# Spaceward Ho! vs XCOM 2 Collection

The clearest difference is price: Spaceward Ho! at $4.99 against XCOM 2 Collection's $14.99. Spaceward Ho! also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (79% vs 62%). XCOM 2 Collection's advantage is ratings volume (1.1K vs 95) and chart position (#77 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Spaceward Ho! costs $4.99 and XCOM 2 Collection $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Spaceward Ho! holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: XCOM 2 Collection has 1.1K ratings behind it against 95, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Spaceward Ho!'s written reviews are positive against 62% of XCOM 2 Collection's.

Spaceward Ho! ships an update every 6 weeks, XCOM 2 Collection monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spaceward Ho! | XCOM 2 Collection |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (95 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spaceward-ho/id510527152/reviews)** | [4.3 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xcom-2-collection/id1288508230/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 95 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **78.6% of reviews** | 62.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#77** |
| Size | 25 MB | 3.4 GB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Ariton](https://appshunter.io/developer/493802606) | [Feral Interactive Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/402470125) |

## What reviewers say

### Spaceward Ho!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spaceward-ho/id510527152)

Command a spacefaring civilization to explore, colonize, and conquer the galaxy. Develop technologies, manage resources, and lead your starship fleets in strategic battles against alien adversaries. Forge alliances or dominate the cosmos to determine the fate of the galaxy.

**Highlights:** Galaxy exploration and colonization, Empire and economy management, Technology development, Starship fleet combat, Diplomacy with alien races, Resource mining and terraforming

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⏰ Timeless gameplay still engaging after 30+ years
- 📱 Works well on modern iOS devices despite age
- 🎮 Faithful port of classic Mac game
- 🎯 Simple yet deep strategy mechanics
- 😄 Includes original sound effects and Easter eggs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 📐 UI feels clunky and dated
- 🔍 Small icons and buttons difficult to tap accurately
- 📊 Missing comparison graphs from original version
- 🎯 Planet icons remain too large when zoomed out

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes when ending turn while winning
- Crashes on iOS 14+ due to security checks
- Audio issues on Mac with Apple Silicon
- Dreadnoughts disappear when mixed with tankers in delayed fleets
- Some planets get stuck and won't terraform or mine

**Requested features**

- Multiplayer support (most frequently requested)
- WiFi/Bluetooth multiplayer with friends
- Game Center integration for multiplayer
- Save/load game functionality for save-scumming
- Ability to rename planets and ships


### XCOM 2 Collection

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xcom-2-collection/id1288508230)

**Currently charting:** #77 Top Paid · Action, #78 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Lead a resistance against an alien occupation on Earth. Engage in turn-based tactical combat, customize your soldiers, and undertake unique missions. This collection includes the full game and all DLC packs, optimized for mobile devices.

**Highlights:** Turn-based tactical combat, Full game and DLC included, Mobile-optimized touch interface, Soldier customization, Procedurally generated missions, Alien resistance gameplay

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 🎮 Excellent mobile controls
- 💎 Full game experience with DLC
- 👍 Faithful port of PC version

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔋 High battery drain
- 🔍 Graphical downgrade from PC
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤔 Difficulty with double-tap movement

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to change equipment
- Crashes on certain missions
- Disappearing save files
- Issues with device compatibility

**Requested features**

- Add controller support
- Provide option to disable War of the Chosen
- Improve camera controls and UI
- Add more graphical settings


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spaceward Ho! free?

Spaceward Ho! costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is XCOM 2 Collection free?

XCOM 2 Collection costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Spaceward Ho! or XCOM 2 Collection?

Spaceward Ho! is rated higher. Spaceward Ho! averages 4.6 out of 5 from 95 ratings, while XCOM 2 Collection averages 4.3 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do Spaceward Ho! or XCOM 2 Collection have ads?

Neither Spaceward Ho! nor XCOM 2 Collection shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spaceward Ho! or XCOM 2 Collection?

Spaceward Ho! ships an update every 6 weeks, and XCOM 2 Collection monthly. Most recently, Spaceward Ho! was updated on October 24, 2026 and XCOM 2 Collection on October 26, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*