# Decode the Code vs Shapez

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Decode the Code at 100% against Shapez's 54%. Decode the Code also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5). Shapez's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 14). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Decode the Code sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Shapez sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Decode the Code holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shapez has 1.5K ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Decode the Code's written reviews are positive against 54% of Shapez's.

Decode the Code ships an update every 2 months, Shapez every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decode the Code | Shapez |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decode-the-code/id1421984663/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapez-factory-game/id6450830779/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 54.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 160 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Square Lion LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222755999) | [Playdigious](https://appshunter.io/developer/1041387229) |

## What reviewers say

### Decode the Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decode-the-code/id1421984663)

A puzzle game inspired by a classic board game where players guess a hidden code in limited attempts. Earn in-game currency to unlock new content and challenge yourself with harder modes. Track your progress and compare it with friends.

**Highlights:** Code-breaking gameplay, Unlockable content packs, Hard Mode challenges, Stats tracking, Friend comparisons, Limited-time packs

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| 55 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 120 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |


### Shapez

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapez-factory-game/id6450830779)

Build automated factories to produce increasingly complex geometric shapes. Experiment with tools to design your factory, extract and mix colors, and scale production on an infinite map. Enjoy a relaxed, minimalist experience with a soothing soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Automated shape production, Complex shape creation, Color extraction and mixing, Infinite map exploration, Factory optimization, Minimalist art style

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full Game | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Great mobile adaptation
- 💡 Relaxing factory building
- 🚀 Satisfying automation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy
- 🔒 Requires internet connection to play
- 🔒 Can't use existing PC purchases
- 👎 Clunky controls and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Save data corruption and loss of progress
- Conveyor belt orientation issues
- Inconsistent performance and frame rate drops
- Placement and selection bugs

**Requested features**

- Ability to sync progress across devices
- More game modes and customization options
- Improved blueprint management
- Faster time acceleration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decode the Code free?

Decode the Code is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Shapez free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Decode the Code or Shapez?

Decode the Code is rated higher. Decode the Code averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Shapez averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Decode the Code or Shapez have ads?

Decode the Code shows ads; Shapez does not.

### Which is updated more often, Decode the Code or Shapez?

Decode the Code ships an update every 2 months, and Shapez every 5 weeks. Most recently, Decode the Code was updated on October 2, 2026 and Shapez on October 2, 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.*