Comparison

Tessel vs hexadot

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Tessel

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
Read full description

TESSEL Discover TESSEL, a relaxing yet deeply strategic board game where every placement matters. Compete against challenging AI opponents, play locally with friends, or challenge players online in this elegant hex-based strategy experience. With customizable cosmetics, unique power tokens, and countless tactical possibilities, no two games are ever quite the same. STRATEGIC HEX-BASED GAMEPLAY In TESSEL, players take turns placing uniquely shaped pieces onto a hexagonal board. Every new piece must carefully balance expansion, positioning, and connection. Master the edge-placement rules, plan ahead, and outmaneuver your opponent to claim victory. The player with the fewest unused tiles at the end of the game wins. MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY * Play against AI opponents with multiple difficulty levels * Challenge friends in local Pass and Play mode * Compete online in turn-based multiplayer matches * Save games and resume them later from the Active Games hub UNIQUE POWER TOKENS Collect and activate powerful optional tokens to change the course of the game. * Free: Ignore normal placement restrictions for your next move * Bonus Turn: Take two turns in a row * Shape Shift: Add an extra tile to transform one of your pieces * Snare: Restrict your opponent’s next placement options Enable, disable, or randomize token locations in Settings to create the experience you want. CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Unlock and personalize your collection with beautiful cosmetic themes and sound packs inspired by natural materials and elegant craftsmanship. Choose from a growing collection of styles including: * Classic TESSEL * River Stone * Sage Ceramic * Sea Glass * Kintsugi * Aurora Glass * And more Customize appearances and sounds for yourself and your Solo mode opponents. LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE New to TESSEL? An interactive tutorial and illustrated How to Play guide make it easy to learn the fundamentals while introducing advanced mechanics step by step. FEATURES * Relaxing yet deeply strategic gameplay * Multiple AI difficulty levels * Online multiplayer * Local Pass and Play multiplayer * Interactive tutorial and illustrated guide * Optional power token system * Save and resume active games * Unlockable cosmetic collections * Detailed player statistics * Beautiful visuals and soothing sounds Whether you are looking for a peaceful solo challenge or a competitive battle of strategy, TESSEL offers an elegant experience that rewards thoughtful play and long-term mastery.

About

hexadot

Features
Read full description

One dot can change the whole board. hexadot is a turn-based strategy game built around chain reactions on a shifting hex grid. Place your dots, build toward critical mass, and trigger cascades that spread across neighboring cells. The last color standing wins. EVERY MOVE MATTERS Grow your position one dot at a time. A crowded hex bursts into its neighbors, creating captures, counter-captures, and long tactical chains. INSTANT CAPTURE When a hex bursts, the strongest arriving force captures its neighbors outright — no drawn-out battles, just decisive chain reactions. A BOARD THAT FIGHTS BACK Cracked hexes can collapse into voids, changing critical mass and reshaping future cascades. Add frozen hexes and bulwarks for even more tactical variety. PLAY YOUR WAY • Solo against computer-controlled opponents • Three free games every day • Optional Full Game unlock for unlimited play • Pass-and-play with up to four human players in Full Game • Game Center turn-based matches with up to four humans in Full Game • Multiple board sizes and speed settings • Optional hints and turn timer • Momentum moves for tactical pushes and pivots • Winning-cascade replay Designed natively for iPhone and iPad with responsive layouts, smooth animations, haptic feedback, and complete offline solo play. No hexadot account. No subscription. No ads or tracking. Online matches use Apple Game Center.

Screenshots

Tessel4 screens
hexadot4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: hexadot at none against Tessel's shown. Tessel's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Tessel sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and hexadot sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Tessel ships an update every 2 days, hexadot fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Tessel versus hexadot: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTesselhexadot
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterFortnightly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.517.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB27 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMELANIE SHEILA CADETIAN KAINOA RICHARDSON

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Tessel

One-time4
  • Kintsugi Skin$1.99
  • Aurora Glass Cosmetic Skin$1.99
  • Rose Quartz Cosmetic Skin$1.99
Show 1 more
  • Remove Ads$2.99
1 purchases

hexadot

One-time1
  • Full Game$2.99

Questions

Is Tessel free?
Tessel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is hexadot free?
hexadot is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Tessel or hexadot have ads?
Tessel shows ads; hexadot does not.
Which is updated more often, Tessel or hexadot?
Tessel ships an update every 2 days, and hexadot fortnightly. Most recently, Tessel was updated on October 13, 2026 and hexadot on October 25, 2026.

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