Comparison

Auralux vs Nova Empire

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Auralux

This abstract real-time strategy game offers a minimalist experience with a focus on clever tactics over reflexes. Command a single unit type with simple orders, starting on equal footing with opponents. Enjoy a relaxing, cerebral challenge with a vibrant aesthetic and ambient soundtrack.

Highlights
  • Abstract real-time strategy gameplay
  • Minimalist graphics and ambient soundtrack
  • Simple unit command and orders
  • Equal starting resources for all players
  • Multiple game modes (Normal, Speed, Secret)
  • Optimized for touch screen devices
Features
Read full description

The sequel, Auralux: Constellations, is available now! Click on War Drum Studios above to download. New features include leaderboards, achievements, and cloud saves! Auralux is an abstract, essentialized, and simplified real-time strategy game. You command only one type of unit and have only one type of order to give those units. You and your opponents start the game with precisely equal resources. Quick reflexes will get you nowhere. The only path to victory is through clever strategy. Auralux features a slow, floating feel and vibrant minimalistic graphics. The entire game pulses to the rhythm of ambient music, and the player's actions evoke sounds that smoothly coalesce into melody. This game is designed to provide a relaxing, cerebral experience. Every choice matters, and only the best strategies will succeed. Features: -Includes every feature and more from the renowned PC game. -Free to try for as long as you like! Simply purchase additional levels for a very low price if you enjoy the game and want more challenges. -Gameplay optimized for touch screen devices. -Countless hours of gameplay -Two available game modes : Normal and Speed Mode, with a secret mode for expert players to unlock! -Relaxing, ambient soundtrack brings you into a rhythm and meditative state. Game by E McNeill Ported by War Drum Studios www.wardrumstudios.com

About

Nova Empire

Engage in epic galactic warfare with players worldwide in this next-generation online space strategy game. Build and customize your space station, design powerful fleets, and form alliances to conquer sectors of space. Experience real-time battles and strategic gameplay with stunning HD graphics.

Highlights
  • Real-time galactic battles
  • Alliance system for sector control
  • Fleet design and customization
  • Space station building
  • Recruit elite admirals
  • HD graphics and sound
Features
Read full description

Enter an epic battle for conquest of the galaxy with players around the world! An action-packed, next-generation online space strategy experience! FEATURES - BATTLE: Wage war with players worldwide for domination of the galaxy on an epic scale! - ALLIANCE: Create a mighty alliance to fight for control of entire sectors of space in a revolutionary new alliance system! - STRATEGY: Combine in alliance legions to form your attack strategy together then strike! - FLEETS: Design fleets with specific weapons and armor to counter your opponent’s strengths! - ADMIRALS: Recruit elite admirals to join your empire and lead your fleets to victory! - BUILD: Create and customize your space station to gain the advantage! - GRAPHICS: Strategy has never looked this good! Command space in spectacular HD! - REAL-TIME: See player fleets moving around the galaxy in real time! Watch as battles develop and make the correct tactical calls to claim victory. - MUSIC: High-quality music and sound production. - MORE: Always adding new features! This galaxy just gets better and better! Nova Empire’s story unfolds week by week, reshaping the galaxy before your eyes Welcome to Nova Empire, a next-generation strategy game. Get your fleets ready and fight for glory! SUPPORT Email us at support@gamebeartech.com Follow us on Facebook to get news and updates: https://www.facebook.com/NovaEmpireGame/

Screenshots

Auralux1 screens
Nova Empire4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Auralux at 85% against Nova Empire's 47%. Auralux also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). Nova Empire's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Auralux sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Nova Empire sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Auralux holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.2K and 5.1K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Auralux's written reviews are positive against 47% of Nova Empire's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Auralux ships an update every 3 months, Nova Empire every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Auralux versus Nova Empire: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAuraluxNova Empire
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (2.2K ratings) — better4.3 (5.1K ratings)
Positive reviews85.3% of reviews — better46.9% of reviews
Number of ratings2.2K5.1K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB1.8 GB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperWar Drum Studios LLCGameBear Tech

Customer experience

Auralux

All ratings2,198 ratings
Positive91.1%
Neutral2.5%
Negative6.5%
Written reviews1,007 reviews
Positive85.3%
Neutral5.3%
Negative9.4%

Nova Empire

All ratings5,065 ratings
Positive84.5%
Neutral4.9%
Negative10.6%
Written reviews899 reviews
Positive46.9%
Neutral9.6%
Negative43.5%

User reviews

Auralux

From 2.2K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast-paced gameplay
  • 🎨 Beautiful visuals and audio
  • 🧠 Challenging and strategic
  • 👍 Relaxing and addictive
  • 🔒 No ads or in-app purchases

Room to improve

  • 🐢 Slow gameplay without speed mode
  • 🤖 AI can be overly aggressive
  • 🔢 Limited number of free levels
  • 🔀 Predictable enemy behavior
  • 🔄 Repetitive map layouts

Nova Empire

From 5.1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent graphics and gameplay
  • 🔒 Secure and stable connection
  • 👍 Engaging alliance and community features
  • 🚀 Smooth progression for free-to-play players

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and connection issues
  • ⏱️ Extremely long build/upgrade times
  • 💰 Aggressive monetization and pay-to-win mechanics
  • 🔒 Poor customer support and lack of responsiveness

Bugs and requests

Auralux

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • Occasional crashes or freezes

Requested features

5 requests
  • Multiplayer mode
  • Customizable unit colors
  • Random map generator
  • More free levels
  • Ability to adjust gameplay speed

Nova Empire

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Shields randomly deactivating during wars
  • Disappearing ships and lost progress after crashes
  • Inability to leave or switch alliances due to glitches

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to transfer resources between alliance members
  • More diplomacy options between alliances
  • Improved tutorial and onboarding for new players
  • Larger and more diverse galaxy to explore

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Auralux

One-time10
  • Lyra Pack$0.99
  • Orion Pack$0.99
  • Speed Mode$0.99
Show 7 more
  • Vela Pack$0.99
  • Hydrus Pack$1.99
  • Caelum Pack$1.99
  • Aries Pack$1.99
  • Andromeda Pack$1.99
  • Aurora Pack$1.99
  • Combo Pack$2.99
10 purchases

Nova Empire

One-time10
  • Tiny Pack$0.99
  • Special Pack$1.99
  • Bonus Pack$4.99
Show 7 more
  • Medium Pack$9.99
  • Ultra Pack$14.99
  • Large Pack$19.99
  • Prime Pack$19.99
  • Huge Pack$49.99
  • Epic Pack$99.99
  • Dominator Pack$99.99

Questions

Is Auralux free?
Auralux is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Nova Empire free?
Nova Empire is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Auralux or Nova Empire?
Auralux is rated higher. Auralux averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while Nova Empire averages 4.3 from 5.1K ratings.
Do Auralux or Nova Empire have ads?
Neither Auralux nor Nova Empire shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Auralux or Nova Empire?
Auralux ships an update every 3 months, and Nova Empire every 6 weeks. Most recently, Auralux was updated on October 26, 2026 and Nova Empire on October 28, 2026.

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