Decode the Code vs Spades by Staple Games
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Decode the Code
A puzzle game inspired by a classic board game where players guess a hidden code in limited attempts. Earn in-game currency to unlock new content and challenge yourself with harder modes. Track your progress and compare it with friends.
- Code-breaking gameplay
- Unlockable content packs
- Hard Mode challenges
- Stats tracking
- Friend comparisons
- Limited-time packs
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Based off of the Mastermind board game, Decode the Code is a new take on the classic puzzle game. In ten chances or less, try to crack the hidden code. Play more to get coins and unlock new packs to use during the game. Play Hard Mode for an extra challenge and win more coins. Keep track of your stats and compare them with friends. Buy special limited time packs that are always changing.
Spades by Staple Games
Enjoy a classic card game with a clean, minimalist interface. Play against intelligent AI opponents who adapt to your strategy, and a teammate that learns your playstyle. Perfect for quick, distraction-free games.
- Clean, minimal design
- Easy-to-use interface
- Intelligent AI opponents
- Adaptive teammate AI
- Distraction-free gameplay
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Looking for a Spades app that lets you play your favorite card game with ease? With its clean, minimal design and easy-to-use interface, our app is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a game of spades without any unnecessary distractions. But don't let our simple design fool you – our AI opponents will keep you on your toes. But not to worry, your teammate is great at adapting to any playstyle, and will make sure to bid and play with your usual strategy in mind. So why wait? Download our Spades app today and start playing!
Screenshots
Verdict
Decode the Code and Spades by Staple Games both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Decode the Code's written reviews are positive against 59% of Spades by Staple Games's. Spades by Staple Games's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ratings volume (8.3K vs 14). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Decode the Code sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Spades by Staple Games asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Decode the Code against 4.8 for Spades by Staple Games. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spades by Staple Games has 8.3K ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Decode the Code's written reviews are positive against 59% of Spades by Staple Games's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Decode the Code | Spades by Staple Games |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (14 ratings) | 4.8 (8.3K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 58.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14 | 8.3K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Ad-supported — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 160 MB | 151 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Square Lion LLC | Staple Games |
Customer experience
Decode the Code
Spades by Staple Games
Bugs and requests
Decode the Code
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Spades by Staple Games
Reported bugs
2 issues- AI partner makes illogical plays
- Unable to lead with spades when no other suit is available
Requested features
3 requests- Option to remove ads for a fee
- Improved AI partner logic
- Customization options (e.g., dark mode, game settings)
In-app purchases
Decode the Code
- 10 Coins$0.99
- Remove Ads$0.99
- Special Pack$0.99
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- 55 Coins$4.99
- 120 Coins$9.99
Spades by Staple Games
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Decode the Code free?
Is Spades by Staple Games free?
Which has better reviews, Decode the Code or Spades by Staple Games?
Do Decode the Code or Spades by Staple Games have ads?
Which is updated more often, Decode the Code or Spades by Staple Games?
Other comparisons
