# Shadow Node vs Novafall

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Novafall at none against Shadow Node's 1. Shadow Node's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shadow Node sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Novafall asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shadow Node ships an update weekly, Novafall every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadow Node | Novafall |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novafall-idle-space-empire/id6789433150/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 132 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [NETBYTE UG (haftungsbeschränkt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854412817) | [Robert Gonzales](https://appshunter.io/developer/6789433152) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadow Node

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-node-idle-hacker/id6759072485)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.99 | one-time |


### Novafall

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novafall-idle-space-empire/id6789433150)

Build a vast space empire, colonize planets, and defend against rival factions in this idle strategy game. Ascend to gain permanent upgrades and dominate the galaxy. Features deep strategy with ship customization, espionage, and alien diplomacy.

**Highlights:** Build and colonize 64 worlds, Engage with three rival empires, Collect 30 ship classes, Utilize espionage and diplomacy, Ascend for permanent upgrades, Offline and progress-while-away gameplay

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadow Node free?

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

### Is Novafall free?

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

### Do Shadow Node or Novafall have ads?

Both Shadow Node and Novafall show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadow Node or Novafall?

Shadow Node ships an update weekly, and Novafall every 2 weeks. Most recently, Shadow Node was updated on October 28, 2026 and Novafall on October 23, 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.*