Cracking the Cryptic vs Arcadoku
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Cracking the Cryptic
This app offers a curated collection of handcrafted Sudoku puzzles from world-renowned constructors. Explore classic and unique variants, with new puzzle packs released regularly. A free introductory pack is included with download.
- Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles
- Curated by expert constructors
- Classic and unique variants
- Regularly released puzzle packs
- Free introductory puzzle pack
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OUR NEWEST PACK – CLASSIC VOLUME #2! Classic sudoku is where it all began, and there is still lots of skill to be deployed to solve classic puzzles, and new techniques to be explored. Nikoli, the Japanese puzzle house, named and popularised sudoku from 1984, and we have commissioned 20 puzzles from them for this Classic Sudoku 2 app. We have also created 20 ourselves, and sourced 20 more from Sam Cappleman-Lynes, the brilliant British sudoku expert. The result is a wonderful 60-puzzle pack which will delight and challenge you. -------------------- Welcome to the brand new Sudoku app from the most popular Sudoku channel, Cracking The Cryptic. Unlike other Sudoku apps, we feature handcrafted and curated puzzles from the world’s best Sudoku constructors. Each collection features puzzles made by various authors that are now familiar names to those who follow the channel. Authors like Phistomefel, Clover, Sam Cappleman-Lynes, Christoph Seeliger, Richard Stolk, jovi_al, Qodec, Prasanna Seshadri and of course, Simon and Mark! Downloading Cracking the Cryptic will give you access to our first free collection – a variety pack by Prasanna Seshadri featuring 7 puzzles inspired from our previous Sudoku apps; Sandwich, Classic, Chess, Thermo, Miracle, Killer and Arrow Sudoku. We also have purchasable packs designed for all skill levels and featuring many unique variants not seen previously. We’ll be releasing more free and paid packs in the future so keep an eye on the app for more Sudoku content from Cracking The Cryptic!
Arcadoku
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Arcadoku turns classic Sudoku into a fast, tactile arcade puzzle. Place the right number and watch the grid react. Completing a row, column, or 3x3 box can fill its final open cell automatically. That placement can complete another group, then another - turning one smart move into a satisfying chain reaction. THINK AHEAD. START THE CASCADE. The goal is still pure Sudoku: fill every row, column, and 3x3 box with the numbers 1-9. But in Arcadoku, how you solve matters. Find moves that set the board in motion, build bigger combos, and finish each puzzle in fewer moves. STAY IN THE FLOW When a board is complete, there is no results screen breaking your rhythm. The grid celebrates with a colorful pixel-art surprise, reloads, and brings in the next puzzle. FEEL EVERY COMBO Numbers pop into place one after another. Sound, haptics, animation, and escalating combo moments make a clever cascade feel as good as it looks. LEARN AT YOUR PACE New to Sudoku? A short, optional tutorial teaches rows, columns, boxes, and Arcadoku's chain reactions by letting you play. Already know Sudoku? Skip the basics and jump in. PLAY YOUR WAY • Choose Easy, Medium, or Hard • Discover a collection of pixel-art celebrations • Continue from one prepared board to the next • Play in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, German, French, Russian, or Japanese ABOUT MOVES Entering a number uses one Move. Moves recharge over time. You can also earn refills through optional rewarded ads. An optional monthly Unlimited subscription removes Move limits and the need for refill ads. A one-time Supporter purchase increases Move capacity and speeds up recharging, but does not unlock unlimited play. Whether you chase a cleaner solve, a longer cascade, or one more perfect move, Arcadoku gives Sudoku a playful new rhythm. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Cracking the Cryptic at none against Arcadoku's shown. Cracking the Cryptic also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and Arcadoku sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | Cracking the Cryptic | Arcadoku |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (208 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.1% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 208 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 234 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Nick Carney | Alexander Kulakov |
Bugs and requests
Cracking the Cryptic
Reported bugs
4 issues- Puzzle progress and purchases disappearing after updates
- Incorrect rules or hints in certain puzzles
- Crashes and freezes, especially on older devices or Macs
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between portrait and landscape modes
Requested features
5 requests- Add more color options for pencil marking and highlighting
- Implement a way to clear progress or start puzzles from scratch
- Integrate all CTC apps into a single app for better organization
- Add keyboard support, especially on Mac
- Improve the quality and clarity of hints
Arcadoku
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Cracking the Cryptic
- CTC Worms - James Sinclair$0.99
- CTC Worms - Marty Sears$0.99
- CTC Worms - Zetamath$1.99
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- CTC Worms - Blobz$1.99
- CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz$1.99
- CTC Worms - Phistomefel$1.99
- GAS Volume #1$2.99
- GAS Volume #2$2.99
- CTC Approachable Sudoku #1$2.99
- Domino Sudoku Pack$4.99
- Lines Variety Pack$4.99
- Classic Volume #2$4.99
- CTC Fog Pack #1$4.99
Arcadoku
- Unlimited - Monthly$1.991 Month
- Unlimited - Monthly Trial1 Month trial$1.991 Month
- Support Arcadoku I$0.99
- Support Arcadoku II$1.99
- Support Arcadoku III$2.99
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Support Arcadoku IV$3.99
- Support Arcadoku V$4.99
Questions
Is Cracking the Cryptic free?
Is Arcadoku free?
Do Cracking the Cryptic or Arcadoku have ads?
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