# Root Down vs Tempire

The clearest difference is rating: Tempire at 5.0 against Root Down's 4.0. Tempire also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Tempire holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, Tempire every 23 months. The most recent releases landed on June 7, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Root Down | Tempire |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tempire/id1488269708/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 23 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 1 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Martin Grider](https://appshunter.io/developer/309543466) | [Matthew Jee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488269707) |

## 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


### Tempire

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tempire/id1488269708)

Experience a unique blend of chess and real-time strategy. Compete against friends or AI in fast-paced matches. This game offers an ad-free, free-to-play experience.

**Highlights:** Chess variation, Real-time action, Online multiplayer, AI opponent, Ad-free gameplay, Free to play

**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 Tempire free?

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

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

Tempire is rated higher. Root Down averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Tempire averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Root Down or Tempire have ads?

Neither Root Down nor Tempire shows ads.

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

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, and Tempire every 23 months. Most recently, Root Down was updated on June 7, 2026 and Tempire on September 16, 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.*