Comparison

Merge Axe vs Specimen86

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Merge Axe

Embark on a blacksmithing adventure where you merge identical axes to discover new variations and earn coins. Expand your shop, upgrade your forging place, and trade with goblins to build a powerful empire. Immerse yourself in a captivating idle merge game.

Highlights
  • Merge identical axes
  • Discover over 50 unique axe variations
  • Earn coins from higher-level axes
  • Upgrade blacksmith shop and forging place
  • Trade with goblins
  • Idle gameplay mechanics
Features
Read full description

Merge Axes and get more varieties Embark on a mesmerizing journey through an enchanting realm, where the possibilities are endless! With a staggering collection of over 50 unique Axes waiting to be discovered, this dreamlike game offers an immersive experience like no other. Are you ready to unlock all kinds of Axes and forge your own legendary path as an idle blacksmith master? How to play: Step into the shoes of a novice blacksmith and let the adventure unfold Begin your quest by acquiring a few Axes from the humble beginnings of your shop. Merge identical Axes to create even more formidable and extraordinary variations. As you witness the evolution of your Axes, you'll witness the birth of a mighty forging empire, built by your hands alone. Tips to guide your way: Remember, the higher the level of your Axes, the more precious coins they will produce. So aim high and watch your profits soar! Every time you merge Axes, your blacksmith's shop gains valuable experience points, propelling it to new heights of success. The higher the level of your shop, the more prestigious it becomes. Expand your horizons by acquiring additional Axes and upgrading your forging place. With each expansion, the possibilities for wealth and power multiply, allowing you to dominate the realm of blacksmithing. Unleash your creativity and witness the magic unfold as you combine Axes of unimaginable quality. Craft the legendary and awe-inspiring blades that heroes would wield with pride. Dive into the depths of strategy as you navigate the intricate world of resource management and trade with cunning Goblins. Will you outsmart them to amass a fortune, or will you strike a bargain that secures your dominance? Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies that accompany your journey, awakening your senses to the symphony of forging. With each swing of the hammer and clinking of metal, your heart resonates with the passion of a true master craftsman. Download now and let the realm of axes and gold unfold before your eyes. Embrace the addictive allure of this idle merge game and build an empire that will be whispered about for generations to come. The destiny of the blacksmithing world lies within your hands. Are you ready to shape it?

About

Specimen86

Features
Read full description

About the Game You are a new observer at a marine research laboratory. In the lab’s mysterious aquarium, you’ll raise more than just an ordinary fish. What is this egg… really? The being you nurture may become a mermaid, a fishman, or something entirely different. Your choices shape its evolution and story, leading to multiple endings and a shocking truth. Game Features Evolve, Observe, Discover Experience a relaxing idle evolution game where growth paths and endings change based on your actions. Play at your own pace—perfect for short breaks or bedtime relaxation. Multiple Endings Your decisions—feeding, temperature control, conversations, and more—determine the final form. Explore all branching evolutions to uncover every ending. Healing Yet Unsettling Behind the soothing visuals of swimming creatures lies a darker side— research experiments, DNA extraction, and mysterious “bad endings.” A blend of cute and eerie, peaceful and ominous. A Story Worth Exploring Each specimen you raise generates a research report, revealing the hidden meaning behind your actions. For players who love theories, mysteries, and deeper lore, the story invites reinterpretation and replay. Idle Progression Even while the app is closed, time continues. Your specimen quietly prepares for its next stage of evolution. No moment is wasted—research and observation advance naturally. Elements That Affect Evolution There’s no single path to evolution. Affection, water temperature, cleanliness, item usage, and even character interactions— every small choice can open a new future. Experiment repeatedly to reach every form and ending. Collection System All your evolved specimens and research logs are saved. Review your collection to see how your decisions connected to each unique outcome. Piece together the world’s secrets one evolution at a time. What You’ll Experience Calm observation of aquatic life in a glass tank Emotional storytelling as your specimen grows—cute, mysterious, and unsettling moments The comfort of a healing game mixed with the intrigue of a dark fantasy Multiple endings that reward replay and exploration Research reports that reveal how your nurturing influenced the future Your specimen will react to your care, changing expressions and behavior— you might even grow attached to it. Capture those moments and share them via the screenshot & SNS share function. Recommended For Fans of idle growth and aquarium simulation games Players who enjoy healing games with a deeper, mysterious tone Those who love story games and hidden lore People looking for a short, relaxing daily game Players who enjoy cute but eerie, surreal experiences Collectors who love unlocking every evolution and ending Gameplay Flow You’re assigned to an ocean lab, tasked with nurturing a mysterious aquatic specimen. Use laboratory equipment and special items to maintain its environment and reduce stress. Even when left alone, time passes and evolution progresses. Conversations and environmental changes influence the path ahead— each playthrough may lead to an entirely different result. Every completed evolution is archived as a research log you can revisit anytime. Game Overview “Specimen No.86: Choices and the Future” is a new-style simulation that combines idle growth, healing gameplay, branching stories, dark fantasy, and collection elements. A soothing yet unsettling experience that stirs emotion— with multiple endings, including bad ones, your nurturing connects to a larger theme of evolution and destiny. This is more than a simple aquarium game. Dive into the story that drifts between healing and unease, and discover how your choices shape the future.

Screenshots

Merge Axe4 screens
Specimen864 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Specimen86 at none against Merge Axe's 6. Merge Axe's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Merge Axe sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Specimen86 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Merge Axe ships an update weekly, Specimen86 every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Merge Axe versus Specimen86: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMerge AxeSpecimen86
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 6 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB302 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperShanghai Pulu Network Technology Co., Ltd.SAYACHI-MARU GAMES

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Merge Axe

One-time6
  • 40 rubies$0.99
  • Remove Ads$0.99
  • 440 rubies$9.99
Show 3 more
  • 690 rubies$19.99
  • 1080 rubies$29.99
  • 2250 rubies$49.99
None

Specimen86

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Merge Axe free?
Merge Axe is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Specimen86 free?
Specimen86 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Merge Axe or Specimen86 have ads?
Both Merge Axe and Specimen86 show ads.
Which is updated more often, Merge Axe or Specimen86?
Merge Axe ships an update weekly, and Specimen86 every 6 days. Most recently, Merge Axe was updated on October 21, 2026 and Specimen86 on October 17, 2026.

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