# Return to Pixhell vs Matrix Shift

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Matrix Shift at none against Return to Pixhell's 1. Matrix Shift also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Return to Pixhell's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Return to Pixhell sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Matrix Shift asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Return to Pixhell | Matrix Shift |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 140 MB | 194 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Martin Lepic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1803687064) | [Code Chimie Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/755822891) |

## What reviewers say

### Return to Pixhell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/return-to-pixhell/id6754703971)

Descend into a cursed world in this 2D roguelike action game. Survive endless hordes, defeat bosses, and manage your fear in a dark, oppressive atmosphere. Master strict movement mechanics and build powerful characters to climb the leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Strict 4-way movement combat, Explore Forest, Caves, and Hell, Fear system and light mechanics, Character selection (Mage, Reaper, Aura, Bard), Item collection and build creation, Leaderboards for competition

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full game unlock | $4.99 | one-time |


### Matrix Shift

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matrix-shift/id6761763189)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Return to Pixhell free?

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

### Is Matrix Shift free?

Matrix Shift is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Return to Pixhell or Matrix Shift have ads?

Matrix Shift shows ads; Return to Pixhell does not.

### Which is updated more often, Return to Pixhell or Matrix Shift?

Return to Pixhell ships an update every 4 days, and Matrix Shift every 4 days. Most recently, Return to Pixhell was updated on October 7, 2026 and Matrix Shift on September 29, 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.*