# Lightning Fighter 2 vs Phoenix 2

The clearest difference is ads: Lightning Fighter 2 at none against Phoenix 2's shown. Lightning Fighter 2 also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). Phoenix 2's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (26K vs 535). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning Fighter 2 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Phoenix 2 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Phoenix 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phoenix 2 has 26K ratings behind it against 535, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Lightning Fighter 2's written reviews are positive against 73% of Phoenix 2's.

Lightning Fighter 2 ships an update every 2 months, Phoenix 2 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning Fighter 2 | Phoenix 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-fighter-2-space-war/id634845785/reviews) | **[4.7 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 535 | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | 64.4% of reviews | **73.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 197 MB | 295 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yu Le Lin](https://appshunter.io/developer/401510323) | [Firi Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/361212278) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightning Fighter 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-fighter-2-space-war/id634845785)

Engage in intense arcade-style space combat as a hero defending the galaxy from alien invaders. Pilot a super fighter jet through challenging stages, facing waves of enemies and epic boss battles. Upgrade your aircraft and utilize powerful weapons in this fast-paced shoot 'em up experience.

**Highlights:** 11 Super Fighter Aircraft with unique weapons, Classic shoot 'em up gameplay, 13 Unique Stages with exclusive soundtracks, Epic multi-phase boss battles, Robust equipment system for upgrades, 3 Difficulty Levels, Fully Upgraded HD Graphics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 70 Gem Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| 15,000 Coin Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Novice Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| 420 Gem Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| 80,000 Coin Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| 910 Gem Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| 170,000 Coin Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1,900 Gem Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| 400,000 Gold | $19.99 | one-time |
| Cosmos Pack | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent graphics and visuals
- 🚀 Engaging and challenging gameplay
- 👍 Variety of ships and weapons
- 👍 Smooth controls and responsiveness

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent data loss and progress resets
- 🐛 Connectivity issues and login problems
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for progression
- 🔋 Requires constant internet connection

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on launch
- Unlocked ships and upgrades disappearing
- Ads not closing properly
- Connectivity issues causing data loss

**Requested features**

- Offline mode for playing without internet
- More stages, levels, and difficulty options
- Ability to restore purchased items and progress
- Better communication about game updates


### Phoenix 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689)

Blast through waves of alien invaders in this classic arcade space shooter. Collect and upgrade over 100 unique ships, complete exciting missions, and compete on global leaderboards. Enjoy short game sessions or an action-packed campaign with stunning graphics.

**Highlights:** Over 100 unique ships, Ship collection and upgrades, Action-packed campaign, Special abilities, Daily missions, Global leaderboards, Cross-platform play

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 800 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| VIP | $4.99 | one-time |
| 12000 Credits | $9.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| 25000 Credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $19.99 | one-time |
| 65000 Credits | $49.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $49.99 | one-time |
| 140K Credits | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fantastic mobile game
- 🚀 Incredibly fun and addictive
- 🚀 Best bullet hell game on the phone
- 🚀 Easily the best bullet hell I've played
- 🚀 Amazing game for on the go fun

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Great Gameplay Ruined by Frustrating Ad Experience
- 💰 Supers aren't well implemented
- 💰 Micro-transactions too much
- 💰 Progression limited, hard to earn credits
- 🐛 Terrible, uninspiring compared to original Phoenix HD

**Reported bugs**

- Warp gate charge time bug
- Occasional crashes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add haptic feedback
- Implement an endless mode
- Allow players to customize ships
- Add a level creator
- Provide an offline mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightning Fighter 2 free?

Lightning Fighter 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Phoenix 2 free?

Phoenix 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Lightning Fighter 2 or Phoenix 2?

Phoenix 2 is rated higher. Lightning Fighter 2 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 535 ratings, while Phoenix 2 averages 4.7 from 26K ratings.

### Do Lightning Fighter 2 or Phoenix 2 have ads?

Phoenix 2 shows ads; Lightning Fighter 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lightning Fighter 2 or Phoenix 2?

Lightning Fighter 2 ships an update every 2 months, and Phoenix 2 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Lightning Fighter 2 was updated on September 18, 2026 and Phoenix 2 on September 28, 2026.

---

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