# Square Valley — user reviews

> 76 indexed App Store user reviews of Square Valley by Ryan Becijos, rated 4.70/5 from 91 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/square-valley/id1609779877/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/square-valley/id1609779877.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 78 · 4★ 7 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 1

## What do users think of Square Valley?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎮 Engaging tile placement puzzle mechanics
- 🎵 Relaxing and pleasant background music
- 🎨 Beautiful minimalist art style and visuals
- 😌 Calming and stress-relieving gameplay
- 💰 No ads or in-app purchases
- 🧩 Strategic depth with synergies between tiles
- 🔄 High replay value with randomized maps
- ⏱️ Perfect length for quick gaming sessions
- 📚 Gradual introduction of new mechanics
- 🎯 Well-balanced challenge and relaxation
- 🏆 Daily challenges and leaderboards
- 👨‍💻 Responsive developer with regular updates
- 🎁 One-time purchase model
- 🧠 Intellectually stimulating without being overwhelming

**Cons**

- ❓ Unclear tile descriptions and requirements
- 🎲 High randomness can lead to unwinnable scenarios
- 📊 No real-time score feedback during gameplay
- 🐛 Occasional scoring calculation bugs
- 📱 Portrait-only mode (no landscape on iPad)
- ⏳ Leaderboard loading freezes for top scores
- 🎯 Insufficient tutorial and onboarding
- 🔤 Limited language support (missing Spanish, Italian)
- 📈 Only 45 levels total (3 chapters × 15 levels)
- 🎲 Random tile placement restrictions limit planning
- 📋 Confusing terminology (e.g., 'area', 'valley')
- 🔊 Volume control is binary (on/off only)

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Leaderboard freezes when displaying top 10 scores
- Tile scoring miscalculations (e.g., Cherry Orchard, Fir Grove)
- Tutorial bug where selected tiles change unexpectedly
- Some tiles don't work as described in requirements
- Scoring feedback unclear until level completion
- Inconsistent tile placement rules not documented
- Protected Copper Beech scoring issues
- Random tile placement can create impossible scenarios

**Most requested features**

- More levels and chapters
- Landscape/iPad support with larger maps
- iCloud synchronization across devices
- Real-time score feedback per tile placement
- Glossary with detailed tile explanations
- Personal stats and score history per level
- Customizable sandbox mode with more options
- Music volume slider (separate from sound effects)
- Global leaderboards with player names
- Board game physical version
- Expansion packs with new tile sets
- Undo and skip buttons (mentioned as implemented in recent update)
- Additional language translations
- Split-screen multiplayer mode

## Newest reviews (15 of 76)

### 4/5 — Super Spiel, paar Verbesserungsvorschläge, dann 5 Sterne

*2023-05-08*

Entspannt und knifflig, eine angenehme Mischung. 
 Was uns fehlt: 
 - I Cloud synchro 
- QUERANSICHT! möchte mein ipad quer stellen können
- Weltrangliste 
- splitscreen 

 Danke, würde mich sehr freuen

### 4/5 — New scoring from 2 to 4

*2023-03-03*

I originally said that the game was very good up to a point, I could not get past the Sanctuary level, I even deleted the game. However I started it again but played the sandbox mode games to get more familiar with the rules. I’ve now got past the Sanctuary level after many attempts  (The designers have made it possible) so I’m really enjoying playing it again. The only down side is that it’s very addictive and I’m spending too long on it. I do wish the game area was larger and could be played landscape mode on iPad.

### 5/5 — I Love This Game

*2022-10-06, version 1.0.8*

Pros: Just the right level of challenging strategy and relaxing pace. The interface is user friendly and intuitive. Easy to pick back up after putting down. High replay value because every map is randomly generated at the start of a round. Each new level has some new tile element that adds to the freshness and fun of the puzzles. (The sandbox mode allows some selection of these elements, but it isn’t always good at putting them together in a logical way).

Cons: Because of the randomizer, sometimes daily challenges are near impossible to complete and there is no way to reset. Also, even though the random map gen means you can replay levels, it would be nice to have more than 45 levels (15 per chapter)… because reaching the end is kinda sad when you’re loving a game! 

Suggestion: Please add more chapters and levels! Also, perhaps maybe add the option of a larger map (more tiles) for sandbox and more ways to customize the sandbox puzzles. Speaking of that, can you add to the glossary an explanation what each tile element means and does?

### 5/5 — Entertaining and challenging game

*2022-10-02*

This is a lovely little game that provides just the right amount of challenge at every new level. Feels like a board game you can play by yourself. Nice music too.

### 4/5 — Love the game, needs better tool tips

*2022-09-30*

Very reminiscent of Islanders or any game like that. Also similar to some Roll and Write board games. My biggest issue is what in tarnation is an “area”? Game uses the term constantly and never explains it at all. There’s even an article written about the game complaining about the same thing when I tried to look it up. Please help, dev.

**Developer response:** I appreciate the feedback! Rule clarification is definitely something I'm trying to improve and you are correct that even common terms might not be understandable. There is a glossary in the settings menu that gives a little graphic about what "area" is, but it does often go missed by players. "Area" means the 8 tiles on all sides directly surrounding the tile.
Among other ideas on improving rule clarifications, I might possibly add some highlighting to "areas" to give the player a little bit more info. Anyhow, I hope this helps, thanks for the feedback!

### 5/5 — Superb balance

*2022-09-27*

This is an excellent puzzle game. It strikes the perfect balance between challenge and simplicity. Every level is different and some of the random features mean you never know what sort of challenge you’ll face each round. The tile characteristics are sometimes a little difficult to interpret, but after a few tries and seeing the final scoring it makes more sense. Otherwise it’s quite brilliant. The experience of playing is actually quite relaxing when listening to the pleasant music too. Thoroughly enjoying it and worth the small cost of the app. Five star game.

### 5/5 — Beautiful indie board game

*2022-09-11*

Loved playing through this game. If you like euro board games with solitaire modes, this beautifully replicates the feel. Great example of a game that doesn't need to be flashy to be good. Every map has a unique challenge to keep things fresh.

### 5/5 — Joya

*2022-08-23*

Uno de los juegos más entretenidos y bonitos de los que he jugado en el iPad últimamente.

### 5/5 — Fun game

*2022-08-23, version 1.0.8*

This takes skill and a little luck. 
Just beat all 3 stages. Willing to buy an expansion pack w/ larger or more complex maps.

### 4/5 — Good

*2022-08-22, version 1.0.8*

Good game, just there’s very little knowledge of where you are going to be allowed to place the next tile, and it seems random

### 5/5 — Cathartic and challenging

*2022-08-04*

A wonderful game, I’ve spent many hours on it. It combines being relaxing with being challenging too. Ignore the 1 star reviews, clearly written by people who find anything more than Candy Crush too difficult to understand.

### 4/5 — Not what I hoped for

*2022-07-28*

This is a two-star game for me. The game works well, and it looks good. So I’m rating it four stars out of respect for the developer. I will probably delete this game because:

1. Tile scoring is too complicated. A tile might be worth 5 points if it’s 3 or more spaces from a wall. Otherwise it’s worth 1 point unless it’s adjacent to a river. That sort of thing. For me it became work, not fun, to find the best place to put a tile.

Many people like such complexity. Many don’t. I’m mentioning it so people know what to expect.

2. I couldn’t tell what my score was during a game. So I had no way of knowing how I was doing until the game ended. The game really should display a player’s turn-by-turn score.

### 5/5 — Great stress reliever

*2022-07-24*

When you want to just ‘switch off’ and relax, Square Valley does the job.  What a great game.  Good visuals, gentle background music and no annoying ads popping up after each round.  Simply brilliant and well worth the price.

### 4/5 — Very good, minor flaws

*2022-07-23*

Nice game without ads, no in game nonsense, nice graphics, calming music.
However, the later stages are pure luck and some plates do not work as described. 
If the randomness could be reduced a little bit and the not working plates could be fixed it is a clear five star game.

**Developer response:** Thanks for the review! Feel free to reach out to rycekube@gmail.com to let me know which tiles or "plates" aren't working and I'll try and fix them right away!

### 5/5 — Super

*2022-07-21*

Schöne einfache Grafik, tolles Spielprinzip, gute ruhige Musik, kann man Stunden mit verbringen, seinen Platz auf der Bestenliste zu verbessern.

Keine Werbung!

Wie verdienen die Macher ihr Geld? Würde gerne ein paar Euro in die Kaffeekasse geben.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Vielleicht bin ich zu dumm???

*2023-04-27*

Ich kann das Spiel überhaupt nicht verstehen und finde aber keinerlei Hinweise wie man spielen soll/kann.
Schade um das bezahlte Geld, zwar keine Werbung, dafür aber auch vollkommen unverständlich… soll Spaß machen und ab 4 Jahren ? geeignet, … na ja wenn man lauter Genies um sich rum hat oder so.
Dafür ist ein Stern eigentlich zu viel. Sorry.

### 1/5 — Don’t Waste Your Money

*2022-07-24*

This game is confusing, pointless and has no real play to it. 

The tutorial gives little to no guidance and the game has no aim, I found myself just tapping away and random things and I somehow get points that make no sense. 

An absolute WASTE of my money and unfortunately it’s difficult to get a refund.

### 1/5 — Cheated, do not buy this game

*2022-07-20*

The game is unplayable. The tutorial doesn’t have sufficient instructions to make it work properly. The buttons aren’t highlighted. This looked like a charming puzzle game. However, I feel utterly cheated. Do NOT buy the game.

### 1/5 — Ziemlich dämlich

*2022-06-26*

Die meisten Punkte kriegt man wenn man einfach wahllos und zufällig irgendwelche Gebäude irgendwo platziert. Es ist ebenfalls ziemlich verbuggt: Wildpflanzen können angeblich nur neben unbebauten Feldern platziert werden, lassen sich aber überall platzieren.

Ebenfalls lassen sich die Punkte erst am Ende eines Levels anzeigen.

Für das Geld kann man sich besser Bier kaufen, da hat man länger was von.

**Developer response:** Das hört sich nach einem Missverständnis der Regeln an, denn du kannst alle Plättchen immer dort platzieren, wo die Markierung erscheint. Wo du sie platzierst, wirkt sich nur auf die möglichen Punkte aus, die erzielt werden, und es kann durchaus knifflig sein, die Plättchen an optimalen Positionen zu platzieren.

Es ist richtig, dass die Punkte erst am Ende des Levels angezeigt werden. Das liegt daran, dass sich die Wertung der Plättchen in jeder Runde bis zum Schluss ändert. Ich hoffe, diese Informationen sorgen für ein besseres Spielerlebnis!

### 1/5 — Terrible tutorial

*2022-06-14, version 1.0.5*

The tutorial is the worst I’ve ever seen. Ridiculously difficult to learn how to play. I just spent 20 minutes with the tutorials and still have no clue why the highlighted blocks change, or how to place a road or river, or how you make any changes.

Maybe this is a fun game, but I’m not spending any more time on a tutorial this bad.

### 1/5 — En español por favor

*2022-06-02*

Lo descargue y no consigo enterarme de nada. Rogaría traducción

**Developer response:** Actualmente el juego sólo está disponible en inglés y alemán. El idioma español está previsto en futuras actualizaciones, pero de momento no hay una fecha concreta. Se anunciará cuando esto ocurra.

### 2/5 — Didn’t like

*2022-11-14*

I wanted to like this based on positive reviews, and suggestions I saw on social media. But it suffers from usability and feedback problems, i.e. it’s not very clear what you’re supposed to do, or what the implication is. Ultimately, the tutorial was a bit too mindless, and the other levels seem like they’re just going to be a super complicated version of minesweeper.

### 3/5 — Fun app!

*2023-12-29, version 1.0.9*

I recently got the app square valley. I really enjoy. I can’t get past the Tree of Life. I’m guessing that I have tried it a couple of dozen times. I was trying to find someone to email to ask for help but can’t find an email or help button.

### 3/5 — Fragen

*2022-05-07*

es gibt zu viele unverständliche Regeln. Ständige Fragen wie was gemeint ist, nerven. Es ist ein bisschen zu viel zu beachten, dass das Spiel entspannend sein könnte. Aber die Musik ist schön und mir gefällt dass es einfach gehalten ist

### 3/5 — Tile placement puzzle game with potential

*2022-04-26, version 1.0.2*

TL:DR: plenty of potential to be a rewarding and relaxing puzzle game that you can play over and over again. But certain aspects like tile requirements and gameplay choices leave this title a bit lacking/frustrating in its current state.

What’s good: 
- art is nice
- nice music
- enjoyable idea/premise: (dynamic tile placement according to their needs and requirements to score points)
- plenty of replay potential since levels are randomized each time

What’s definitely holding it back:
- Tile rules/requirements can be a bit confusing based on how they’re written. And certain requirements are not listed (ex: a number of tiles can’t be place within the limit of walls but that is never mentioned and then you receive -20 point penalty at the end.  Frustrating

What’s questionable: 
- while the random factor is nice for replay-ability, sometimes it leaves you with terrible scenarios, that even when trying to plan ahead cannot be avoided. And this mostly comes down to the mechanic of not only receiving random tiles each turn, but also randomized squares that are available to be placed upon. There was a game on steam called Islanders that I liked playing that was similar. You’d get to choose between randomized building packs which all had tile elements with point requirements.  But these elements could be placed anywhere on the island so it really did allow you to strategize and plan ahead once you understood the nature of each tile.  But the addition of randomized placement restrictions really hinders how much planning ahead you can really do.  Personally I liked Islanders approach to this kind of game a lot better, but I’m open to this added degree of difficulty. I just wish there was some degree of randomness eliminated based on what’s already been placed.  It’s not fun to try your best to city plan and then just get completely screwed over in the late game by RNG

- point totals are completely hidden until the round is over.  While I get that the overall points of a tile will depend on the final placement of the board, the lack of real time feedback per turn exasperates some of the confusion with how the tile requirements are described and also makes each turn less satisfying than it could be. Going back to Islanders which is a similar concept, that game provides real time point +’s and -‘s as you moved tiles around the board determine where to place them. And then when you did place the time the points were added to your score. This not only helped to clear up any questions regarding pointing descriptions but it also added an element of instant gratification and dopamine release per turn that made the game play fun. Something like this would do wonders for this game.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — One of my all time favorites

*2026-09-01*

I have played and replayed this game over the years and I keep coming back. It’s the exact right combination of challenge, charm, and soothes my nerves. Thank you for making this! Enjoying the update too!

### 5/5 — Great Game

*2024-08-30*

I’m really surprised this game isn’t more well known! It’s so nice, got really relaxing music in the background, too. It’s the only game where I don’t mute the music 😅
Besides that, it’s got nice challenges without too much pressure so it’s perfect to wind down for me 😊 5/5

### 5/5 — Worth every penny

*2024-08-22*

I don’t know how to sum up this game in few words, but the idea is that you take turns placing tiles with certain rules, the rules are given so that if you follow them, you make a ecosystem that makes sense, for instance singing stones have to be in the same row, most cattle should be in fences, and so on. Each level has interesting stories where you as the player have to create a landscape that shows the special tiles characteristics. The game is extremely fun, repayable after the main story, and has custom level settings to make the levels suit you. It may seem overwhelming with all these tiles but the game introduces you to the rules gradually until you are a master of placing these tiles without much thought.

### 5/5 — Thank you

*2024-02-06*

I really enjoy playing this game. My feedback would be to review and improve the requirements and the points of each tile. Sometimes it is not clear until the end of the level.

### 5/5 — Simply engaging

*2023-12-15*

I love the simple nonviolent logic of this game. Pleasant and addictive. I just wish there were more levels to work through. I do the daily challenge most days and love it, except that when my score is high enough to rank in the top ten, the screen freezes up and I just get an unending “loading” screen. It will show my ranking if it is out of the top ten, but I never see the ranking of my best scores. 

Still, it a joy I have added to my morning routine.

### 5/5 — Le meilleur rapport qualité/prix !

*2023-05-03*

le jeu est super original, ça faisait longtemps que je cherchais une sorte de city builder ou t'as un choix de bâtiments aléatoire
les synergies de cartes sont vraiment bien trouvés et apporte son côté casse-tête à ce jeu
- 3 chapitres de 15 niveaux avec des changements de biomes et de tuiles, et pile ce qu'il faut de difficulté sur chaque niveau
- un challenge journalier avec des settings programmés
- un mode sand-box pour pouvoir essayer toutes les mécaniques
le meilleur rapport qualité/prix, vous  pouvez y allez les yeux fermés !

### 5/5 — Einfach genial

*2023-04-24*

Ein tolles Spiel, das nie langweilig wird,mit wunderschöner Optik!

Besonders gut gefällt mir, dass man die Daily Challenge nicht nur einmal sonder mehrfach spielen kann. Es macht Spaß, die Anordnung jedesmal etwas mehr zu optimieren. 

Derzeit gibt es ein kleines Problem. Bei mir wird die Rangfolge der Punkte bei der Daily Challenge nicht angezeigt. Stört nicht allzus sehr, sollte aber „repariert“ werden.

### 5/5 — MORE.

*2023-01-28*

Absolutely adore this game. I love figuring out my strategies for each set of tiles and tiles, and can’t help but go back to try to improve my score in ever single level. 

Every single tile has little ways you can squeeze every last point out of it, and when you manage to get a high score with an aesthetically pleasing map, the feeling is wonderful. As frustrating as it was adjusting to plateaus and islands, it was even more satisfying when I finally got it down.

Only possible complaints aside from wanting more levels are that the randomness of the tile options and spaces can sometimes just give you the finger. Part of it is not drawing out the levels for too long, sure. The more tiles you have placed the more likely you’ll be blocked. But sometimes the game just gives you a dozen occupied spaces, a singular open space, and a pair of tiles that will only penalize your points. But it’s part of the game, and I just kind of learned to roll with it. Sometimes your attempt just doesn’t play out.

But seriously. More levels. They don’t even need to be new content. Just mix and match and cookie-cutter with the old tile sets you already have, and give me more levels to get high scores in. So many of the cool concepts are only used once, and both sandbox and the daily challenge feel so unsatisfying in comparison to seeing your high score recorded permanently.

### 5/5 — Satisfying, pretty, and relaxing!

*2022-12-19*

Absolutely love the puzzles in this game.  They are engaging, with every single one adding some new twist, and the perfect length of time for a relaxing break, running around 10 minutes.  Not to mention the charming artwork and music!

### 5/5 — Beautiful, gentle and cerebral

*2022-10-12*

It’s a deceptively simple premise. Each tile has different rules governing where it can be placed and how it scores points. You are given a small selection from a random deck and must find the best place to play a tile. But the interlocking and competing requirements of all the different tiles quickly ramp up the challenge and the available spots shrink the further the game progresses. Add every few turns you have to consider how best to place a road or a river or a wall or a fence. Each will have a different set of implications for the tiles on the board and those you have yet to place.

The art is simple but pleasing, the UI is very intuitive and any thought that the gameplay might get repetitive is quickly dispelled by the huge set of levels that gradually unlock more and more buildings, rules and challenges.

All this and no in-app purchases or irritating adverts? This - this! - is how mobile games should be.

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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 2026-09-03.*