# SubBuster vs The Spearman

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SubBuster at none against The Spearman's 12. SubBuster also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 17 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Spearman sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. SubBuster asks for nothing beyond the download.

SubBuster ships an update every 4 days, The Spearman every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SubBuster | The Spearman |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spearman/id1246675466/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 17 months |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 155 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Icey AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/842679407) | [BYV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1289684786) |

## What reviewers say

### SubBuster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subbuster/id842679404)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Spearman

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spearman/id1246675466)

Engage in a physics-based combat game where you control a stickman warrior. Aim and throw spears to defeat various enemies like archers, swordsmen, and magicians. Upgrade your character with new gear and skills to survive increasingly challenging waves.

**Highlights:** Ragdoll physics combat, Target and throw spears, Defeat diverse enemies, In-game store for upgrades, Healing and defensive skills

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Disabling advertising | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| 15000 Coins. Discount | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| 20000 Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 15000 Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 50000 Coins. Discount | $3.99 | one-time |
| Elite Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| 50000 Coins | $7.99 | one-time |
| Frozen King | $7.99 | one-time |
| God Power | $7.99 | one-time |
| 100000 Coins | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great way to pass time
- 🤩 Highly addictive and fun
- 💎 Lots of cool cosmetics
- 🎯 Challenging gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Laggy controls
- 🤖 Overpowered AI enemies
- 📺 Too many ads
- 🤕 Frustrating difficulty

**Reported bugs**

- Helmets don't protect against face shots
- Rag dolls interfere with crucial throws
- Spears going through enemies next to each other
- Sound issues on iOS

**Requested features**

- Deflecting arrows mechanic
- Ability to buy new spears
- Nerf wizard and swordsman enemies
- Endless mode with sword-wielding enemies


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SubBuster free?

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

### Is The Spearman free?

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

### Do SubBuster or The Spearman have ads?

The Spearman shows ads; SubBuster does not.

### Which is updated more often, SubBuster or The Spearman?

SubBuster ships an update every 4 days, and The Spearman every 17 months. Most recently, SubBuster was updated on October 29, 2026 and The Spearman on November 2, 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.*