# DFRCT vs The Elder Scrolls

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DFRCT at 100% against The Elder Scrolls's 49%. DFRCT also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 39) and ads (none vs shown). The Elder Scrolls's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Elder Scrolls sells 39 one-off in-app purchases. DFRCT asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Elder Scrolls holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Elder Scrolls has 13K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of DFRCT's written reviews are positive against 49% of The Elder Scrolls's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

DFRCT ships an update every 3 months, The Elder Scrolls every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DFRCT | The Elder Scrolls |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dfrct/id1071944832/reviews) | **[4.6 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-elder-scrolls-castles/id1594657136/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **13K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 49.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 686 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [MIFKI PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/316521224) | [Bethesda](https://appshunter.io/developer/547109759) |

## What reviewers say

### DFRCT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dfrct/id1071944832)

This utility helps test your connection to a Dwarf Fortress Remote server before buying the full application. It's ideal for users with servers behind firewalls or NAT, ensuring connectivity before purchase. Results may vary between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, so test your intended play connections.

**Highlights:** Connection testing for DF Remote server, Firewall and NAT compatibility check, Pre-purchase connectivity verification, Supports cellular and Wi-Fi network testing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Elder Scrolls

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-elder-scrolls-castles/id1594657136)

Build and manage your own castle and dynasty across generations. Make crucial decisions, customize your stronghold, and send heroes on quests to protect your kingdom. Your choices shape your legacy.

**Highlights:** Build and customize your castle, Manage your dynasty across generations, Make impactful kingdom decisions, Train subjects and assign workstations, Complete epic quests with heroes, Equip heroes with epic gear

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (39)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Event Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pouch of Gems - 50% discount | $0.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Decoration: Discount | $1.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Shield Spellbreaker | $1.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Axe: Warlock Butcher | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pouch of Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Event Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Potions and Scrolls | $2.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Decoration | $3.99 | one-time |
| Witch-Hunting Reinforcements | $4.99 | one-time |
| Small Starter Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (7 days) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Magical Craftsmen | $5.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Event Subject Bundle | $6.99 | one-time |
| Redguard Bundle: New Blood | $7.99 | one-time |
| Holiday Feast Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Satchel of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Potions and Scrolls | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dwemer Furnace Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (14 days) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Magical Craftsmen | $9.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: Silversmith | $11.99 | one-time |
| Put Your Dukes Up - Discount | $11.99 | one-time |
| A Bit of Everything | $11.99 | one-time |
| Decoration Pack | $12.99 | one-time |
| But make it fashion - discount | $13.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (30 days) | $13.99 | one-time |
| Large Starter Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: It's Adore-able | $17.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Coffer of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle : A Noble Path | $19.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: A Mage's Touch | $19.99 | one-time |
| Biggest Bundle (Big Discount) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (1 year) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Strongbox of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |
| Put Your Dukes Up | $29.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: Silversmith | $29.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Coffer of Gems | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Unique Elder Scrolls-themed mechanics
- 💡 Interesting character relationships and decision-making
- 🎨 Beautiful visuals and music

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 💰 Aggressive monetization with paywall-locked content
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and sync issues
- 🕹️ Clunky controls and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to select rooms without selecting characters
- Accidental character movement due to poor UI
- Inconsistent resource collection when game is closed

**Requested features**

- Multiple save files or restart option
- More customization options for castle and characters
- Improved character management tools
- Deeper integration with Elder Scrolls lore and characters


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DFRCT free?

DFRCT is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Elder Scrolls free?

The Elder Scrolls is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, DFRCT or The Elder Scrolls?

The Elder Scrolls is rated higher. DFRCT averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while The Elder Scrolls averages 4.6 from 13K ratings.

### Do DFRCT or The Elder Scrolls have ads?

The Elder Scrolls shows ads; DFRCT does not.

### Which is updated more often, DFRCT or The Elder Scrolls?

DFRCT ships an update every 3 months, and The Elder Scrolls every 2 weeks. Most recently, DFRCT was updated on September 25, 2026 and The Elder Scrolls on September 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*