# Runes vs Hidden Objects

Runes and Hidden Objects both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 83% of Runes's written reviews are positive against 33% of Hidden Objects's. Runes also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (576 vs 155). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Runes sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Hidden Objects sells 24 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hidden Objects holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 576 and 155 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of Runes's written reviews are positive against 33% of Hidden Objects's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Runes ships an update every 6 weeks, Hidden Objects every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Runes | Hidden Objects |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (576 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runes-hidden-objects-games/id1484061991/reviews) | **[4.7 (155 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-objects-carnival-f2p/id6504183407/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **576** | 155 |
| Positive reviews | **83.3% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 186 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Crisp App Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1143551614) | [DO GAMES LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542346466) |

## What reviewers say

### Runes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runes-hidden-objects-games/id1484061991)

Uncover the secrets of a mysterious town by searching intricately illustrated scenes for hidden objects and solving puzzles. Follow a detective through a captivating storyline with unique challenges and unlock magical artifacts as you progress. Play at your own pace with optional hints.

**Highlights:** Search hand-painted scenes for hidden objects, Spot subtle differences, Solve puzzles and brain teasers, Follow a twisting storyline, Collect magical artifacts, Play at your own pace with hints

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Instant Hint | $0.99 | one-time |
| Handful of Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Bag with Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Infinity Energy + No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Сhest with Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| Master Pack Special | $3.99 | one-time |
| Master Pack: All-included | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great graphics
- 🧠 Exercises the brain
- 🤩 Fun to play
- 🧘‍♀️ Relaxing gameplay
- 🔍 Interesting hidden object puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Energy/ads require purchases
- 🕰️ Too many interruptions
- 🌃 Dark and blurry scenes
- 🤔 Unclear progression/navigation

**Reported bugs**

- Energy recharge issues
- Purchase rejections

**Requested features**

- Restart option
- Clearer level progression


### Hidden Objects

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-objects-carnival-f2p/id6504183407)

Engage in a detective adventure set during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Solve hidden object puzzles, brain teasers, and murder mysteries to uncover secrets and influence the outcome of a magical and human realm conflict. Play for free with optional in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Hidden object hunts, Murder mystery challenges, Puzzles and brain teasers, Choice-driven narrative, Crime investigation, Casual gameplay

**In-app purchases (24)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy 10 Coins! | $1.99 | one-time |
| 75 Coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30 Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 5 Gems | $3.99 | one-time |
| 125 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 30 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Your Special Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10 Gems | $5.99 | one-time |
| 200 Coins | $6.99 | one-time |
| 10 Gems | $6.99 | one-time |
| 15 Gems | $6.99 | one-time |
| 100 Coins | $7.99 | one-time |
| 20 Gems | $7.99 | one-time |
| Endless Gems for 1 Game | $8.99 | one-time |
| 30 Gems | $8.99 | one-time |
| Endless Coins for 1 Game | $8.99 | one-time |
| Endless Coins+Gems for 1 Game | $11.99 | one-time |
| 500 Coins | $12.99 | one-time |
| Big bundle 1 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |
| 100 Coins | $14.99 | one-time |
| Big bundle 2 | $18.99 | one-time |
| Big bundle 3 | $27.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Runes free?

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

### Is Hidden Objects free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Runes or Hidden Objects?

Hidden Objects is rated higher. Runes averages 4.5 out of 5 from 576 ratings, while Hidden Objects averages 4.7 from 155 ratings.

### Do Runes or Hidden Objects have ads?

Both Runes and Hidden Objects show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Runes or Hidden Objects?

Runes ships an update every 6 weeks, and Hidden Objects every 7 months. Most recently, Runes was updated on October 26, 2026 and Hidden Objects on October 25, 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.*