# Stardash vs Astro Duel

The clearest difference is rating: Astro Duel at 4.4 against Stardash's 3.9. Stardash's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Stardash costs $1.99 and Astro Duel $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Astro Duel holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 60 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Stardash's written reviews are positive against 71% of Astro Duel's.

Stardash ships an update every 3 weeks, Astro Duel every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stardash | Astro Duel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stardash/id465071724/reviews) | **[4.4 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-duel/id548898306/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **60** |
| Positive reviews | 69.4% of reviews | **71.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 46 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 9.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Pascal Bestebroer](https://appshunter.io/developer/364591324) | [Rusty Moyher](https://appshunter.io/developer/443831504) |

## What reviewers say

### Stardash

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stardash/id465071724)

Experience a challenging retro platformer with classic gameplay and vibrant pixel art. Master difficult levels with infinite lives, unlock secret areas, and enjoy an authentic chiptune soundtrack. This game offers a rewarding experience for those who love a good challenge.

**Highlights:** Classic platformer gameplay, Challenging levels, Infinite lives, Unlockable temple levels, Flip-mode challenges, Retro graphics, Original chiptune soundtrack

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great retro feel
- 👍 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Tight controls
- 👍 Well-designed levels
- 👍 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy controls
- 🐛 High difficulty curve
- 🐛 Pixel-perfect jumps required
- 🐛 Inconsistent hit detection
- 🐛 Stuttering frame rate

**Reported bugs**

- Jump button disappeared after update
- Game crashes on iOS 7
- Doesn't work with iOS 11
- Proximity to enemies kills needs work
- Hit detection is weird

**Requested features**

- Joystick for movement
- Make Shesan Level 9 easier
- Update for iOS 11 compatibility
- Full screen on iPhone 5
- More sound effects


### Astro Duel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-duel/id548898306)

Engage in fast-paced local multiplayer combat for up to 4 players on iPad and Apple TV. Blast opponents, use powerups, and navigate dynamic arenas with various hazards. Supports multiple control methods for flexible gameplay.

**Highlights:** Up to 4 player local multiplayer, 13 dynamic arenas with hazards, Multiple game modes (Ship Hunters, Pilot Hunters, Team Deathmatch), Devastating powerups, iPad, gamepad, and keyboard controls, AI computer players, Customizable game modifiers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great party game
- 👍 Fun with friends
- 👍 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Well-designed game
- 👍 Good sound design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Controls are difficult
- 👎 Not like original Astro Party
- 👎 Limited player count
- 👎 Astro Remote app removed
- 👎 Can't play with 4 on one iPad without iPhone

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot control pilot when in shark ship
- Gamepads don't work with keyboard connected
- App crashes when more than one gamepad is connected

**Requested features**

- Game Center integration
- More updates/changes
- Different game modes
- iPad version
- Original Astro Party controls setting


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stardash free?

Stardash costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Astro Duel free?

Astro Duel costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Stardash or Astro Duel?

Astro Duel is rated higher. Stardash averages 3.9 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Astro Duel averages 4.4 from 60 ratings.

### Do Stardash or Astro Duel have ads?

Neither Stardash nor Astro Duel shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Stardash or Astro Duel?

Stardash ships an update every 3 weeks, and Astro Duel every 4 months. Most recently, Stardash was updated on November 1, 2026 and Astro Duel 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.*