# PatternForge vs MainLine

The clearest difference is ads: PatternForge at none against MainLine's shown. PatternForge also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly). MainLine's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PatternForge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and MainLine sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PatternForge holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

PatternForge ships an update every 2 days, MainLine weekly. Both last shipped on October 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PatternForge | MainLine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patternforge-chess-tactics/id6760562677/reviews)** | [4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mainline-chess-trainer/id6761091619/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 58 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZYAGA LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860895535) | [Benjamin Boucher](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887753878) |

## What reviewers say

### PatternForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patternforge-chess-tactics/id6760562677)

This app uses spaced repetition to help you master chess tactics. Solve puzzles adapted to your skill level, review them on a schedule, and import your own games to turn mistakes into training opportunities. Create custom puzzle sets to focus on specific patterns and improve your game.

**Highlights:** Spaced repetition training, Adaptive puzzle difficulty, Game import from Chess.com/Lichess, Custom puzzle sets, Theme-based training, Progress tracking

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


### MainLine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mainline-chess-trainer/id6761091619)

This app helps improve your chess skills by focusing on pattern recognition. It uses spaced repetition to reinforce tactical motifs and endgame ideas, allowing you to create interactive drills from your own games to remember what matters most.

**Highlights:** Spaced repetition for pattern recall, Interactive drills from own games, Import Chess.com & Lichess games, Tactics, endgame, and puzzle training, Daily reminders and progress tracking, Daily puzzle challenges

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MainLine Pro (Monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| MainLine Pro (Yearly) | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PatternForge free?

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

### Is MainLine free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PatternForge or MainLine?

PatternForge is rated higher. PatternForge averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while MainLine averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do PatternForge or MainLine have ads?

MainLine shows ads; PatternForge does not.

### Which is updated more often, PatternForge or MainLine?

PatternForge ships an update every 2 days, and MainLine weekly. Most recently, PatternForge was updated on October 2, 2026 and MainLine on October 2, 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.*