# Crux: A Climbing Game — A climbing gym in your pocket

> Strategic climbing game with route design and sharing. (iPhone/iPad app by Benjamin Dressler.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crux-a-climbing-game/id1522414390 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Benjamin Dressler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1522414392)
- Category: Games, Action, Puzzle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.93/5 from 216 App Store ratings · 83 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 182 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-09-01
- Data updated: 2026-08-21
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crux-a-climbing-game/id1522414390/reviews.md

## What is Crux?

Climbing is about carefully planning your route and flawless execution. In Crux you swipe on either side of the screen to move your hands or feet to a new hold - but each hold will only let you hang on for so long. Find the sequence of moves that get you to the top and execute them! And when you mastered all the challenges - Crux lets you design your own routes to share with other climbers!

- AppStore 'Game of the Day' (Nov 13 '20)
- PocketGamer #1 'Game of the Week' (Sep 10 '20)

"Crux gives me some of the mental joys of climbing, if not the physical and social joy of doing it myself. In these shitty times, that’s a pretty great thing." Riley McLeod - Kotaku (Sep 11 '20):

## Key features

- Swipe-based hand and foot movement
- Temporary hold mechanics
- Route planning and execution
- Route designer tool
- Share custom routes with others

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Level Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Level Pack 2 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crux Coins - 200 | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 Crux Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Mia | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vincent | $0.99 | one-time |
| Alex Megos | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Crux?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Intuitive controls
- 👍 Realistic climbing experience
- 💡 Ability to create custom levels
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 👍 Visually appealing
- 👍 Challenging and rewarding

**Cons**

- 🐛 Inconsistent swipe registration
- 🐛 Buggy camera controls
- 🕰️ Frustrating time limits
- 🐛 Glitches and crashes
- 🕰️ Steep learning curve

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Certain levels stuck in practice mode
- Character falling animation bug
- Unresponsive controls on some devices
- Crashes on startup for some users

**Most requested features**

- Add left-handed control option
- Implement a tutorial or better onboarding
- Introduce different climbing environments
- Add character customization options
- Implement a multiplayer mode

## Recent user reviews (10 of 83)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crux-a-climbing-game/id1522414390/reviews.md

### 5/5 — best game for climbers

*2026-05-25, version 3.5*

i’ve been playing for a couple days now and I thought I would get bored of it after a couple hours of playing but there’s community routes you can set and publish your own and there’s many regular routes that are in the career type gameplay love this game

### 5/5 — I love climbing!!!

*2025-04-18, version 3.5*

I enjoy climbing loads at Boulders and Crux really helps when my climbing gym gets too expensive! It also helps loads with strategy! Love it💕
But, having the time limits on holds are just frustrating! When you’re so high up but lose the progress! AAAAHH

### 1/5 — Can’t start the game

*2024-10-07, version 3.5*

How can i start the game

### 4/5 — Very fun!

*2023-01-21, version 3.5*

The challenge makes this game really fun.
I recommend adding more features.

### 5/5 — Crux

*2022-10-28, version 3.5*

Would it be possible to add adaptive climbers to the climbers to pick from?

### 2/5 — Good concept…

*2022-09-30, version 3.5*

…badly executed

### 1/5 — THIS GAME IS BEYOND TERRIBLE

*2022-07-19, version 3.5*

Just dont waste your time, the games better off dead

### 5/5 — Climbing Game Inspired By Rock Gyms

*2022-06-09, version 3.5*

Very fun for ex-climbers or those interested. Not the same thing at all.

### 3/5 — Want to give 5 stars

*2022-04-09, version 3.4*

I really like the idea of this game. But the controls don’t always work’?  And there are moves that are definitely possible that the avatar can’t do for some reason? I think there shouldn’t be like a chalk timer that makes it more difficult. And at every safe hold you chalk up. And or maybe idk if this is a thing yet. But have like different climbing shoes. & maybe a character customization. Like height/ weight/wingspan/foot size/ ect. I think that would make it a bit more appealing as well. 😌
And maybe real rock climbing would be a cool mode also 🪨 crack climbing. A Jumping mechanic would be nice. But all together a new control system would be great! 
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

### 1/5 — Not for Real Rock Climbers

*2022-02-15, version 3.4*

First off, I’ve been climbing for ten and half years. This game makes you climb like a newb. You have to match every hand and foot hold, and your climber never gets stronger. So, as you progress through the game, the levels get more difficult and confusing, but your climber can still only hold a small hold for a second or less. If you like doing the same thing over and over and over and over until you find the only possible path, this is the game for you.  Have fun. If you actually know how to climb, this will likely be irritating, and absolutely not fun to play after the first twenty levels or so. It’s a decent talking point, a fine attempt, and maybe it’s worth a couple of bucks, but as a game, it’s really aggravating.

## Frequently asked questions about Crux

### What is Crux: A Climbing Game?

Crux is a mobile game that simulates the experience of rock climbing. Players must carefully plan their routes and execute moves by swiping to grip holds. The game features challenging routes and a tool for users to design and share their own climbing problems.

### How do I play Crux?

Gameplay involves strategic planning and execution. You control your climber's hands and feet by swiping on either side of the screen to move them to new holds. Each hold has a time limit, so you need to find the optimal sequence of moves to reach the top.

### Is Crux free to play?

The game is free to download and play, but it does offer in-app purchases. These purchases may enhance the gameplay experience or provide additional content, though the core climbing and route design features are accessible without them.

### Can I create my own climbing routes in Crux?

Yes, a key feature of Crux is its route designer. Once you have mastered the challenges provided, you can use this tool to design your own unique climbing routes. These custom routes can then be shared with other players in the community.

### What platforms is Crux available on?

Based on the provided information, Crux is available on mobile platforms. It has been recognized as 'Game of the Day' on the App Store, indicating its availability on iOS devices.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.5 — 2022-04-21

'Crux: The Great Outdoors' is in stores now! We're adding a few links in 'Crux' so nobody misses it!

### 3.4 — 2021-09-04

- Bugfixes
- We're adding ads to the game so that we can keep supporting it. If you dislike ads, you can disable them in the store!

### 3.3.4 — 2021-08-01

- Nations Cup 2021 Update
- Climb as Alex Megos and 4 other new characters with over 70 outfits!
- Performance improvements for older devices
- You can now earn coins to purchase outfits or level packs

### 2.3.3 — 2021-07-28

Third hotfix for release 2.3:

- Climb as Alex Megos and 4 other new characters with over 70 outfits!
- Performance improvements for older devices
- You can now earn coins to purchase outfits or level packs

### 2.3.1 — 2021-07-26

First hotfix for release 2.3:

- Climb as Alex Megos and 4 other new characters with over 70 outfits!
- Performance improvements for older devices
- You can now earn coins to purchase outfits or level packs

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## More apps by Benjamin Dressler

- [Crux: The Great Outdoors](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crux-the-great-outdoors/id1590750590)
- [One Million Miles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-million-miles/id1626645595)
- [MageTrain](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magetrain/id6479560703)

All apps by Benjamin Dressler: https://appshunter.io/developer/1522414392

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-21.*