# Idle Universe vs Elemental Merge

The clearest difference is rating: Idle Universe at 4.3 against Elemental Merge's 3.9. Idle Universe also leads on ratings volume (1.5K vs 24). Elemental Merge's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Universe sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Elemental Merge sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Idle Universe holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Idle Universe has 1.5K ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 65% of Idle Universe's written reviews are positive against 69% of Elemental Merge's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Idle Universe ships an update every 3 weeks, Elemental Merge monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Universe | Elemental Merge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-universe/id1195110094/reviews)** | [3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-merge/id6741715769/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | 65.2% of reviews | **68.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 299 MB | 319 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dominik Stallmann](https://appshunter.io/developer/1195110093) | [Bigyan Tripathi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1795227954) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Universe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-universe/id1195110094)

Tap to gather matter and create interstellar objects, from particles to galaxies. Objects automatically generate more matter, allowing for endless universe expansion. Unlock divine powers, upgrade objects, and utilize special abilities to grow your cosmic creation.

**Highlights:** Create 31 interstellar objects, Unlock 24 Divine Powers, Upgrade objects with multiple options, Obtain Dark Matter for special abilities, Gain Antimatter via prestige for permanent upgrades, Compete on leaderboards, Earn daily rewards and achievements

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 250 Dark Matter | $3.99 | one-time |
| Double Antimatter Gains | $4.99 | one-time |
| +100% Transcendence Exp | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove All Ads | $8.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Dark Matter | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2500 Dark Matter | $24.99 | one-time |
| 10000 Dark Matter | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Organized and easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient progression system
- 💡 Unique and engaging concept
- 🎨 Good graphics and visuals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🔋 Slow progress without watching ads
- 🤖 Forced Google account login
- 🔍 Unclear game mechanics

**Reported bugs**

- Prestige button not working
- Ads not providing expected rewards
- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Incorrect offline progress tracking

**Requested features**

- Offline progress tracking
- More prestige layers and upgrades
- Better optimization for larger screens
- Improved tutorial and explanations


### Elemental Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-merge/id6741715769)

This game lets you merge atoms to discover new elements and progress through the periodic table. Earn resources to upgrade production and unlock bonuses, offering a relaxing yet strategic science-inspired experience.

**Highlights:** Merge atoms to unlock new elements, Collect elements across the periodic table, Strategic upgrades with Particles, Anti-matter, Magic flasks, Relaxing chemistry game inspired by science, Long-term goal of reaching Element 118, Idle progression and discovery gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quick Boost 3 Hour | $0.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge! | $0.99 | one-time |
| Permanent Booster V1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Quick Boost 12 Hour | $1.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge V2! | $1.99 | one-time |
| Quick Boost 1 Day | $2.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge V3! | $2.99 | one-time |
| Permanent Booster V3 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Permanent Booster V2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Disable all ads! | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Universe free?

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

### Is Elemental Merge free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Idle Universe or Elemental Merge?

Idle Universe is rated higher. Idle Universe averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Elemental Merge averages 3.9 from 24 ratings.

### Do Idle Universe or Elemental Merge have ads?

Both Idle Universe and Elemental Merge show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Universe or Elemental Merge?

Idle Universe ships an update every 3 weeks, and Elemental Merge monthly. Most recently, Idle Universe was updated on November 6, 2026 and Elemental Merge on November 4, 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.*