# Decode the Code vs Spades by Staple Games

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decode the Code | Spades by Staple Games |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decode-the-code/id1421984663/reviews) | **[4.8 (8.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-by-staple-games/id6447909127/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **8.3K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 58.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 160 MB | 151 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Square Lion LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222755999) | [Staple Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1454538415) |

## What reviewers say

### Decode the Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decode-the-code/id1421984663)

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.

**Highlights:** Code-breaking gameplay, Unlockable content packs, Hard Mode challenges, Stats tracking, Friend comparisons, Limited-time packs

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| 55 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 120 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |


### Spades by Staple Games

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-by-staple-games/id6447909127)

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.

**Highlights:** Clean, minimal design, Easy-to-use interface, Intelligent AI opponents, Adaptive teammate AI, Distraction-free gameplay

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⚡ Fast-paced gameplay
- 🎮 Simple and clean interface
- 🤖 Decent AI opponents

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤖 Frustrating AI partner behavior
- 📢 Excessive ads after every round
- 🎨 Small card sizes

**Reported bugs**

- AI partner makes illogical plays
- Unable to lead with spades when no other suit is available

**Requested features**

- Option to remove ads for a fee
- Improved AI partner logic
- Customization options (e.g., dark mode, game settings)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decode the Code free?

Decode the Code is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Spades by Staple Games free?

Spades by Staple Games is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Decode the Code or Spades by Staple Games?

Spades by Staple Games is rated higher. Decode the Code averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Spades by Staple Games averages 4.8 from 8.3K ratings.

### Do Decode the Code or Spades by Staple Games have ads?

Both Decode the Code and Spades by Staple Games show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Decode the Code or Spades by Staple Games?

Decode the Code ships an update every 2 months, and Spades by Staple Games every 2 months. Most recently, Decode the Code was updated on October 2, 2026 and Spades by Staple Games on October 15, 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.*