# XenoShyft vs Gaia Project

The clearest difference is rating: Gaia Project at 4.0 against XenoShyft's 3.5. Gaia Project also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and review sentiment (59% vs 46%). XenoShyft's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $9.99) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 14.0). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

XenoShyft costs $4.99 and Gaia Project $9.99 up front. XenoShyft sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Gaia Project asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gaia Project holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of XenoShyft's written reviews are positive against 59% of Gaia Project's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | XenoShyft | Gaia Project |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | [3.5 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xenoshyft/id981289341/reviews) | **[4.0 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-project/id1572302140/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | 45.8% of reviews | **59.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 504 MB | 371 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Twin Sails Interactive](https://appshunter.io/developer/1135862620) | [DIGIDICED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1044671795) |

## What reviewers say

### XenoShyft

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xenoshyft/id981289341)

Defend your base from relentless alien waves in this cooperative deck-building strategy game. Coordinate with up to three other players to outfit your troops, plan your defenses, and survive nine rounds of intense combat.

**Highlights:** 1-4 player cooperative gameplay, Deck-building mechanics, Base defense strategy, Strategic planning and coordination, Inventive armor and weapon upgrades, Beautifully illustrated universe

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grafting Lab | $0.99 | one-time |
| Psychogenics Lab | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Hive Expansion | $0.99 | one-time |
| NorTec Elite | $1.99 | one-time |
| Forbidden Sciences | $2.99 | one-time |
| Dreadmire | $3.99 | one-time |


### Gaia Project

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-project/id1572302140)

Embark on a strategic journey to colonize the galaxy by mastering terraforming. Each of the 14 unique factions has distinct environmental needs, driving the need to adapt planets for survival. This is the official digital adaptation of the acclaimed board game.

**Highlights:** 14 unique factions, Peaceful galactic colonization, Terraforming mechanics, Adaptable environmental needs, Official digital board game adaptation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is XenoShyft free?

XenoShyft costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Gaia Project free?

Gaia Project costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, XenoShyft or Gaia Project?

Gaia Project is rated higher. XenoShyft averages 3.5 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Gaia Project averages 4.0 from 38 ratings.

### Do XenoShyft or Gaia Project have ads?

Neither XenoShyft nor Gaia Project shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, XenoShyft or Gaia Project?

XenoShyft ships an update monthly, and Gaia Project monthly. Most recently, XenoShyft was updated on October 29, 2026 and Gaia Project on October 27, 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.*