# Encarda — user reviews > 52 indexed App Store user reviews of Encarda by Virtix Ltd, rated 4.70/5 from 207 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda/id416105384/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encarda/id416105384.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 175 · 4★ 20 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 4 · 1★ 5 ## Newest reviews (11 of 52) ### 5/5 — Update broke app *2021-06-30, version 1.19* The most recent update 29-JUN-21 broke the application such that it is no longer usable. Disappointed as this is one of my favorite apps to browse in my spare time. Will update rating once fixed. **UPDATED** Quick turnaround fix. Back to functional. ### 5/5 — Great *2020-05-08, version 1.17* I love this App. It’s one of very few that I pay for. Well done layout and extensive in it’s information. Having the maps pop up is awesome. I am in the middle of rereading the Silmarillion and this app is open during. ### 5/5 — Wow, just what I needed! *2020-01-09, version 1.16* It’s a daunting task, much like Frodo and Sam’s, tackling the vast world of Arda. From the complication of times and names and places, it’s very easy to get lost. If only there was an easy to use app that was worthy of the name of Tolkien. Well, Encarda is it. Quick and efficient with maps aplenty, it is a wonderful app to keep one up to date to fully enjoy the width of Tolkien’s vision. Now note: the app is 5 bucks but has a 2 dollar fee to get updates. It is worth it! ### 5/5 — Great app *2019-12-09, version 1.16* Wonderful resource! ### 5/5 — Excellent quick reference! *2019-10-16, version 1.15* I’ve been “studying” LOTR for many years using numerous references materials. This app has been a welcome addition! I like that the developers have been very thorough in explaining there sources and are open to discussions about their work. I have just begun using it and already I appreciate the dedicated work done here. I raise a tankard of ale from “ The Green Dragon” to them all! ### 5/5 — Wow *2019-09-18, version 1.15* This app is phenomenal. I’m suprised at the amount of detail they were able to find for some characters. Must have ### 5/5 — The perfect companion *2019-08-01, version 1.15* As someone that really wants to learn and know Tolkien’s Legendarium, this app is perfect I was a little put off that I had to pay for the app and also pay for updates. I’m glad I did, though. I appreciate the, pretty much, daily updates. My only recommendation. Offer an interactive map. I like the simplicity of the map areas that are shown when you search an area. A full (zoomable) map of Middle-Earth in the same format would be awesome. ### 4/5 — Simply indispensable *2018-10-27, version 1.15* Easy to use and thorough as possible. The only reason I give it four instead of five stars is a lack of citations. Not a complete lack, just occasional. Where to read a full account of the Battle of Azanulbizar is one such lacking. But overall this is an impressive tool and one I am deeply thankful for. If you are a fan of Middle-Earth, get this already! ### 4/5 — Incredible resource, bad maps *2018-06-05, version 1.15* This is an incredible resource for Tolkien fans. The only thing that keeps me from giving this great app 5 stars is that the maps have horrible resolution and are usually so limited in scope that it is difficult to get a good understanding of how that particular location fits into the larger world. ### 5/5 — Everything I needed and more *2018-03-07, version 1.15* This has everything I knew and more in incredible detail with dates, references, illustrations, and maps. The "random" key is a blast to help take you off the beaten path and discover something new. Thoughts should definitely be taking place to make a similar app for "Game of Thrones", as only the creators of this app would be able to do it justice ### 5/5 — A tool for every reader of Tolkien *2017-11-23, version 1.15* Placing locations mentioned in the Silmarillion is difficult. This app allows me understand where what is happening. I love the list of words Tolkien used. The interface looks great; especially helpful are the little images to tag each object, a nice wizard image indicates something that has to do with wizards. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Keeps crashing *2022-09-05, version 1.19* Probably needs an update ### 1/5 — Not worth $5 *2021-12-05, version 1.19* App looks like it was designed 10 years ago. ### 1/5 — Basic *2018-12-06, version 1.15* Very basic app for the price. Hasn’t been updated in ages. Also I’d like to point out it’s not dual compatible with iPads. Even the game of thrones ice and fire app is compatible with both devices for one purchase and it’s a FAR more robust app. Don’t nickel and dime customers when you aren’t even developing the content. ### 1/5 — Terrible *2018-03-29, version 1.15* It is literally the website in app form. Not worth $5 ### 1/5 — Disappointed and out $2.99 *2011-09-14, version 1.3* I downloaded this app from itunes. Although the icon came up and looks cool on my iphone, I get nothing but a blank screen when the app. is activated. The tech service from Virtix was very accommodating with his time and effort in trying to help me resolve this issue, but wasn't able to fix the problem. I do have the Encyclopedia of Arda program on my laptop, and was very excited about getting this app. Can't endorse something I haven't been able to use. Since I wrote this note, Virtix has continued to contact me with suggestions of how to resolve my not being able to activate this app on my 1.3 iphone. I must say, eventhough I cannot endorse this product (because I cannot activate this program on my phone), I am compelled to laud the service of Virtix, and their sincere desire for my satisfaction. Thank you Virtix for your excellent service to my needs. ### 2/5 — Update created problems *2019-10-23, version 1.16* Recently this app updated. My subscription was good until July of 2020. After the update, it prompted me to renew and showed that my subscription has been expired since July 2019. So my subscription renewal didn’t follow through and now maps are not loading. Why is there no way to contact someone if you are experiencing problems ? Perplexed ! ### 2/5 — You Don't Get Update App *2018-05-09, version 1.15* $5 was expensive for an app like this, but I decided to go ahead and get it (even though the app has the same content as the website). I was aware of the $2 yearly fee for updates (even though it's not very obvious that's the case before hand). But here is my real complaint. You don't even get the updates that have been released prior to purchase... As a developer here, I say that is a pretty crappy deal. At lease give us an up to date app for our money, future updates is another story. ### 4/5 — Update Needed *2023-04-28* The app has not been optimized for iPhones without a home button. I know the developer says the app will be discontinued soon so I doubt it will get an update for this. It’s an app with great information and makes reading the books less daunting as I have a way to reference maps and create a good mental image of where the characters are at. ### 4/5 — Would be 5 stars, but UI is clunky and slow *2022-03-11, version 1.19* I think at this point in the apps development, it’s makers need to focus more on the UI. Simply put, it’s 2022 and this app operates like an app from 2012. I hope this review can be the nudge out of the hobbit-door the devs needed to get to work on an overhaul of the UI making way for a smoother user experience. Especially if users are being charged a $1.99 annual fee for “live updates”. I understand the information is being updated and I’m thankful for that, but I don’t think the UI should be overlooked. ### 4/5 — Great companion *2019-10-07, version 1.15* Maps should be much better. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great except for search bar font color *2024-01-29* Everything about this is amazing however having a yellow search bar and white font make it’s extremely hard to read. That is the o lot thing I wish would change. ### 5/5 — Indispensable reference to Tolkien’s universe *2023-01-13, version 1.19* I’ve been referencing the web version for years, but the mobile app is thoughtfully designed and facilitates quick look-ups. If you are a serious Tolkien devotee, this app is a no-brainier. ### 5/5 — Awesome app *2022-10-31, version 1.19* The Silmarillion put me off reading Tolkien for years but this app was a handy reference that opened up JRRT’s amazing world to me. ### 5/5 — Super Tolkein reference *2022-09-04, version 1.19* Watching the Ring of Power? Download now ### 5/5 — A Must Have *2022-09-03, version 1.19* Any time that I’ve entered Arda, I have this encyclopedia at the ready. The wealth of information contained here is invaluable. ### 5/5 — Great App *2022-07-11, version 1.19* Excellent. Must have if you are a real Tolkien fan. ### 5/5 — Truly helpful, thank you! *2022-03-21, version 1.19* I want to get into the Tolkien-verse, but am a slow reader and find the idea of reading ALL of the books very intimidating. Thiz app is so helpful. It seems quicker so far than going online to look through the different sites. AND the quick links to all of the other articles involved are soooooo nice. For example: I wanted to learn about the Balrog, found it easily. In learning about it, I found out that they're ancient spirits. So I clicked on that. And so forth haha. It's so easy to get sucked into the lore. ### 5/5 — Wonderful Application *2022-01-02, version 1.19* Very influential in understanding Tolkien’s creation. ### 5/5 — Perfect for hardcore Tolkien geeks *2021-09-06, version 1.19* If you have any interest in your edification of Middle-Earth content I highly recommend this app. Further it may be helpful to have this app handy while reading the books. ### 5/5 — Crashes after update *2021-07-12, version 1.19* Latest up (June 2021) should be avoided. I updated and when I open the app and to select a letter to get list of items or select recent entries it crashes and closes the app down. I tried removing app and reinstalling but no help. Helpfully a fix coming soon. UPDATED - I uninstalled app, reinstalled and it did a massive update. After that I worked great! My iPad version updated with no problem. --- *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 2026-06-10.*