# Starbase Orion vs Lost Frontier

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Starbase Orion at none against Lost Frontier's 9. Starbase Orion also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and chart position (#186 vs unranked). Lost Frontier's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $7.99) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Starbase Orion costs $7.99 and Lost Frontier $2.99 up front. Lost Frontier sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Starbase Orion asks for nothing beyond the download.

Starbase Orion holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 329 and 200 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Starbase Orion's written reviews are positive against 72% of Lost Frontier's.

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, Lost Frontier monthly. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starbase Orion | Lost Frontier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580/reviews)** | [4.2 (200 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lost-frontier/id1008496061/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **329** | 200 |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 72.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#186** | — |
| Size | 239 MB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.2 | **6.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Chimera Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/347752625) | [Mika Mobile, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/304871625) |

## What reviewers say

### Starbase Orion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580)

**Currently charting:** #186 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Engage in a deep 4X space strategy experience. Explore, expand, and conquer the galaxy by colonizing worlds, designing ships, and outmaneuvering opponents in turn-based combat. Features a robust AI and multiplayer options for galactic domination.

**Highlights:** Explore new worlds, Expand your empire, Exterminate rivals, Design custom ships, Engage in turn-based combat, Diplomacy and espionage, Multiplayer via GameCenter

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent 4x strategy game
- 👍 Faithful recreation of Master of Orion
- 🚀 Continuously updated with new features
- 👍 Vibrant player community
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay and intuitive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Limited diplomacy and foreign relations
- 🔍 Automated combat lacks depth
- 🔍 Repetitive late-game experience
- 🔍 Outdated visuals

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and save file corruption
- UI issues with overlapping text and unresponsive controls
- Multiplayer matchmaking and connectivity problems

**Requested features**

- More ship classes and customization options
- Expanded tech tree and research system
- Deeper diplomacy and espionage mechanics
- Manual control of ship combat
- Improved end-game content and victory conditions


### Lost Frontier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lost-frontier/id1008496061)

A turn-based strategy game set in a fantasy-western world blending steampunk and supernatural elements. Lead unique units and legendary heroes through story and challenge modes, or create custom games.

**Highlights:** Turn-based strategy gameplay, Story mode with 24 chapters, Challenge mode with 20 missions, 20 unique unit types, 9 playable 'Living Legend' heroes, Custom game modes with AI or local multiplayer

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Boost McGraw | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Wilcox | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Valentine | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Undertaker | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Jake | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Dutch | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Hawken | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Ghast | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Romanov | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Well-made game from top to bottom
- 👍 Immersive story and gameplay
- 👍 Great turn-based strategy experience
- 👍 Excellent value for the price
- 👍 Charming art style and characters

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 🔍 Difficulty can be too high, especially for newer players
- 🔍 Lack of difficulty settings or options
- 🔍 Repetitive dialogue and tutorials
- 🔍 Reverse day/night effects for some characters

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezes or crashes on newer iOS versions
- Certain character abilities not functioning as intended
- Incorrect day/night bonuses for some Living Legends

**Requested features**

- Online multiplayer mode
- Map editor and custom scenario creation
- Ability to skip tutorials after initial completion
- More varied soundtracks and visual environments


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starbase Orion free?

Starbase Orion costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Lost Frontier free?

Lost Frontier costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starbase Orion or Lost Frontier?

Starbase Orion is rated higher. Starbase Orion averages 4.7 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while Lost Frontier averages 4.2 from 200 ratings.

### Do Starbase Orion or Lost Frontier have ads?

Neither Starbase Orion nor Lost Frontier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starbase Orion or Lost Frontier?

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, and Lost Frontier monthly. Most recently, Starbase Orion was updated on November 6, 2026 and Lost Frontier on November 6, 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.*