# Dark Squares vs Tessel

The clearest difference is ads: Dark Squares at none against Tessel's shown. Dark Squares also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.5). Tessel's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dark Squares sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month and Tessel sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Dark Squares against 5.0 for Tessel. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

Dark Squares ships an update weekly, Tessel every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dark Squares | Tessel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-squares/id6773081437/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tessel-strategy-duel/id6778083586/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 75 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Avi Kremer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896394329) | [MELANIE SHEILA CADET](https://appshunter.io/developer/6778083588) |

## What reviewers say

### Dark Squares

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-squares/id6773081437)

Experience chess with a magical twist. Arm your pieces with weapons and spells to outmaneuver opponents. Win by capturing the king in this strategic, fast-paced adaptation.

**Highlights:** Real chess mechanics, Weapon and spell loadouts, King capture victory condition, Play friends online, Play against AI, Ranked online duels, Unlock and upgrade weapons

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dark Squares Pro | $4.99 | per month |


### Tessel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tessel-strategy-duel/id6778083586)

A relaxing yet strategic hex-based board game where players place uniquely shaped pieces. Compete against AI, friends locally, or players online. Utilize power tokens and unlock cosmetic customizations for a unique experience.

**Highlights:** Hex-based strategy gameplay, AI opponents with multiple difficulties, Online turn-based multiplayer, Local Pass and Play mode, Optional power tokens, Unlockable cosmetic themes, Save and resume games

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kintsugi Skin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aurora Glass Cosmetic Skin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Rose Quartz Cosmetic Skin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dark Squares free?

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

### Is Tessel free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dark Squares or Tessel?

Dark Squares and Tessel are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Dark Squares or Tessel have ads?

Tessel shows ads; Dark Squares does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dark Squares or Tessel?

Dark Squares ships an update weekly, and Tessel every 2 days. Most recently, Dark Squares was updated on October 31, 2026 and Tessel on October 31, 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.*