# Idle Star Empire vs Loop Hero

The clearest difference is rating: Loop Hero at 4.9 against Idle Star Empire's 3.8. Loop Hero also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Star Empire sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Loop Hero sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Loop Hero holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Loop Hero has 3.9K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 75% and 75% positive.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Star Empire | Loop Hero |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-star-empire/id6450506347/reviews) | **[4.9 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-hero/id6464048549/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **3.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 228 MB | 228 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Frederic Nagler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693577034) | [Playdigious](https://appshunter.io/developer/1041387229) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Star Empire

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-star-empire/id6450506347)

Become an intergalactic conqueror in this idle space exploration game. Gather resources, upgrade your fleet, research technologies, and conquer new planets. Forge alliances or wage war to build the most powerful empire in the galaxy.

**Highlights:** Idle resource gathering, Spaceship fleet management, Technology research, Planet exploration, Diplomacy and conquest, Empire building

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Medium Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Supporter Pack | $6.99 | one-time |
| Timewarp Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Tournament Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Big Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| No Ads for 365 Days | $12.99 | one-time |
| Explorer Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| No Ads Forever | $34.99 | one-time |
| Giant Pack | $49.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Pack | $99.99 | one-time |


### Loop Hero

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-hero/id6464048549)

This roguelike RPG lets you strategically place cards to build unique expedition loops for your hero. Collect loot, expand your camp, and unlock new classes and abilities to break an endless cycle of chaos. Experience a dark fantasy story with retro pixel art, optimized for mobile play.

**Highlights:** Randomly generated expedition loops, Card-based strategic placement, Loot collection and equipment management, Camp expansion and upgrades, Unlockable classes and cards, Retro pixel art style, Mobile-optimized interface

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full Game | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Excellent mechanics
- 👍 Great replayability
- 👍 Charming graphics
- 👍 Unique and enjoyable experience
- 👍 Smooth gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sound doesn't work
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Unresponsive after certain actions
- 🐛 Difficulty reading small text
- 🐛 Accidental card placement

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes after defeating first boss
- Unplayable after initial progress
- Inability to progress past trial version

**Requested features**

- Portrait mode
- More classes/build diversity
- Improved UI/overlay customization
- Chinese language support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Star Empire free?

Idle Star Empire is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Loop Hero free?

Loop Hero is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Idle Star Empire or Loop Hero?

Loop Hero is rated higher. Idle Star Empire averages 3.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Loop Hero averages 4.9 from 3.9K ratings.

### Do Idle Star Empire or Loop Hero have ads?

Idle Star Empire shows ads; Loop Hero does not.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Star Empire or Loop Hero?

Idle Star Empire ships an update every 2 weeks, and Loop Hero every 2 weeks. Most recently, Idle Star Empire was updated on November 3, 2026 and Loop Hero on November 4, 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.*