# RuneScape vs Black Desert Mobile

The clearest difference is rating: Black Desert Mobile at 4.6 against RuneScape's 3.8. Black Desert Mobile also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (50% vs 31%). RuneScape's advantage is chart position (#62 vs #189). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RuneScape sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month and Black Desert Mobile sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Black Desert Mobile holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Black Desert Mobile has 33K ratings behind it against 6K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of RuneScape's written reviews are positive against 50% of Black Desert Mobile's.

RuneScape ships an update every 3 weeks, Black Desert Mobile fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RuneScape | Black Desert Mobile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runescape/id1332022656/reviews) | **[4.6 (33K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-desert-mobile/id1477186880/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6K | **33K** |
| Positive reviews | 31.2% of reviews | **49.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#62** | #189 |
| Size | 117 MB | 392 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Jagex](https://appshunter.io/developer/338544819) | [Pearl Abyss Corp.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323002998) |

## What reviewers say

### RuneScape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runescape/id1332022656)

**Currently charting:** #62 Top Grossing · Adventure, #127 Top Grossing · Role Playing (US App Store)

Embark on an epic fantasy adventure in a vast, evolving MMORPG world. Choose your path as a lone adventurer or raid with friends, mastering diverse skills and facing mythical creatures. Explore unique locations and interact with memorable characters in this enduring online experience.

**Highlights:** Vast open world exploration, Player-driven progression, Diverse skill system (29+ skills), Versatile combat options, Rich NPC interactions, Player trading system, Optional membership for expanded content

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Membership + Trial | $10.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Membership | $12.49 | per month |
| 1 Month Membership | $14.99 | per month |
| 1 Day Membership | $0.99 | one-time |
| 3 Day Membership | $1.99 | one-time |
| 7 Day Membership | $3.99 | one-time |
| 1 RuneScape Bond | $8.99 | one-time |
| 3 RuneScape Bonds | $26.95 | one-time |
| 10 RuneScape Bonds | $89.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Great mobile experience
- 🕹️ Smooth gameplay
- 🔥 Nostalgic throwback
- 🌐 Expansive content
- 👍 Enjoyable for long-time fans

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Cluttered UI and small buttons
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🤖 Unresponsive controls
- 💰 Expensive membership and microtransactions

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes during character creation
- Unresponsive tapping and input issues
- Dialogue and quest progression problems
- Incompatibility with certain iOS devices
- Networking and server connection issues

**Requested features**

- Customizable UI and interface
- Improved touch controls and navigation
- Better optimization for tablets and larger screens
- Joystick or controller support
- More tutorials and guidance for new players


### Black Desert Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-desert-mobile/id1477186880)

**Currently charting:** #189 Top Grossing · Action (US App Store)

Embark on a breathtaking MMORPG adventure with dynamic combat and stunning graphics. Customize your character with extreme detail and explore a vast open world filled with life content. Manage your camp, tame pets, and embark on quests with players worldwide.

**Highlights:** Dynamic action combat, Extreme character customization, Vast open-world exploration, Life content (fishing, taming), Camp management, High-fidelity graphics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40 pearls | $0.99 | one-time |
| 122 pearls | $2.99 | one-time |
| 204 pearls | $4.99 | one-time |
| Combat Plus (14 Days) | $4.99 | one-time |
| 410 pearls | $9.99 | one-time |
| All-Inclusive Plus Chest | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1232 pearls | $29.99 | one-time |
| 1232 Pearls + Bonus 5% Pearls | $29.99 | one-time |
| 4115 pearls | $99.99 | one-time |
| 4115 Pearls + Bonus 10% Pearls | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 👍 Stunning graphics
- 🌟 Immersive world and story
- 🎨 Excellent character customization
- ⚔️ Engaging combat system

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Restrictive gender-locked classes
- 💰 Monetization and pay-to-win concerns
- 🔍 Cluttered and confusing UI
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when summoning a horse
- Unable to claim certain items
- Matchmaking issues in PvP arena
- Connectivity problems and server instability

**Requested features**

- Allow gender selection for all classes
- Improve social features and player interaction
- Add more diverse content and endgame activities
- Optimize performance and reduce crashes
- Provide better balance between free-to-play and paid progression


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RuneScape free?

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

### Is Black Desert Mobile free?

Black Desert Mobile is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, RuneScape or Black Desert Mobile?

Black Desert Mobile is rated higher. RuneScape averages 3.8 out of 5 from 6K ratings, while Black Desert Mobile averages 4.6 from 33K ratings.

### Do RuneScape or Black Desert Mobile have ads?

RuneScape shows ads; Black Desert Mobile does not.

### Which is updated more often, RuneScape or Black Desert Mobile?

RuneScape ships an update every 3 weeks, and Black Desert Mobile fortnightly. Most recently, RuneScape was updated on November 5, 2026 and Black Desert Mobile on November 5, 2026.

### Which is more popular, RuneScape or Black Desert Mobile?

RuneScape currently peaks at #62 in the App Store charts, and Black Desert Mobile at #189. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*