# RuneScape vs The Elder Scrolls

The clearest difference is rating: The Elder Scrolls at 4.6 against RuneScape's 3.8. The Elder Scrolls also leads on review sentiment (49% vs 31%). RuneScape's advantage is chart position (#60 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RuneScape sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month and The Elder Scrolls sells 39 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The Elder Scrolls holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5.9K and 13K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of RuneScape's written reviews are positive against 49% of The Elder Scrolls's.

RuneScape ships an update every 3 weeks, The Elder Scrolls every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RuneScape | The Elder Scrolls |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (5.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runescape/id1332022656/reviews) | **[4.6 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-elder-scrolls-castles/id1594657136/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5.9K | **13K** |
| Positive reviews | 31.0% of reviews | **49.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#60** | — |
| Size | 125 MB | 686 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) | [Bethesda](https://appshunter.io/developer/547109759) |

## What reviewers say

### RuneScape

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

**Currently charting:** #60 Top Grossing · Adventure, #131 Top Grossing · Role Playing, #186 Top Free · Adventure, #208 Top Free · 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 (16)**

| 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 |
| Starter Membership Pack | $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 |
| 15 Keys | $5.99 | one-time |
| 1 RuneScape Bond | $8.99 | one-time |
| 35 Keys | $11.99 | one-time |
| 75 keys + Wrapping paper | $19.99 | one-time |
| 75 Keys | $23.99 | one-time |
| 3 RuneScape Bonds | $26.95 | one-time |
| 200 Keys | $59.99 | one-time |
| 10 RuneScape Bonds | $89.99 | one-time |
| 450 Keys | $119.99 | 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


### The Elder Scrolls

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-elder-scrolls-castles/id1594657136)

Build and manage your own castle and dynasty across generations. Make crucial decisions, customize your stronghold, and send heroes on quests to protect your kingdom. Your choices shape your legacy.

**Highlights:** Build and customize your castle, Manage your dynasty across generations, Make impactful kingdom decisions, Train subjects and assign workstations, Complete epic quests with heroes, Equip heroes with epic gear

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

**In-app purchases (39)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Event Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pouch of Gems - 50% discount | $0.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Decoration: Discount | $1.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Shield Spellbreaker | $1.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Axe: Warlock Butcher | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pouch of Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Event Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Potions and Scrolls | $2.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Decoration | $3.99 | one-time |
| Witch-Hunting Reinforcements | $4.99 | one-time |
| Small Starter Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (7 days) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Magical Craftsmen | $5.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Event Subject Bundle | $6.99 | one-time |
| Redguard Bundle: New Blood | $7.99 | one-time |
| Holiday Feast Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Satchel of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Potions and Scrolls | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dwemer Furnace Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (14 days) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Magical Craftsmen | $9.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: Silversmith | $11.99 | one-time |
| Put Your Dukes Up - Discount | $11.99 | one-time |
| A Bit of Everything | $11.99 | one-time |
| Decoration Pack | $12.99 | one-time |
| But make it fashion - discount | $13.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (30 days) | $13.99 | one-time |
| Large Starter Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: It's Adore-able | $17.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Coffer of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle : A Noble Path | $19.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: A Mage's Touch | $19.99 | one-time |
| Biggest Bundle (Big Discount) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Emperor's Pass (1 year) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Strongbox of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |
| Put Your Dukes Up | $29.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Bundle: Silversmith | $29.99 | one-time |
| Imperial Coffer of Gems | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Unique Elder Scrolls-themed mechanics
- 💡 Interesting character relationships and decision-making
- 🎨 Beautiful visuals and music

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 💰 Aggressive monetization with paywall-locked content
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and sync issues
- 🕹️ Clunky controls and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to select rooms without selecting characters
- Accidental character movement due to poor UI
- Inconsistent resource collection when game is closed

**Requested features**

- Multiple save files or restart option
- More customization options for castle and characters
- Improved character management tools
- Deeper integration with Elder Scrolls lore and characters


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RuneScape free?

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

### Is The Elder Scrolls free?

The Elder Scrolls is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, RuneScape or The Elder Scrolls?

The Elder Scrolls is rated higher. RuneScape averages 3.8 out of 5 from 5.9K ratings, while The Elder Scrolls averages 4.6 from 13K ratings.

### Do RuneScape or The Elder Scrolls have ads?

Both RuneScape and The Elder Scrolls show ads.

### Which is updated more often, RuneScape or The Elder Scrolls?

RuneScape ships an update every 3 weeks, and The Elder Scrolls every 2 weeks. Most recently, RuneScape was updated on October 1, 2026 and The Elder Scrolls on October 1, 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.*