# Idle Explorer vs Mining Tycoon 3D

The clearest difference is rating: Idle Explorer at 4.3 against Mining Tycoon 3D's 3.3. Idle Explorer also leads on review sentiment (24% vs 13%) and ratings volume (283 vs 46). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Explorer sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Mining Tycoon 3D sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Idle Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Idle Explorer has 283 ratings behind it against 46, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 24% of Idle Explorer's written reviews are positive against 13% of Mining Tycoon 3D's.

Idle Explorer ships an update fortnightly, Mining Tycoon 3D every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 16, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Explorer | Mining Tycoon 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (283 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-explorer/id1491737397/reviews)** | [3.3 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mining-tycoon-3d/id1556057188/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **283** | 46 |
| Positive reviews | **24.1% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 174 MB | 199 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MADBOX](https://appshunter.io/developer/981448700) | [Sablo Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434408975) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-explorer/id1491737397)

Become a settler and discover new lands in this idle simulation game. Hire workers, gather resources, and earn money to upgrade your team and skills. Enjoy a super easy-to-play experience focused on exploration and profit.

**Highlights:** Explore new lands, Hire and upgrade workers, Gather resources, Earn in-game currency, Upgrade skills, Become a settler

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small profit boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Small speed boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Large speed boost | $3.99 | one-time |
| Large profit boost | $3.99 | one-time |
| Enormous profit boost | $9.99 | one-time |
| Enormous speed boost | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Cute and simple game
- 👍 Decent idle game idea
- 👍 Runs smoothly
- 👍 Cute graphics
- 👍 Good mechanics

**What reviewers complain about**

-  anúncios Ads, ads, and more ads
-  anúncios Forced ad viewing
-  anúncios Ads disrupt gameplay
-  anúncios No option to buy ad freedom
-  anúncios Ads every time you level up

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot go to the next world/island
- Stuck on islands/levels
- App doesn't open (gray screen)
- Game crashes, especially with ad boosters
- Progress reset after update

**Requested features**

- Add music and sound effects
- Option to buy ad freedom
- More content/features
- Fix progress reset bug
- Improve map collection rate


### Mining Tycoon 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mining-tycoon-3d/id1556057188)

Dig deep into the earth to unearth precious gems, gold, and diamonds. Hire miners, upgrade their speed, and tap to accelerate your excavation. Become a wealthy mining tycoon by discovering hidden treasures and filling your carts.

**Highlights:** Mine and load carts, Discover various jewels, Dig and create paths, Explore a spiral world, Hire and upgrade workers, Tap to speed up mining

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful of Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Barrel of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Remove Unwanted Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Crate of Gems | $24.99 | one-time |
| Wheel Barrow of Gems | $44.99 | one-time |
| Truckload of Gems | $89.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Explorer free?

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

### Is Mining Tycoon 3D free?

Mining Tycoon 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Idle Explorer or Mining Tycoon 3D?

Idle Explorer is rated higher. Idle Explorer averages 4.3 out of 5 from 283 ratings, while Mining Tycoon 3D averages 3.3 from 46 ratings.

### Do Idle Explorer or Mining Tycoon 3D have ads?

Both Idle Explorer and Mining Tycoon 3D show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Explorer or Mining Tycoon 3D?

Idle Explorer ships an update fortnightly, and Mining Tycoon 3D every 2 weeks. Most recently, Idle Explorer was updated on October 16, 2026 and Mining Tycoon 3D on October 16, 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.*