# Water Physics Simulation vs Sand Trace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sand Trace at none against Water Physics Simulation's 5. Sand Trace also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Water Physics Simulation sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Sand Trace asks for nothing beyond the download.

Water Physics Simulation ships an update every 2 months, Sand Trace fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Water Physics Simulation | Sand Trace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (4.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/water-physics-simulation/id1562726050/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4.6K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 60 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lukas Oertel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562391231) | [HSIANG-YU HUANG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1155900519) |

## What reviewers say

### Water Physics Simulation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/water-physics-simulation/id1562726050)

Explore three distinct physics simulations: build and navigate ships, experiment with bomb explosions and water behavior in a sandbox, or observe the interactions of various elements. This free app offers creative building and destructive fun.

**Highlights:** Water and liquid simulations, Ship building and raft survival, Bomb explosions and destruction sandbox, Real-time sandbox with powder/dust particles, Build and control custom boats, Create and destroy structures

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Increase waterlimit by 10000 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Increase waterlimit by 20000 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Pro Package | $8.99 | one-time |
| Increase water by 50000 | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Amazing game
- 🚀 Great water physics
- 🚀 Realistic destruction
- 👍 Satisfying gameplay
- 👍 Relaxing experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy at times
- 💰 Paywall for premium features
- 🔍 Confusing UI/controls
- 📺 Too many ads

**Reported bugs**

- Ships not sinking properly
- Spawned objects floating upwards
- Connectivity issues causing crashes

**Requested features**

- Add more disaster tools (e.g., lava, fire, earthquakes)
- Increase water capacity for free users
- Implement realistic ship sinking mechanics
- Add more customization options (e.g., background, color schemes)
- Improve camera controls and zooming


### Sand Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-trace-pixel-physics-sim/id6759260956)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Water Physics Simulation free?

Water Physics Simulation is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sand Trace free?

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

### Do Water Physics Simulation or Sand Trace have ads?

Both Water Physics Simulation and Sand Trace show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Water Physics Simulation or Sand Trace?

Water Physics Simulation ships an update every 2 months, and Sand Trace fortnightly. Most recently, Water Physics Simulation was updated on October 13, 2026 and Sand Trace 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.*