?

Neither SwordArtOnline nor ESPIONAGE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SwordArtOnline or ESPIONAGE?

SwordArtOnline ships an update fortnightly, and ESPIONAGE weekly. Most recently, SwordArtOnline was updated on September 27, 2026 and ESPIONAGE on July 17, 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.*