Comparison

Starchess vs PixelChess

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

Head to head
About

Starchess

Experience chess with a unique twist on a three-dimensional board. Pieces gain new movement capabilities, allowing for strategic plays in up, down, and diagonal directions. Enjoy a fresh challenge to your chess skills.

Highlights
  • Three-dimensional chess board
  • Traditional chess rules
  • Expanded piece movement (up, down, diagonal)
  • Unique strategic gameplay
Read full description

Starchess has all of the same rules as traditional chess but now on a three-dimensional board. Pieces can move up, down and diagonally.

About

PixelChess

Features
Read full description

Rediscover Chess. Play beautiful offline chess against the computer in a handcrafted pixel art adventure. PixelChess brings the timeless strategy of chess into vibrant pixel themes, where every game feels fresh. Solve a new puzzle every day, unlock collectible pieces, and explore unique themes inspired by fantasy, history and imagination. Whether you're learning the game or mastering advanced strategies, PixelChess offers a relaxing, premium chess experience with stunning visuals and rewarding progression. Play Chess Your Way • Play offline against the computer • 4 difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert • Unlimited, Blitz, Rapid and Classical time controls • Smooth gameplay designed for beginners and experienced players • Review your recent games A New Chess Challenge Every Day Train your tactical skills with a fresh daily puzzle. • Daily chess puzzles • Helpful hints • Build your daily streak • Improve your chess vision Explore 9 Beautiful Pixel Themes Every theme completely transforms the game. Discover unique: • Chess pieces • Boards • Animated backgrounds • Original music Explore: • Classic • Medieval • Space • Prehistoric • Horror • Sports • Western • Elegant • Anime Unlock and Collect Win games to unlock new themes through achievements or purchase them instantly. Discover more than 100 collectible chess pieces, each with its own artwork and story. Designed Around You • Sign in with Google, Apple or Email • Game history • Multiple languages • Beautiful pixel art interface • Free to play Download PixelChess today. Privacy Policy https://justluck.io/apps/pixelchess/privacy.html Support admin@justluck.io

Screenshots

Starchess4 screens
PixelChess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Starchess at none against PixelChess's 10. Starchess also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). PixelChess's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price and device support 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. PixelChess sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Starchess asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Starchess ships an update every 4 months, PixelChess every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Starchess versus PixelChess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStarchessPixelChess
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB94 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNathan LaneJust Luck LLC

In-app purchases

None

Starchess

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

PixelChess

One-time10
  • Tema Medieval$0.99
  • Tema Espacial$0.99
  • Tema Prehistórico$0.99
Show 7 more
  • Tema Terror$0.99
  • Tema Deportes$0.99
  • Tema Western$0.99
  • Tema Elegante$0.99
  • Tema Anime$0.99
  • Pack 2 Temas$1.49
  • Pack 3 Temas$1.99

Questions

Is Starchess free?
Starchess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PixelChess free?
PixelChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Starchess or PixelChess have ads?
PixelChess shows ads; Starchess does not.
Which is updated more often, Starchess or PixelChess?
Starchess ships an update every 4 months, and PixelChess every 2 weeks. Most recently, Starchess was updated on November 3, 2026 and PixelChess on November 7, 2026.

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