# Starbase Orion vs Hex Mechs

The clearest difference is rating: Starbase Orion at 4.7 against Hex Mechs's 3.6. Starbase Orion also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (81% vs 55%). Hex Mechs's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and price ($2.99 vs $7.99). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Starbase Orion costs $7.99 and Hex Mechs $2.99 up front. Hex Mechs sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Starbase Orion asks for nothing beyond the download.

Starbase Orion holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starbase Orion has 329 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Starbase Orion's written reviews are positive against 55% of Hex Mechs's.

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, Hex Mechs weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starbase Orion | Hex Mechs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580/reviews)** | [3.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hex-mechs/id1068880726/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **329** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 54.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#159** | — |
| Size | 239 MB | 429 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.2 | **9.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Chimera Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/347752625) | [Hunted Cow Studios Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/393552288) |

## What reviewers say

### Starbase Orion

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

**Currently charting:** #159 Top Paid · Strategy, #188 Top Paid · Simulation (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


### Hex Mechs

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hex-mechs/id1068880726)

Engage in turn-based strategic combat across diverse worlds in this futuristic war game. Command various units, achieve diverse objectives like capturing points or annihilating enemies, and utilize tactical maneuvers to minimize losses.

**Highlights:** Turn-based strategy combat, Diverse unit types, Multiple campaign missions, Three distinct factions, Adjustable difficulty levels, Detailed combat analysis, Game Center achievements

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mars Campaign | $1.99 | one-time |
| Nova Campaign. | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starbase Orion free?

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

### Is Hex Mechs free?

Hex Mechs costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starbase Orion or Hex Mechs?

Starbase Orion is rated higher. Starbase Orion averages 4.7 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while Hex Mechs averages 3.6 from 8 ratings.

### Do Starbase Orion or Hex Mechs have ads?

Neither Starbase Orion nor Hex Mechs shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starbase Orion or Hex Mechs?

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, and Hex Mechs weekly. Most recently, Starbase Orion was updated on October 26, 2026 and Hex Mechs on October 24, 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.*