# Root Down vs Shatar

The clearest difference is rating: Shatar at 5.0 against Root Down's 4.0. Shatar also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 27 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.4). Root Down's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Shatar holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, Shatar every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Root Down | Shatar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shatar/id1397288592/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 1 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Martin Grider](https://appshunter.io/developer/309543466) | [Nora Ky](https://appshunter.io/developer/928419018) |

## What reviewers say

### Root Down

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474)

An original abstract strategy game for two players with unique movement rules. Figure out how to move your pieces to capture your opponent's and win. Offers AI play and pass-and-play modes with variable setups.

**Highlights:** Abstract strategy gameplay, Unique piece movement rules, AI opponent, Pass-and-play mode, Variable game setups

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shatar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shatar/id1397288592)

Experience Shatar, a historical chess variant played for centuries in Mongolia. This game features unique piece movements, including a queen with combined Ferz and Rook abilities. It offers a glimpse into a different chess evolution.

**Highlights:** Historical chess variant, Unique queen movement, Medieval Arabic chess offspring, Cultural gameplay, Tournament history

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Root Down free?

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

### Is Shatar free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Root Down or Shatar?

Shatar is rated higher. Root Down averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Shatar averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Root Down or Shatar have ads?

Shatar shows ads; Root Down does not.

### Which is updated more often, Root Down or Shatar?

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, and Shatar every 6 months. Most recently, Root Down was updated on October 4, 2026 and Shatar on September 28, 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.*