# VALIX vs Starshard

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VALIX at none against Starshard's 2. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Starshard sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. VALIX asks for nothing beyond the download.

VALIX ships an update every 2 weeks, Starshard every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VALIX | Starshard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starshard/id6790557552/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 93 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Jung Gil Seo](https://appshunter.io/developer/6772193598) | [Burak Emre Nevruzoglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/6789874279) |

## What reviewers say

### VALIX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/valix-space-shooter/id6772428299)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Starshard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starshard/id6790557552)

Engage in a fair vertical space shooter with no pay-to-win mechanics. Dodge bullet storms, collect power-ups, and draft unique builds with upgrade choices after each boss. Explore campaign and endless modes, and unlock permanent gear for your chosen ship.

**Highlights:** Vertical space shooter gameplay, No pay-to-win or energy timers, Procedural build drafting with upgrades, Epic boss battles with multiple phases, Permanent gear and ship unlocks, Campaign and endless game modes

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shard Doubler | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VALIX free?

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

### Is Starshard free?

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

### Do VALIX or Starshard have ads?

Both VALIX and Starshard show ads.

### Which is updated more often, VALIX or Starshard?

VALIX ships an update every 2 weeks, and Starshard every 3 weeks. Most recently, VALIX was updated on October 24, 2026 and Starshard on October 25, 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.*