# Hack Ex 2 vs Shadow Node

The clearest difference is rating: Shadow Node at 5.0 against Hack Ex 2's 4.4. Hack Ex 2's advantage is ratings volume (93 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hack Ex 2 sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Shadow Node sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shadow Node holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hack Ex 2 has 93 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Hack Ex 2 ships an update every 6 days, Shadow Node weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hack Ex 2 | Shadow Node |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (93 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hack-ex-2-hacking-simulator/id1584560010/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-node-idle-hacker/id6759072485/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **93** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 49.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 132 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CNC Apps, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1263197795) | [NETBYTE UG (haftungsbeschränkt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854412817) |

## What reviewers say

### Hack Ex 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hack-ex-2-hacking-simulator/id1584560010)

Engage in real-time multiplayer hacking battles. Scan targets, exploit their defenses, steal virtual crypto, and build your hacking arsenal. Join crews for coordinated raids and climb the leaderboards to become the top hacker.

**Highlights:** Real-time multiplayer hacking, PvP raids and daily missions, Scan and exploit targets, Build and upgrade hacking tools, Steal and stash virtual crypto, Crew up for coordinated attacks, Climb leaderboards and ranks

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hacker Pass | $4.99 | per month |
| Elite Pass | $9.99 | per month |
| 100 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 210 Credits | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter Kit | $2.99 | one-time |
| 550 Credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1150 Credits | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2350 Credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| 6000 Credits | $49.99 | one-time |


### Shadow Node

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-node-idle-hacker/id6759072485)

Infiltrate global networks and breach high-security servers to mine data fragments. Progress even while offline with your botnet, and invest in upgrades to increase your hacking efficiency. Unlock permanent bonuses through a strategic prestige system to ascend to hacker supremacy.

**Highlights:** Progressive Hacking Network, Idle Gameplay with Botnet, Deep Upgrade System, Strategic Prestige System, Milestones & Achievements, Immersive Cyberpunk Atmosphere

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hack Ex 2 free?

Hack Ex 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Shadow Node free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Hack Ex 2 or Shadow Node?

Shadow Node is rated higher. Hack Ex 2 averages 4.4 out of 5 from 93 ratings, while Shadow Node averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Hack Ex 2 or Shadow Node have ads?

Both Hack Ex 2 and Shadow Node show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hack Ex 2 or Shadow Node?

Hack Ex 2 ships an update every 6 days, and Shadow Node weekly. Most recently, Hack Ex 2 was updated on November 14, 2026 and Shadow Node on November 9, 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.*