# PocketCrawler vs Idle Space Force

The clearest difference is rating: Idle Space Force at 4.7 against PocketCrawler's 3.6. Idle Space Force also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 24 months) and ratings volume (550 vs 12). PocketCrawler's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 18). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PocketCrawler sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Idle Space Force sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Idle Space Force holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Idle Space Force has 550 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of PocketCrawler's written reviews are positive against 71% of Idle Space Force's.

PocketCrawler ships an update every 24 months, Idle Space Force every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PocketCrawler | Idle Space Force |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketcrawler/id1362396788/reviews) | **[4.7 (550 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-space-force/id1605194403/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **550** |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | **71.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 122 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 18 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Yoku Takahashi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1078480151) | [Fuse Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1226258821) |

## What reviewers say

### PocketCrawler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketcrawler/id1362396788)

Engage in a wave-based battle system where enemies possess unique skills you can acquire. Manage your equipment and skills through a simple inventory. Earn idle rewards even when the app is in the background and complete all missions.

**Highlights:** Idle rewards in background, Acquire unique enemy skills, Simple inventory system, Wave-based battle system, Mission accomplishment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 crystals | $0.99 | one-time |
| 400 crystals | $3.99 | one-time |
| 840 crystals | $7.99 | one-time |
| 4400 crystals | $39.99 | one-time |
| 10000 crystals | $79.99 | one-time |


### Idle Space Force

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-space-force/id1605194403)

Command a retro spaceship in this incremental clicker game. Blast enemies, upgrade your ship, and explore planets to earn passive income. Enjoy classic shoot 'em up action with idle RPG mechanics.

**Highlights:** Incremental idle gameplay, Retro space shoot 'em up battles, Ship upgrades and prestige system, Offline income generation, Explore multiple unique worlds, Pixelated retro graphics

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Star Coin Currency x100 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Star Coin Currency x300 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $6.99 | one-time |
| Prestige Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Star Coin Currency x1000 | $10.99 | one-time |
| Star Coin Currency x2500 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Star Coin Currency x7500 | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great game with decent core loop
- 👍 No intrusive ads and reasonable IAP
- 🚀 Constant new updates
- 🚀 Engaging and fun gameplay
- 👍 No forced ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate hit boxes for coins/fuel
- 🐛 Offline earnings issues
- 🐛 Crashes when trying to advance
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- ⏱️ Slow early game progression

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to advance to next planet
- Offline rewards not working properly
- Forced flashing screen from power-up

**Requested features**

- Loot falling towards the ship
- Seasonal item multipliers working on all items
- Visibility of loot from invisible enemies
- Hint system for clues
- Faster bullet speed


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PocketCrawler free?

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

### Is Idle Space Force free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PocketCrawler or Idle Space Force?

Idle Space Force is rated higher. PocketCrawler averages 3.6 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Idle Space Force averages 4.7 from 550 ratings.

### Do PocketCrawler or Idle Space Force have ads?

Idle Space Force shows ads; PocketCrawler does not.

### Which is updated more often, PocketCrawler or Idle Space Force?

PocketCrawler ships an update every 24 months, and Idle Space Force every 3 weeks. Most recently, PocketCrawler was updated on September 28, 2026 and Idle Space Force on October 12, 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.*