# Tri vs Dark Squares

The clearest difference is monetization model: Tri at free against Dark Squares's freemium. Tri also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1). Dark Squares's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.5). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tri sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Dark Squares sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Tri against 5.0 for Dark Squares. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

Tri ships an update every 3 weeks, Dark Squares weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tri | Dark Squares |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tri-d-chess/id6749229694/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-squares/id6773081437/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 17 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ROBIN SCHONWALD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802474683) | [Avi Kremer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896394329) |

## What reviewers say

### Tri

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tri-d-chess/id6749229694)

Experience chess in a new dimension with this strategy game played across three levels and four attack decks. Master three-dimensional tactics to outmaneuver your opponent. A tutorial guides you through the unique gameplay.

**Highlights:** Three-dimensional gameplay, Multiple levels and attack decks, Fully movable 3D chessboard, Four material options, Local, computer, and online play, Built-in guide and strategy tips, Unlockable achievements

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Espresso | $1.99 | one-time |
| Raktajino | $3.99 | one-time |


### Dark Squares

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-squares/id6773081437)

Experience chess with a magical twist. Arm your pieces with weapons and spells to outmaneuver opponents. Win by capturing the king in this strategic, fast-paced adaptation.

**Highlights:** Real chess mechanics, Weapon and spell loadouts, King capture victory condition, Play friends online, Play against AI, Ranked online duels, Unlock and upgrade weapons

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dark Squares Pro | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tri free?

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

### Is Dark Squares free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Tri or Dark Squares?

Tri and Dark Squares are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Tri or Dark Squares have ads?

Neither Tri nor Dark Squares shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tri or Dark Squares?

Tri ships an update every 3 weeks, and Dark Squares weekly. Most recently, Tri was updated on November 5, 2026 and Dark Squares on October 31, 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.*
