# Upstream Struggle vs Spearfishing Simulator

The clearest difference is rating: Upstream Struggle at 4.9 against Spearfishing Simulator's 3.8. Upstream Struggle also leads on review sentiment (87% vs 48%) and ratings volume (9.7K vs 96). Spearfishing Simulator's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Upstream Struggle holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Upstream Struggle has 9.7K ratings behind it against 96, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of Upstream Struggle's written reviews are positive against 48% of Spearfishing Simulator's.

Upstream Struggle ships an update every 4 days, Spearfishing Simulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Upstream Struggle | Spearfishing Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (9.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059/reviews)** | [3.8 (96 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spearfishing-simulator/id6444871157/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9.7K** | 96 |
| Positive reviews | **86.9% of reviews** | 48.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 37 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Jack LaLonde](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499291451) | [Hakan Nehir](https://appshunter.io/developer/575783788) |

## What reviewers say

### Upstream Struggle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059)

Embark on an endless salmon run, swimming upstream to reach home. Dodge a variety of enemies for as long as possible to unlock new fish species and improve your score.

**Highlights:** Endless salmon run gameplay, Dodge enemies, Unlock new fish, High score challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and fun concept
- 🚀 No forced ads
- 💡 Potential for improvements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🎨 Basic graphics and animations

**Reported bugs**

- Getting stuck in the waterfall at the start
- Crashes and freezes, especially at higher levels
- Issues with the bird/flying obstacle

**Requested features**

- Add more variety to levels and obstacles
- Improve controls and jumping mechanics
- Implement a leaderboard or competitive mode
- Introduce new fish skins and customization options


### Spearfishing Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spearfishing-simulator/id6444871157)

Experience a realistic spearfishing adventure. Start as a beginner, learn to hunt fish, and earn money and experience to upgrade your gear. Explore various underwater locations and master challenging gameplay modes.

**Highlights:** Realistic fish behavior, Gear upgrades (speargun, wetsuit, fins), XP system for performance increase, Multiple diving locations, Target fish for bonus XP, Realistic underwater sounds

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Upstream Struggle free?

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

### Is Spearfishing Simulator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Upstream Struggle or Spearfishing Simulator?

Upstream Struggle is rated higher. Upstream Struggle averages 4.9 out of 5 from 9.7K ratings, while Spearfishing Simulator averages 3.8 from 96 ratings.

### Do Upstream Struggle or Spearfishing Simulator have ads?

Both Upstream Struggle and Spearfishing Simulator show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Upstream Struggle or Spearfishing Simulator?

Upstream Struggle ships an update every 4 days, and Spearfishing Simulator every 5 days. Most recently, Upstream Struggle was updated on November 3, 2026 and Spearfishing Simulator on October 24, 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.*