# Zen Shards vs StackRanked

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StackRanked at none against Zen Shards's 21. StackRanked also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Zen Shards sells 21 one-off in-app purchases. StackRanked asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | Zen Shards | StackRanked |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-shards-idle-merge-game/id1494621990/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3.4K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 79.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 202 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Benjamin Metzger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1494621989) | [Nicholas Kaffine](https://appshunter.io/developer/1448110661) |

## What reviewers say

### Zen Shards

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-shards-idle-merge-game/id1494621990)

Combine colorful elements and discover beautiful patterns in this relaxing idle merge game. Enjoy a stress-free, ASMR-infused experience with procedurally generated artwork. Upgrade your sparks, unlock new modes, and create your own tranquil retreat at your own pace.

**Highlights:** Combine colorful elements, Discover beautiful patterns, ASMR included, Upgrade spark capabilities, Unlock new game modes, Procedurally generated artwork

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

**In-app purchases (21)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Specter | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tiny Pack | $1.29 | one-time |
| Vektor | $1.39 | one-time |
| Stardust | $1.39 | one-time |
| 2,000 Prisms | $2.49 | one-time |
| Massive Boosts I | $2.89 | one-time |
| Special Sparks Bundle II | $2.89 | one-time |
| Credits Bonus | $3.49 | one-time |
| Offline Gains | $3.49 | one-time |
| Speed Bonus | $3.49 | one-time |
| Damage Bonus | $3.49 | one-time |
| Soul Spark Effect | $3.49 | one-time |
| Soul Sparks Earned | $3.49 | one-time |
| Ads-Free Boosts | $5.49 | one-time |
| Small Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Safe | $6.99 | one-time |
| Medium Pack | $10.99 | one-time |
| Starter Bundle | $11.99 | one-time |
| Large Pack | $19.49 | one-time |
| XL Pack | $49.99 | one-time |
| Huge Pack | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun but relaxing
- 🔒 No forced ads
- 👍 Satisfying gameplay
- 👍 Calming visuals and audio
- 👍 Appreciative of player support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Progression can feel slow
- 🐛 Occasional technical issues with loading/crashing
- 💡 Could use more variety in gameplay/upgrades

**Reported bugs**

- Game getting stuck on loading screen
- Purchased items not working as expected
- Inconsistent save/load functionality

**Requested features**

- Add sound effects and background music
- Improve progression balance and pacing
- Expand content and unlock more features


### StackRanked

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stackranked/id6758532634)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Zen Shards free?

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

### Is StackRanked free?

StackRanked is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Zen Shards or StackRanked have ads?

Zen Shards shows ads; StackRanked does not.

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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.*