# Auralux vs Nova Empire

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Auralux | Nova Empire |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auralux/id604580669/reviews)** | [4.3 (5.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-empire-space-wars-mmo/id1295555672/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2.2K | **5.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **85.3% of reviews** | 46.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 1.8 GB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [War Drum Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/524811314) | [GameBear Tech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295555671) |

## What reviewers say

### Auralux

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auralux/id604580669)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lyra Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Orion Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Speed Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vela Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hydrus Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Caelum Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aries Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Andromeda Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aurora Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Combo Pack | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

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


### Nova Empire

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-empire-space-wars-mmo/id1295555672)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tiny Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bonus Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Ultra Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Prime Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Huge Pack | $49.99 | one-time |
| Epic Pack | $99.99 | one-time |
| Dominator Pack | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


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