# Cartographer vs Bow maker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Bow maker at 86% against Cartographer's 34%. Bow maker also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (143 vs 27). Cartographer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cartographer sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Bow maker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Bow maker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bow maker has 143 ratings behind it against 27, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of Cartographer's written reviews are positive against 86% of Bow maker's.

Cartographer ships an update every 2 weeks, Bow maker monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cartographer | Bow maker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartographer-rpg-world-maker/id1125792703/reviews) | **[4.6 (143 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bow-maker-weapon-simulator/id1539297764/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 27 | **143** |
| Positive reviews | 34.5% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 102 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Winn](https://appshunter.io/developer/652547902) | [MIDLANDSTORY inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1496271121) |

## What reviewers say

### Cartographer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartographer-rpg-world-maker/id1125792703)

Create custom maps for fantasy worlds, alien landscapes, and imaginary realms. Easily generate diverse terrains and adjust geographical features like sea levels and landmasses. Offers professional-looking styles for writers and RPG players.

**Highlights:** Custom map generation, Landscape customization, Adjustable sea level, Terrain transformation, Custom map styles, Random world creation

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pro Mode | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pro Mode | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pro Mode | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pro Mode | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎲 Random map generation is creative and useful
- 💰 Free version available with basic functionality
- 🎨 Good for world-building inspiration and brainstorming
- ⚡ Quick and easy map generation
- 🎯 Helpful for D&D campaigns and fantasy writing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Extremely limited editing capabilities
- 💸 Aggressive monetization and paywall
- 🔍 Cannot view full map or zoom in/out
- 🎨 Low resolution output quality
- ❌ Cannot draw or place custom elements

**Reported bugs**

- 3D viewer has no interactive controls
- Cannot save 3D planet visualization
- Map visualization loads as blank or partial
- Sea level adjustments sometimes don't work properly
- Sliders behave unpredictably

**Requested features**

- Manual terrain editing and drawing tools
- Ability to add mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers
- Place structures, buildings, towns, and landmarks
- Different map projections (Mercator, Robinson, etc.)
- Globe rotation and interactive 3D controls


### Bow maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bow-maker-weapon-simulator/id1539297764)

Design and create your own unique fantasy bows with a variety of parts and decorations. Save your creations as wallpapers or share them with a community of other users. Customize colors and sizes for truly original weapon illustrations.

**Highlights:** Design custom fantasy bows, Select and place various parts, Customize colors and sizes, Add decorative elements, Save illustrations as wallpaper, Share creations with the community

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hide ads | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cartographer free?

Cartographer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Bow maker free?

Bow maker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cartographer or Bow maker?

Bow maker is rated higher. Cartographer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while Bow maker averages 4.6 from 143 ratings.

### Do Cartographer or Bow maker have ads?

Bow maker shows ads; Cartographer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cartographer or Bow maker?

Cartographer ships an update every 2 weeks, and Bow maker monthly. Most recently, Cartographer was updated on September 6, 2026 and Bow maker on September 18, 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.*