# Stellaris vs Shadowbox Tactics

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shadowbox Tactics at none against Stellaris's 10. Shadowbox Tactics also leads on ads (none vs shown). Stellaris's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stellaris sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Shadowbox Tactics asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stellaris | Shadowbox Tactics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.4 GB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) | [Dayton Thorpe](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790003913) |

## 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 (10)**

| 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 |
| Medium Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $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


### Shadowbox Tactics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowbox-tactics/id6790659920)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stellaris free?

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

### Is Shadowbox Tactics free?

Shadowbox Tactics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Stellaris or Shadowbox Tactics have ads?

Stellaris shows ads; Shadowbox Tactics does not.

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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.*
