# Idle Alchemist vs Supernova

The clearest difference is ads: Supernova at none against Idle Alchemist's shown. Supernova also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 months) and device support (5 vs 2). Idle Alchemist's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Alchemist sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Supernova sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Idle Alchemist ships an update every 2 months, Supernova every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Alchemist | Supernova |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/supernova-idle-star-forge/id6779555607/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **63** |
| Positive reviews | — | 77.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 103 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Parity Crest Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896634651) | [HUGO ANATOLE PAUL MORICEAU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845368412) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Alchemist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-alchemist/id6770255429)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aether Pouch | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gold Coin Purse | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crystal Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Aether Chest | $3.99 | one-time |
| Gold Strongbox | $3.99 | one-time |
| Phoenix Feathers | $4.99 | one-time |
| Master Alchemist Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Mooneye Pearl | $9.99 | one-time |
| Aether Vault | $14.99 | one-time |
| Gold Dragon Hoard | $14.99 | one-time |


### Supernova

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/supernova-idle-star-forge/id6779555607)

An idle space tycoon game where you fuse hydrogen to grow and detonate stars. Earn permanent power-ups with each supernova to accelerate future runs. Features offline progress and a visually evolving star.

**Highlights:** Fuse hydrogen to create and grow stars, Offline progress and production, Visually evolving star stages, Prestige system with supernova cinematics, Deep multiplier stacking and research upgrades, Daily missions and streaks, Fully offline gameplay

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50 Photons | $0.99 | one-time |
| Time Warp: 4 Hours | $1.99 | one-time |
| Break the Piggy Bank | $2.99 | one-time |
| Automation Core | $3.99 | one-time |
| Supporter Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Time Warp: 24 Hours | $4.99 | one-time |
| 300 Photons | $4.99 | one-time |
| 700 Photons | $9.99 | one-time |
| Time Warp: 7 Days | $14.99 | one-time |
| 1600 Photons | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Alchemist free?

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

### Is Supernova free?

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

### Do Idle Alchemist or Supernova have ads?

Idle Alchemist shows ads; Supernova does not.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Alchemist or Supernova?

Idle Alchemist ships an update every 2 months, and Supernova every 2 days. Most recently, Idle Alchemist was updated on October 14, 2026 and Supernova on October 12, 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.*