Comparison

Arkfront vs The First Ascent

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Arkfront

Guide humanity's last hope across the galaxy to a new home. Strategize in the hangar, customize ships and equipment, then engage in fast-paced arcade combat. Explore over 120 randomly generated levels, gather resources, and upgrade your arsenal for survival.

Highlights
  • Strategic hangar preparation
  • Customizable ship loadouts
  • Randomly generated campaigns
  • Fast-paced arcade action
  • Multiple game modes
  • Resource gathering and research
Features
Read full description

Guide your colony across the galaxy to reach Eden, the new home for mankind. “If you enjoy shooters with unique strategic twists then don’t hesitate to give Arkfront a shot…” - TouchArcade “…there’s sure to be heaps of content for you to work through on your way to finding that intergalactic paradise.” - PocketGamer “Arkfront is a MUST-HAVE!” - SnapAttack Supports: GameCenter achievements iCloud save syncing Haptic response during gameplay Plan ahead in the hangar, customize loadouts with upgradable equipment and ships, spend riches on new gear and research. Then plot your course through the Galactic Map towards Eden, defending the ARK and the future of humanity along with it. Gather resources and experience to use on future attempts. The campaign offers more than 120 levels to increase the diversity of each attempt. Find events for higher rewards and outposts for shopping and repairing along your way. FAST-PACED ACTION: Mobile first controls make high-paced arcade action simple to play, but hard to master. GALACTIC MAP: The Galactic Map system randomly generates new campaigns. Pulling from a collection of over 120 levels, each attempt is always unique. PREPARE: Build your custom loadout slots using the gear you want and set-off across the galaxy. Each attempt grants experience and coins to use on unlocking or leveling up powerups. 9 ships, 7 unique powerups, turrets, shield upgrades and 4 supers are available through the galaxy. WAYS TO PLAY: Play the campaign, a weekly challenge level, or alternative game modes like Countdown, Endless and Boss Rush. Arkfront demands short-term skill, medium-term preparation, and long-term planning in order to survive. SUPPORT: Twitter: @arkfront_game Email: shamus@arkfront.net

About

The First Ascent

Features
Read full description

“The first ascent” is an immersive climbing adventure where players scale treacherous mountains, sheer cliff faces, and mysterious vertical landscapes in their quest to reach the top. From dark caves to outer space, each level introduces new challenges and environmental hazards like hotwind, falling blizzards, mostly unstable obstacles. Strategic planning, quick reflexes, and precision are the keys to reaching the summit. Upgrade your character and unlock new climbers with unique skills, and collect the useful items along your route. Whether you're racing the clock or exploring at your own pace, "The first ascent" promises a vertical adventure like no other.

Screenshots

Arkfront4 screens
The First Ascent4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: The First Ascent at Free against Arkfront's $3.99. Arkfront's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 13.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

The First Ascent is free to download; Arkfront costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Arkfront ships an update monthly, The First Ascent every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on June 9, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Arkfront versus The First Ascent: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArkfrontThe First Ascent
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.1 (32 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews68.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings32 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size175 MB134 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperIntensity Faucet Games, Inc.Chi Nguyen

In-app purchases

None

Arkfront

No in-app purchases

None

The First Ascent

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Arkfront free?
Arkfront costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is The First Ascent free?
The First Ascent is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Arkfront or The First Ascent have ads?
Neither Arkfront nor The First Ascent shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Arkfront or The First Ascent?
Arkfront ships an update monthly, and The First Ascent every 5 months. Most recently, Arkfront was updated on June 9, 2026 and The First Ascent on September 20, 2026.

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