# Cracking the Cryptic vs Gemdoku

The clearest difference is rating: Gemdoku at 5.0 against Cracking the Cryptic's 4.4. Gemdoku also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13) and update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). Cracking the Cryptic's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (208 vs 1). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Gemdoku asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gemdoku holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 208 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Cracking the Cryptic ships an update every 3 weeks, Gemdoku daily. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cracking the Cryptic | Gemdoku |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (208 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gemdoku-gem-logic-puzzle/id6806572383/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **208** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 72.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 234 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) | [Lunar Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796243791) |

## What reviewers say

### Cracking the Cryptic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934)

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.

**Highlights:** Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles, Curated by expert constructors, Classic and unique variants, Regularly released puzzle packs, Free introductory puzzle pack

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CTC Worms - James Sinclair | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Marty Sears | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Zetamath | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Blobz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Phistomefel | $1.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| CTC Approachable Sudoku #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Domino Sudoku Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lines Variety Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Classic Volume #2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| CTC Fog Pack #1 | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best sudoku app
- 👍 Great variety of puzzles
- 👍 Excellent user interface
- 👍 Challenging and fun puzzles
- 👍 Constant updates with new puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Hints are often incorrect or unhelpful
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes, especially after updates
- 🔋 Battery draining issues
- 🔒 Too many in-app purchases required to access content

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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


### Gemdoku

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gemdoku-gem-logic-puzzle/id6806572383)

A relaxing logic puzzle game where you place gems on a board, ensuring one per row, column, and color region without any touching. Offers daily challenges and leaderboards for a competitive yet calm experience.

**Highlights:** Pure deduction gameplay, Board sizes up to 10x10, In-game hints and tutorials, Daily challenges and leaderboards, Save progress mid-level, Customizable sound and haptics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cracking the Cryptic free?

Cracking the Cryptic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Gemdoku free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cracking the Cryptic or Gemdoku?

Gemdoku is rated higher. Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 out of 5 from 208 ratings, while Gemdoku averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Cracking the Cryptic or Gemdoku have ads?

Gemdoku shows ads; Cracking the Cryptic does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cracking the Cryptic or Gemdoku?

Cracking the Cryptic ships an update every 3 weeks, and Gemdoku daily. Most recently, Cracking the Cryptic was updated on October 14, 2026 and Gemdoku on October 3, 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.*