# MicroWars vs Strain

The clearest difference is ads: Strain at none against MicroWars's shown. Strain also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MicroWars sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Strain sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MicroWars ships an update every 2 months, Strain daily. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MicroWars | Strain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (10K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microwars/id1471317275/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **10K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 34.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 94 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Benoit Freslon](https://appshunter.io/developer/428781119) | [Wisdom Entertainment LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1025337031) |

## What reviewers say

### MicroWars

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microwars/id1471317275)

Engage in strategic microscopic battles where you command cells to conquer opponents. Collect resources, upgrade your units, and devise invasion plans to capture enemy bases and expand your territory. Outwit your rivals by building defenses and launching timely offensives.

**Highlights:** Microscopic battleground gameplay, Command and conquer cells, Resource collection and upgrades, Strategic invasion planning, Defensive and offensive tactics, Board-based conquest

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No ads | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 💡 Customizable characters
- 🚀 Quick game sessions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Repetitive levels
- 🔋 Excessive ads
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 💰 Paid features don't work as expected

**Reported bugs**

- Game resets progress on restart
- Impossible level 40 and 130
- Ads play over gameplay

**Requested features**

- More challenging AI opponents
- Ability to reinforce controlled cells
- Disable timer option
- More unique levels and characters
- Improved memory mini-game


### Strain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strain-cell-conquest/id6816558816)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vial of Plasma | $1.99 | one-time |
| Flask of Plasma | $4.99 | one-time |
| Founder Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Tank of Plasma | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MicroWars free?

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

### Is Strain free?

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

### Do MicroWars or Strain have ads?

MicroWars shows ads; Strain does not.

### Which is updated more often, MicroWars or Strain?

MicroWars ships an update every 2 months, and Strain daily. Most recently, MicroWars was updated on October 30, 2026 and Strain on October 26, 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.*