# Below The Layer vs Starbase Tycoon

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Below The Layer at none against Starbase Tycoon's 1. Starbase Tycoon's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 days). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Starbase Tycoon sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Below The Layer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Below The Layer ships an update every 6 days, Starbase Tycoon every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Below The Layer | Starbase Tycoon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/below-the-layer/id6814332926/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [James Seaward](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891697161) | [Stephen Glasson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1585496498) |

## What reviewers say

### Below The Layer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/below-the-layer/id6814332926)

Command a submarine in a tactical simulation. Interpret sonar, exploit thermal layers, and make critical decisions about evasion or engagement. Every choice has consequences in this challenging game of stealth and strategy.

**Highlights:** Sonar analysis, Target motion solutions, Periscope observation, Torpedo room operation, Weapon guidance, Patrol mission execution, Stealth tactics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Starbase Tycoon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-tycoon-space-station/id6824192731)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Game Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Below The Layer free?

Below The Layer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Starbase Tycoon free?

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

### Do Below The Layer or Starbase Tycoon have ads?

Neither Below The Layer nor Starbase Tycoon shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Below The Layer or Starbase Tycoon?

Below The Layer ships an update every 6 days, and Starbase Tycoon every 2 days. Most recently, Below The Layer was updated on November 6, 2026 and Starbase Tycoon 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.*