# Real Fish Simulator vs Upstream Struggle

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Upstream Struggle at 87% against Real Fish Simulator's 28%. Upstream Struggle also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Real Fish Simulator sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Upstream Struggle asks for nothing beyond the download.

Upstream Struggle holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Upstream Struggle has 9.7K ratings behind it against 117, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of Real Fish Simulator's written reviews are positive against 87% of Upstream Struggle's.

Real Fish Simulator ships an update monthly, Upstream Struggle every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Real Fish Simulator | Upstream Struggle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-fish-simulator/id1112609355/reviews) | **[4.9 (9.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 117 | **9.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 28.4% of reviews | **86.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 312 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NeonWings](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866427033) | [Jack LaLonde](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499291451) |

## What reviewers say

### Real Fish Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-fish-simulator/id1112609355)

Embark on an underwater adventure as a fish, exploring the ocean's depths. Navigate challenges, evade predators, and complete missions to survive. Experience a realistic ocean environment with dynamic movements and aquatic landscapes.

**Highlights:** Escape from sharks, Rescue sea creatures, Break free from aquarium, Realistic ocean environment, Simple & smooth controls, Underwater effects

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 250 Golds | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 Golds | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack (Stackable) | $1.99 | one-time |
| 800 Golds | $2.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $3.99 | one-time |
| Gold Bundle | $3.99 | one-time |
| 1250 Golds | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ocean Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2000 Golds | $4.99 | one-time |
| 3500 Golds | $5.99 | one-time |


### Upstream Struggle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059)

Embark on an endless salmon run, swimming upstream to reach home. Dodge a variety of enemies for as long as possible to unlock new fish species and improve your score.

**Highlights:** Endless salmon run gameplay, Dodge enemies, Unlock new fish, High score challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and fun concept
- 🚀 No forced ads
- 💡 Potential for improvements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🎨 Basic graphics and animations

**Reported bugs**

- Getting stuck in the waterfall at the start
- Crashes and freezes, especially at higher levels
- Issues with the bird/flying obstacle

**Requested features**

- Add more variety to levels and obstacles
- Improve controls and jumping mechanics
- Implement a leaderboard or competitive mode
- Introduce new fish skins and customization options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Real Fish Simulator free?

Real Fish Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Upstream Struggle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Real Fish Simulator or Upstream Struggle?

Upstream Struggle is rated higher. Real Fish Simulator averages 2.7 out of 5 from 117 ratings, while Upstream Struggle averages 4.9 from 9.7K ratings.

### Do Real Fish Simulator or Upstream Struggle have ads?

Both Real Fish Simulator and Upstream Struggle show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Real Fish Simulator or Upstream Struggle?

Real Fish Simulator ships an update monthly, and Upstream Struggle every 4 days. Most recently, Real Fish Simulator was updated on October 12, 2026 and Upstream Struggle on October 11, 2026.

---

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