# Stellaris vs Star Elite Galaxy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Star Elite Galaxy at none against Stellaris's 12. Star Elite Galaxy also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Stellaris's advantage is review sentiment (31% vs 0%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 34 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stellaris sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Star Elite Galaxy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Stellaris ships an update every 2 months, Star Elite Galaxy every 34 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stellaris | Star Elite Galaxy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stellaris-galaxy-command/id1455954927/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **31.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 34 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 1.4 GB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) | [Galatic Droids](https://appshunter.io/developer/806182439) |

## What reviewers say

### Stellaris

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stellaris-galaxy-command/id1455954927)

Lead the rebuilding of galactic civilization after an inter-dimensional invasion. Build your space station, explore star systems, form alliances, and wage war in a real-time universe with thousands of players. Experience an epic sci-fi story with strategic gameplay.

**Highlights:** Space station construction and customization, Form and join alliances, Intergalactic trade systems, Fleet design and warfare, Explore a real-time universe, Engage in event chains and uncover mysteries

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GCC (Mini) | $0.99 | one-time |
| Small Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| GCC (Small) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| GCC (Medium) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| GCC (Large) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Huge Pack | $29.99 | one-time |
| Battle Pass (Elite) | $29.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack | $49.99 | one-time |
| Ultra Pack | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 😂 Chaotic but fun
- 🤑 Rewarding for free-to-play players
- 🤝 Good alliance and community features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤑 Heavily pay-to-win
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔄 Repetitive and grindy
- 🧭 Lack of in-game guidance and instructions
- 🏃‍♂️ Server merges and shutdowns

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to access solar systems
- Account data loss and resets
- Connectivity and server issues

**Requested features**

- More in-depth gameplay and strategy
- Improved UI and navigation
- Ability to customize ships and fleets
- Meaningful single-player content


### Star Elite Galaxy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-elite-galaxy/id1511166228)

Pilot an advanced starship, enforce galactic peace, and destroy enemies using powerful weapons and shields. Rise through the ranks from a lowly crewman by clearing sectors and managing ship resources like energy and repairs.

**Highlights:** Pilot advanced starships, Engage in space combat, Manage ship resources (energy, repairs), Upgrade through ranks, Utilize various weapons and shields, Explore galactic sectors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stellaris free?

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

### Is Star Elite Galaxy free?

Star Elite Galaxy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Stellaris or Star Elite Galaxy have ads?

Both Stellaris and Star Elite Galaxy show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Stellaris or Star Elite Galaxy?

Stellaris ships an update every 2 months, and Star Elite Galaxy every 34 months. Most recently, Stellaris was updated on October 24, 2026 and Star Elite Galaxy on October 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.*