# Into the Loop vs Shadow Merge

The clearest difference is price: Shadow Merge at Free against Into the Loop's $3.99. Shadow Merge also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 10 months). Into the Loop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Shadow Merge is free to download; Into the Loop costs $3.99 up front. Shadow Merge sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Into the Loop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Into the Loop ships an update every 10 months, Shadow Merge every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Into the Loop | Shadow Merge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/into-the-loop/id1594030134/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 327 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Creational Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541241079) | [Ozan Can OCAK](https://appshunter.io/developer/6807927872) |

## What reviewers say

### Into the Loop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/into-the-loop/id1594030134)

A minimalist physics-based platformer where players use loops to build momentum and navigate challenging levels. It features over 100 handcrafted stages, exclusive mechanics, and an endless mode for continuous play. Enjoy engaging gameplay with frequent updates.

**Highlights:** Physics-based platforming, Momentum building with loops, 100+ handcrafted levels, 6 exclusive mechanics, Infinite Mode, No ads

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shadow Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-merge-tactics/id6814162040)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shadow Merge Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Into the Loop free?

Into the Loop costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shadow Merge free?

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

### Do Into the Loop or Shadow Merge have ads?

Shadow Merge shows ads; Into the Loop does not.

### Which is updated more often, Into the Loop or Shadow Merge?

Into the Loop ships an update every 10 months, and Shadow Merge every 4 days. Most recently, Into the Loop was updated on November 14, 2026 and Shadow Merge on November 10, 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.*