Comparison

Paper War vs Tessel

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

Head to head
About

Paper War

Experience a minimalist, single-player game set in the Three Kingdoms era. Guide a young character through their life's journey, choosing between conquering the realm or exploring freely.

Highlights
  • Minimalist design
  • Single-player gameplay
  • Three Kingdoms era setting
  • Life journey simulation
  • Choice-driven paths
Features
Read full description

This is a minimalist, single-player game set in the Three Kingdoms era. You will step into the shoes of a character on the verge of adulthood, following the path of history to complete his life's journey. Do you seek to conquer the realm, or simply roam the land at your leisure? Terms of Use (EULA): This game uses the Apple Standard License Agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Tessel

A relaxing yet strategic hex-based board game where players place uniquely shaped pieces. Compete against AI, friends locally, or players online. Utilize power tokens and unlock cosmetic customizations for a unique experience.

Highlights
  • Hex-based strategy gameplay
  • AI opponents with multiple difficulties
  • Online turn-based multiplayer
  • Local Pass and Play mode
  • Optional power tokens
  • Unlockable cosmetic themes
  • Save and resume games
Features
Read full description

TESSEL Discover TESSEL, a relaxing yet deeply strategic board game where every placement matters. Compete against challenging AI opponents, play locally with friends, or challenge players online in this elegant hex-based strategy experience. With customizable cosmetics, unique power tokens, and countless tactical possibilities, no two games are ever quite the same. STRATEGIC HEX-BASED GAMEPLAY In TESSEL, players take turns placing uniquely shaped pieces onto a hexagonal board. Every new piece must carefully balance expansion, positioning, and connection. Master the edge-placement rules, plan ahead, and outmaneuver your opponent to claim victory. The player with the fewest unused tiles at the end of the game wins. MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY * Play against AI opponents with multiple difficulty levels * Challenge friends in local Pass and Play mode * Compete online in turn-based multiplayer matches * Save games and resume them later from the Active Games hub UNIQUE POWER TOKENS Collect and activate powerful optional tokens to change the course of the game. * Free: Ignore normal placement restrictions for your next move * Bonus Turn: Take two turns in a row * Shape Shift: Add an extra tile to transform one of your pieces * Snare: Restrict your opponent’s next placement options Enable, disable, or randomize token locations in Settings to create the experience you want. CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Unlock and personalize your collection with beautiful cosmetic themes and sound packs inspired by natural materials and elegant craftsmanship. Choose from a growing collection of styles including: * Classic TESSEL * River Stone * Sage Ceramic * Sea Glass * Kintsugi * Aurora Glass * And more Customize appearances and sounds for yourself and your Solo mode opponents. LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE New to TESSEL? An interactive tutorial and illustrated How to Play guide make it easy to learn the fundamentals while introducing advanced mechanics step by step. FEATURES * Relaxing yet deeply strategic gameplay * Multiple AI difficulty levels * Online multiplayer * Local Pass and Play multiplayer * Interactive tutorial and illustrated guide * Optional power token system * Save and resume active games * Unlockable cosmetic collections * Detailed player statistics * Beautiful visuals and soothing sounds Whether you are looking for a peaceful solo challenge or a competitive battle of strategy, TESSEL offers an elegant experience that rewards thoughtful play and long-term mastery.

Screenshots

Paper War4 screens
Tessel4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Tessel at every 2 days against Paper War's every 6 weeks. Paper War's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.5). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Paper War sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month and Tessel sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Paper War ships an update every 6 weeks, Tessel every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Paper War versus Tessel: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPaper WarTessel
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.5
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB44 MB
Age rating9+12+
Developer望龙 王MELANIE SHEILA CADET

Customer experience

Paper War

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Tessel

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Paper War

Subscriptions1
  • Cards that ignore ads$0.991 Month
4 purchases

Tessel

One-time4
  • Kintsugi Skin$1.99
  • Aurora Glass Cosmetic Skin$1.99
  • Rose Quartz Cosmetic Skin$1.99
Show 1 more
  • Remove Ads$2.99

Questions

Is Paper War free?
Paper War is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tessel free?
Tessel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Paper War or Tessel have ads?
Both Paper War and Tessel show ads.
Which is updated more often, Paper War or Tessel?
Paper War ships an update every 6 weeks, and Tessel every 2 days. Most recently, Paper War was updated on November 3, 2026 and Tessel on October 31, 2026.

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