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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Modern Combat 5 vs Shadow Fight 3

Modern Combat 5 4.7★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Modern Combat 5
Shadow Fight 3 4.7★ · Free + IAP 60

For players seeking a classic mobile FPS experience with a strong campaign, Modern Combat 5 has an edge, but Shadow Fight 3 offers a more detailed fighting game with unique combat styles, despite both struggling with similar monetization and ad issues.

Full reviews: Modern Combat 5 · Shadow Fight 3

Modern Combat 5 is praised for its campaign and nostalgic FPS gameplay, though it's heavily criticized for excessive ads and pay-to-win mechanics. Shadow Fight 3 offers detailed graphics and diverse combat, but also faces significant complaints about being pay-to-win, repetitive, and plagued by ads and technical issues.

Head to head

Features and Gameplay tieR2R3R5R8
Modern Combat 5 Modern Combat 5 is lauded for its engaging story mode and being a strong mobile FPS, with some users calling it a 'childhood game' and appreciating its 'epic' story R2R8R50. However, players express boredom with repetitive levels after completing chapters and desire new content R5. Some also miss features like auto-aim R3 and 60fps , while others criticize the presence of futuristic elements like laser beams and robot suits in a 'Modern Combat' game . The game is also praised for its battle royale mode .
Shadow Fight 3 Shadow Fight 3 is highly praised for its detailed graphics, diverse weapon styles, and unique combat system, making it feel like a real game . Users enjoy the variety of moves and the RPG-like progression . However, many find the gameplay repetitive, involving spamming the same combos . Some also complain about unfair fights, overpowered bosses, and the inability to progress without specific gear or paying .
Ease of Use and Controls tieR22R25R34R50
Modern Combat 5 Modern Combat 5 receives mixed feedback on controls. Some users find the controls a bit rough but manageable R50, while others criticize the lack of a hold-to-aim option and stiff player movement, which limits precision and smoothness R22. There are also reports of control loss and inability to turn or aim on the right side of the screen, especially in online play R34. Customization of controls is also noted as lacking R25.
Shadow Fight 3 Shadow Fight 3 users report issues with controls, specifically the 'control' button sticking . Some also find the movement to be poor, lacking a dash feature, and note that the game doesn't react well, leading to unfair hits from bots .
Reliability and Performance tieR1R4R10R55
Modern Combat 5 Modern Combat 5 users frequently report server issues, with the game disconnecting often and being unable to play more than a few matches R4. There are also complaints about lag R10 and the game not working at all for some R1. Sound problems on iOS devices, where volume cannot be reduced, are also mentioned R55. Some users also experience glitches where weapon loadouts fail to load correctly .
Shadow Fight 3 Shadow Fight 3 struggles with consistent performance, with users reporting constant lagging, bugs, and freezes R64. Many experience internet connection errors, making it impossible to play on Wi-Fi and unstable even on mobile data . The game is also prone to crashing . A specific bug prevents users from opening quest chests R79.
Price and Value (Free + IAP) tieR19R33R40R45
Modern Combat 5 Modern Combat 5 is heavily criticized for being 'pay to win,' with users stating that guns do no damage if not purchased R40R49. Many also complain about unfair matchmaking where lower-level players are pitted against much higher-level or 'diamond/gold league' opponents, which is attributed to pay-to-win dynamics R19R33R45. The game also uses a 'freemium stamina to play' model, which is disliked .
Shadow Fight 3 Shadow Fight 3 is widely regarded as a 'pay to win' game R61R88. Users state that it's nearly impossible to defeat bosses or advance without spending money or grinding for days . Events are particularly difficult for free-to-play users, often requiring paid sets to win . The game's progression system and currency acquisition are described as extremely difficult for free players .
Ads and Monetization tieR9R12R13R16
Modern Combat 5 Modern Combat 5 is heavily criticized for an overwhelming number of ads, with users reporting ads popping up 'every few mins,' 'after each game,' and even between matches R9R12R13R16. Some users who paid for the app still experience ads, and in some cases, ads are unskippable or prevent further gameplay R43.
Shadow Fight 3 Shadow Fight 3 also suffers from excessive ads, with users reporting them after every mission or match, and some finding them longer and unskippable R61. The frequency of ads is noted to increase the more one plays .
Customer Support tieR7R41R64R79
Modern Combat 5 Modern Combat 5 users report poor customer support, with one user being banned for no reason and unable to get help despite spending money on the game R7. Another user accidentally deleted their account and couldn't get assistance R41.
Shadow Fight 3 Shadow Fight 3 users also report issues with support, with one user stating that developers 'don't care' about bugs and don't help R64. Another user was unable to open chests and reached out to support without resolution R79.
Pick Modern Combat 5 if

Pick Modern Combat 5 if you are looking for a classic mobile first-person shooter with a strong campaign and enjoy nostalgic gameplay, and you are willing to tolerate frequent ads and potential pay-to-win elements R2R8R50.

Pick Shadow Fight 3 if

Pick Shadow Fight 3 if you prefer a detailed fighting game with unique combat styles, diverse weapons, and an RPG-like progression system, and you are prepared for a significant grind or potential in-app purchases to advance .

Evidence note: Both apps receive substantial criticism regarding excessive ads and pay-to-win mechanics, which significantly impact user experience across both free and paid tiers. The lifetime ratings are very similar, and recent negative reviews for both apps highlight these common issues.

Frequently asked

Are Modern Combat 5 and Shadow Fight 3 truly free-to-play?
Both Modern Combat 5 and Shadow Fight 3 are free to download and play, but user reviews indicate that both heavily rely on in-app purchases and are often described as 'pay to win,' making significant progress difficult without spending money R40R49R61R88.
Do these games have a lot of ads?
Yes, both Modern Combat 5 and Shadow Fight 3 are heavily criticized for having an excessive number of ads, with users reporting ads appearing after almost every match, between screens, and sometimes being unskippable or disrupting gameplay R9R12R24R43.
Which game has better multiplayer?
Modern Combat 5 offers a multiplayer experience, but users frequently complain about unfair matchmaking, pitting lower-level players against much higher-level opponents, and the presence of hackers R10R19R33R45. Shadow Fight 3's online PvP is described as 'pretty much dead and useless' by some users .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Modern Combat 5 5/5 · US Amazing: This game is my favorite game to play and I don’t know what would happen if I did not discover this game it is so fun and makes my work brakes fun thank you for making this amazing game😁
  2. [R3] Modern Combat 5 3/5 · US Smh: Finally a game with a good story line and not just battle modes…but please include the auto aim feature,if that happens,then call of duty is going to start hating,the aiming is terrible,which is why I uninstalled,it’s not that hard,come on now
  3. [R5] Modern Combat 5 4/5 · US Good: Alright I am getting bored of playing the same levels over and over after beating all 7 chapters so they really should add the next chapter like an a idea where we can actually get to play as a pilot and the thing no matter how much you shoot the helicopter in chapter 4 in the chase nothing happens
  4. [R8] Modern Combat 5 4/5 · US Childhood game: I loved this game as a kid I’d play it on any phone I could get my little hands on the story is just epic couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve replayed it. Graphics are pretty bunz considering it’s 2026 tho
  5. [R22] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US 😖: Overall, Modern Combat 5 is a really fun game, with great graphics and a solid multiplayer experience. However, I have an important complaint: the lack of a hold-to-aim option, which is standard in other shooters, really limits precision. Additionally, the player movement feels a bit stiff, which affects the smoothness in matches. Please consider improving both aspects to make the experience mo
  6. [R25] Modern Combat 5 2/5 · US Too many ads. Only campaign worth it.: The only thing this has in comparison to COD mobile is campaign mode. Otherwise… it shoves ads down your throat, graphics are old school (which is fine but it’s glitchy… its 2026), and you can’t customize where the controls are (this is something even racing games had 10 years ago). I only gave 2 stars bc most combat games don’t have a campaign mode and I app
  7. [R34] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US Bad optimization: Using control config 2, frequently loss control, the player cannot make turn or control the target, in right side(aiming and shooting) of the screen when playing online gaming. This problem happened several years ago but never being fixed.
  8. [R50] Modern Combat 5 5/5 · US Nostalgia: Haven’t played this game since I was 11 I love this game I’m glad it’s still the good old classic it used to be a little rough with controls but other than that it’s still as amazing as I once knew.
  9. [R1] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US Useless: Does not work
  10. [R4] Modern Combat 5 2/5 · US Server error: Why does every time the game keep having server issues. Can’t play up to 3 matches keep disconnecting from servers why fix it. It’s annoying and make the game tiring
  11. [R10] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US MC5 dissapointed I lag alot n there’s hackers: Nothing but Hackers n cheaters
  12. [R55] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US The developers forgot about their game: I have a very good account on my old Android device. Why can't I transfer my android account to iOS? Is it so difficult to make cross-platform? It's only part of the trouble. I can't play normally because this game has sound problems on iOS. I just can't reduce the volume of the game. I have 0% volume, but the game works as if at all 60% of the volume. Such
  13. [R19] Modern Combat 5 2/5 · US I'm giving it a 2 only because in multiplayer, you don't fight against players of the same level as you, but rather much higher. For example, my level is 40, but I play multiplayer matches against level 140. Where is your much-touted multiplayer with equal levels? I've noticed cheating in your game; players kill through walls. The game is designed for insane, endless donations only. · translated
  14. [R33] Modern Combat 5 3/5 · US Matchmaking is kinda unfair: I like this game but it has unfair matchmaking, I just download it, so I’m currently at level 10 but in match I meet players with diamond or gold league. I know most of Gun Games are like that but it’s totally unfair for new players. But still, it’s a good game and sorry for my English.
  15. [R40] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US Pay to win: Your guns will literally do No damage if you don’t buy any
  16. [R45] Modern Combat 5 3/5 · GB Great game play but annoying: Game is great for fast action FPS, gets annoying when you spawn completely randomly across the map really takes away from any strategy, and you’re usually spawned right in enemy sights so you die immediately. Many players have hacks and is pointless trying to get better unless you give money to the game. No matter how long you play for the upgrades will never match
  17. [R9] Modern Combat 5 3/5 · US Way too many ads: Its a ad each game literally
  18. [R12] Modern Combat 5 3/5 · US Too many ads: The game is good but ads pop up every few mins. Can’t enjoy the game at all. Waste of time and space.
  19. [R13] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US Ads must stop: Great to experience great game but now the ads ruin everything 👎
  20. [R16] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US Ads: Too much ads in this game Eish but it good
  21. [R7] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US No help: I use to play this game but I was banned for no reason , can’t even get customer support and I spent money on this game . What a let down
  22. [R41] Modern Combat 5 5/5 · US Please devs read this: Hi i rated it 5 starts because i love this game and to make devs see. Yesterday i was about to play modern combat 5 right and then i wanted to do a walkthrough for my channel and i wanna log out and change account but there was no logout button and i accidently pressed account deletion and idk but i somehow got banned out of the game i did a huge mistake now i cant play it a
  23. [R64] Shadow Fight 3 2/5 · US Lag bugs freezes: This game constantly lags and has tons of bugs. It’s almost impossible to play at times really annoying and the developers really don’t care you tell them that the game has a problem and they don’t help.
  24. [R79] Shadow Fight 3 1/5 · US Chest and rewards: I am unable to open any of my 3 chest after earning countless keys through duels or throughout the game I tried uninstalling and refreshing it also reached out to support but I am still unable to open my chest
  25. [R49] Modern Combat 5 1/5 · US Bad game: There’s too much ads popping up and if you can spend real money to pay for some things on the app like guns you won’t enjoy the online game because they’d just be killing anyhow the game is poor
  26. [R61] Shadow Fight 3 2/5 · US P2W: Cool game, events seem a bit rigged. Equipment is HELLA important. You could beat a better geared person but that might mean hitting then 5 times as many times before they land a very few good blows. Commercials are like 5 times longer and don’t give the option to exit even when complete.
  27. [R88] Shadow Fight 3 1/5 · US Worse game in existence: First of all the game experience is so bad everything is pay to win and if I come back to play this game I have to pay to complete any event since my gear isn’t good enough and I am not paying shi for this game that I won’t play in future this game is ruined and this game developer never listened to their community so it would be better if this game shuts down
  28. [R24] Modern Combat 5 3/5 · US Game Review: Game is good, but I hate them ads, always ad pop ups every second. Overall game is really good, but don’t like the ads.
  29. [R43] Modern Combat 5 2/5 · US Full of adds: The app was amazing but with the latest update an add pops up after each game and the worst thing yet even that has an X to close the add, the add still there with no way to continue with the game. I paid for the app. Why I have to watch adds and now I’m not able to play without having to re open the app after each match. Sad because the game was really good. But if this is not fix I

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store