# Swim Out vs Close Cities

The clearest difference is price: Close Cities at Free against Swim Out's $2.99. Close Cities also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (69% vs 59%). Swim Out's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Close Cities is free to download; Swim Out costs $2.99 up front. Close Cities sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Swim Out asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Swim Out against 4.8 for Close Cities. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 253 and 362 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 59% of Swim Out's written reviews are positive against 69% of Close Cities's.

Swim Out ships an update every 4 months, Close Cities every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Swim Out | Close Cities |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (253 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swim-out/id1204231646/reviews) | **[4.8 (362 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 253 | **362** |
| Positive reviews | 58.5% of reviews | **69.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 125 MB | 158 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lozange Lab](https://appshunter.io/developer/937331328) | [Juan Manuel Altamirano Argudo](https://appshunter.io/developer/391953849) |

## What reviewers say

### Swim Out

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swim-out/id1204231646)

A strategic, turn-based puzzle game set in a relaxing poolside or seaside environment. Plan your moves carefully to avoid other swimmers and enjoy the view. Features over 100 levels with diverse swimmers and interactive objects.

**Highlights:** Turn-based puzzle gameplay, Over 100 levels, Diverse swimmer types, Interactive objects, Environmental hazards, Controller support

**Features:** Game Controller support, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Beautiful graphics and aesthetics
- 🧘 Relaxing and zen atmosphere
- 🧠 Challenging and engaging puzzles
- 👍 Intuitive and simple gameplay
- 🎶 Great sound design and ambient sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Overpriced for the content
- 🐢 Slow animations and movement
- 🔄 Repetitive gameplay over time
- 🤔 Lack of clear instructions/explanations
- 😩 Frustrating to restart levels

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes immediately on opening
- Screen orientation locked
- Money deducted without purchase/notification
- Specific level bug (2-13)
- Game crashes after opening

**Requested features**

- Option to see finished levels
- Faster mode or quicker animations
- More varied puzzle design
- Ability to undo moves
- More level variety or new levels


### Close Cities

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084)

Build beautiful cities on diverse worlds by solving unique puzzles. This relaxing game guides you through 160 levels with a simple tap or drag interface, requiring no architectural knowledge. Conquer each world's challenges and travel through time with its calming soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Build cities on empty maps, Solve 160 unique puzzle levels, Intuitive tap and drag controls, No architectural knowledge needed, Travel through different worlds, Relaxing music and pace

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hints - Small Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hints - Medium Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads + Hints | $2.99 | one-time |
| Hints - Big Pack | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Swim Out free?

Swim Out costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Close Cities free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Swim Out or Close Cities?

Close Cities is rated higher. Swim Out averages 4.7 out of 5 from 253 ratings, while Close Cities averages 4.8 from 362 ratings.

### Do Swim Out or Close Cities have ads?

Close Cities shows ads; Swim Out does not.

### Which is updated more often, Swim Out or Close Cities?

Swim Out ships an update every 4 months, and Close Cities every 3 weeks. Most recently, Swim Out was updated on October 24, 2026 and Close Cities on October 24, 2026.

---

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