# Stardash vs Lantern

The clearest difference is price: Lantern at Free against Stardash's $1.99. Lantern also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 69%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). Stardash's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Lantern is free to download; Stardash costs $1.99 up front. Lantern sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Stardash asks for nothing beyond the download.

Stardash ships an update every 3 weeks, Lantern weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stardash | Lantern |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stardash/id465071724/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **24** | — |
| Positive reviews | 69.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 46 MB | 200 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Pascal Bestebroer](https://appshunter.io/developer/364591324) | [iqbal kpekpassi fofana](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784027951) |

## 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


### Lantern

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lantern-the-game/id6739170710)

Navigate treacherous platforms, collect flames, and keep your lantern burning in this action platformer. Unlock new character skins and lantern colors as you progress through challenging levels and dynamic environments. Discover a secret bonus stage upon completing all levels.

**Highlights:** Skillful platforming gameplay, Collect flames to progress, Unlock character skins and lantern colors, Navigate treacherous traps and obstacles, Explore dynamic environments, Access secret bonus stage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| coin_500 | $0.99 | one-time |
| coin_3000 | $3.99 | one-time |
| coin_10000 | $8.99 | one-time |
| coin_50000 | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stardash free?

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

### Is Lantern free?

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

### Do Stardash or Lantern have ads?

Lantern shows ads; Stardash does not.

### Which is updated more often, Stardash or Lantern?

Stardash ships an update every 3 weeks, and Lantern weekly. Most recently, Stardash was updated on October 23, 2026 and Lantern on October 7, 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.*