# Alien Core vs Hexly

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hexly at weekly against Alien Core's monthly. Alien Core's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Alien Core sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Hexly sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Alien Core ships an update monthly, Hexly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alien Core | Hexly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hexly/id6757983877/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sunrise Intelligence UG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562727794) | [Nox Studios, Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1870086541) |

## What reviewers say

### Alien Core

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alien-core-galaxy-invasion/id6575386825)

Pilot advanced starships in a retro-futuristic arcade shooter to battle a rogue AI and its empire. Experience classic 2D gameplay with modern effects, RPG-like ship upgrades, and multiple game modes.

**Highlights:** Retro-futuristic ASCII visuals with modern effects, Omnidirectional free movement, Story and Endless Arcade modes, Chain-reaction destruction mechanic, Unlockable spaceships and worlds, Ship upgrades and power-ups, Boss battles and adjustable difficulty

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starship YT 1300 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starship Talon | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starship Bird of Prey | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starship Arcade II | $1.95 | one-time |
| Starship N-22 Ravenous | $1.99 | one-time |
| Story Mode | $2.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


### Hexly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hexly/id6757983877)

Engage in daily hex-grid puzzles with increasing difficulty and various modes. Chase streaks, master deductions, and unlock achievements. Share your progress and compete with friends.

**Highlights:** Daily puzzles in four sizes, Free play mode for practice, Streak chasing and momentum building, Precision mode with no undo, Permanent puzzle packs, Unlockable achievements, Shareable results and stats

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Challenge Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Zen Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Precision Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Speed Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Challenge Pack Vol. 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Hexly Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alien Core free?

Alien Core is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Hexly free?

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

### Do Alien Core or Hexly have ads?

Both Alien Core and Hexly show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Alien Core or Hexly?

Alien Core ships an update monthly, and Hexly weekly. Most recently, Alien Core was updated on October 10, 2026 and Hexly on October 25, 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.*