# Hard Time — The toughest sim in the yard!

> Prison life simulation game with survival and attribute management. (iPhone/iPad app by MDickie Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hard-time/id718021930 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [MDickie Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/498978165)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Adventure, Role Playing
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 4,305 App Store ratings · 454 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: +17
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 56 MB
- Languages: European Portuguese, German (Germany), Czech, Chinese (Simplified, China), Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan), Korean, Danish, European Spanish, Finnish, French (France) and 15 more
- Released: 2013-10-11
- Data updated: 2026-08-30
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hard-time/id718021930/reviews.md

## What is Hard Time?

Create your own inmate and attempt to survive in a prison where every sentence is a "death" sentence! Rub shoulders with up to 100 fellow inmates in a sprawling facility of 12 unique areas, each filled with fully interactive furniture and props. Plus a life beyond the gates populated by real civilians, with wardens enforcing dozens of different laws to keep you as far away from it as possible.

Each day, you will find your health and mental state slipping away. Both can be restored by sleeping - which is also a good way to pass time. You won't always be permitted to sleep, though, so consuming food and drink bridges the gap. These, along with many other activities such as reading or watching TV, can also help to improve your mental state. If you "lose your mind" you will temporarily lose control of your character - and will almost certainly get into trouble!

Your character also has a set of attributes that you are challenged to improve:
- STRENGTH indicates how much damage you can inflict or absorb. You can improve it by fighting or lifting weights.
- AGILITY determines how fast you move. You can improve it by jogging in the yard or scoring baskets.
- INTELLECT reflects your knowledge - including fighting skills such as counters. You can improve it by reading books.
- REPUTATION is how much other prisoners respect you. It can be improved by accomplishing tasks or intimidating others.

There are also opportunities to earn money - whether you work for it with a broom, trade items at a profit, or run with a gang. Having money increases your opportunities to grease the wheels and make your life inside easier.

You may find that you need to go to the toilet from time to time, in which case you must race to the bathroom! Alternatively, you could find a toilet to sit on or grab some toilet paper to spare your blushes. Failing to do so will damage your reputation and mental state.

I regret that there is more to this game than I could ever explain here, so I hope you enjoy figuring some things out for yourself!

Upgrade to "VIP" to enjoy the full experience without ads - plus access to the editor that allows you to customize your character and every other.

BASIC CONTROLS:
(*Look out for tutorials within the actual game)
A = Attack (on its own to kick, with a direction to punch)
G = Grapple / Throw weapon
R = Run
P = Pick-Up / Drop
T = Taunt (interact with handheld props)

OTHER CONTROLS
- Press ATTACK and RUN together to launch a powerful attack.
- Press any button with any direction (or none) in a grapple to trigger different moves.
- Press RUN and PICK-UP together to set fire to a small object (which can then be used to set fire to a large object).
- Touch the clock to pause the game and bring up options to exit.
- Touch any speech bubble to speed through conversations.

PERFORMANCE
- If you find your device struggles to display lots of characters, considering keeping the "Population" option low.
- "Speed Up Frame Rate" sleeping will require good performance at the default frame rate.
- Head to the "Display" options to tone down other features.

## Key features

- Create and customize inmate
- Survive in a prison with 12 areas
- Manage health and mental state
- Improve character attributes (Strength, Agility, Intellect, Reputation)
- Earn money through work or trade
- Interact with 100+ inmates and civilians
- Navigate prison laws and wardens

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Hard Time?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Unique prison simulation experience
- 😊 Nostalgic and memorable
- 🎮 Great mobile game

**Cons**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🤖 Annoying AI behavior
- 💰 Monetization issues
- 🕰️ Repetitive and grindy

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes after ads
- Inconsistent character controls
- Unrealistic physics and damage
- Inability to complete certain tasks

**Most requested features**

- Online multiplayer mode
- Expanded map and exploration
- More customization options
- Improved warden/police functionality
- Additional game modes
- Localization to other languages

## Recent user reviews (10 of 454)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hard-time/id718021930/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2026-07-27, version 1.4.4*

Best game

### 4/5 — Game review

*2026-07-15, version 1.4.4*

Good game just don’t like that you can’t pick the character

### 5/5 — LOVE IT!

*2026-07-10, version 1.4.4*

I love it so much W

### 4/5 — Fun but has its issues

*2026-06-22, version 1.4.4*

My biggest complaint is the camera it’s very annoying also the constant dialogue that messes you up and the prisoners that team up with the cops and attack you when wanted it makes no sense. I also hate the mental state mechanic and having to use the bathroom I’ve always hated both. Despite the issues however mdickie is a legend and to this day I still play, these games were a big part of my childhood.

### 5/5 — Hard time

*2026-06-04, version 1.4.4*

This is my childhood game it’s a really good game trust me

### 5/5 — Entertaining

*2026-06-03, version 1.4.4*

I’ve been playing this game for years, I’m being serious, it’s so fun and time consuming and I play when I don’t have anything to do.

### 5/5 — best Gane by mficke

*2026-05-27, version 1.4.4*

good game by mpenis thanks you 🧌🫃

### 5/5 — For Hard time

*2026-05-23*

Hello, please add multiplayer
Add more so that you can edit the character in the locker room in the house
And also to have Shan appear in the hospital after the death of the character
fix the bug so that NPCs don't move objects preferably

### 5/5 — A very fun game

*2026-05-16, version 1.4.4*

I hope the Developer sees this the game is awesome just few bugs still here and there like sometimes when I leave to go to another scene or side the whole game glitches would appreciate if a update came out to smooth these small bugs but other than that W game

### 3/5 — not how i remember

*2026-05-15, version 1.4.4*

I used to play this game all the time and you could customize your character without having to upgrade and now you have to pay to upgrade that’s just a money grab but otherwise I love this game

## Frequently asked questions about Hard Time

### What is Hard Time about?

Hard Time is a prison life simulation game where you create an inmate and attempt to survive in a challenging correctional facility. You'll need to manage your character's health, mental state, and attributes while interacting with other inmates and guards.

### What are the key features of Hard Time?

Key features include creating and customizing your inmate, exploring a prison with 12 interactive areas, managing survival needs like health and mental state, improving character attributes such as strength and intellect, and earning money through various means.

### How much does Hard Time cost?

The game is free to play, but offers a 'VIP' upgrade. This upgrade removes ads and provides access to an editor for customizing characters and other elements within the game.

### What are the basic controls in Hard Time?

Basic controls include buttons for Attack (A), Grapple/Throw weapon (G), Run (R), Pick-Up/Drop (P), and Taunt (T). There are also combined button inputs for special moves and interactions, with tutorials available in-game.

### Who is the target audience for Hard Time?

This game is designed for players who enjoy simulation experiences, particularly those with a focus on survival, strategy, and character progression in a unique and challenging setting like a prison.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.4 — 2020-11-17

- Higher resolution display, making full use of notched screens in either landscape orientation.
- Enhanced compatibility with iOS 14.
- Fewer onscreen ads (only between scenes).

### 1.4.3 — 2020-06-03

Higher resolution display, making full use of notched screens in either landscape orientation.

### 1.4.2 — 2020-05-26

Higher resolution display, making full use of notched screens in either landscape orientation.

### 1.4.1 — 2019-06-04

- You now throw by holding a direction while dropping (instead of using the 'G' button).
- New "Button Size" option helps you fine-tune the virtual controls for different screens.
- People are more grateful if you save their life (pick them up when dying).
- Various bug fixes and balancing.

### 1.39 — 2017-11-17

- Restored benefits of using props - including the new syringe and medical kit.
- New weapons include a revolver (may not be available until you restart).
- New hairstyles.
- More female faces.
- Smoother leg joints on white trousers.
- Slightly wider display for phones.
- Fewer announcements about population changes.
- Various bug fixes and balancing.

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## More apps by MDickie Limited

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- [Wrestling Revolution HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wrestling-revolution-hd/id592217939)
- [Hard Time HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hard-time-hd/id718022009)

All apps by MDickie Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/498978165

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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 2026-08-30.*