# Squad Busters vs Tide Runner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Tide Runner at none against Squad Busters's 16. Squad Busters's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Squad Busters sells 16 one-off in-app purchases. Tide Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Squad Busters ships an update weekly, Tide Runner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Squad Busters | Tide Runner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (138K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/squad-busters/id1668983788/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **138K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 45.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 895 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Supercell](https://appshunter.io/developer/488106216) | [Polite Carrot LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/6804190724) |

## What reviewers say

### Squad Busters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/squad-busters/id1668983788)

Assemble a team of iconic characters from various Supercell games, each with unique abilities. Engage in fast-paced multiplayer battles, strategizing attacks and defenses to outwit opponents. Collect and evolve characters to create powerful squads and conquer diverse game modes.

**Highlights:** Collect and evolve over 25 characters, Unique character skills and abilities, Multiple fun game modes (Mayhem, League, Gem Hunt), Action-packed strategy and tactics, Adventure through exciting worlds and maps, Play with friends in multiplayer parties

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Special Offer | $0.79 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10000 Gold | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $1.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $2.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $3.99 | one-time |
| 52500 Gold | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| Season Pass | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $5.99 | one-time |
| Season Pass | $6.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $6.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $7.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| 110000 Gold | $9.99 | one-time |
| Season Pass | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Vibrant graphics and visuals
- 🤝 Unique blend of Supercell characters
- 🕹️ Engaging and addictive gameplay
- 🆕 Fresh take on Supercell's formula

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤑 Heavily pay-to-win mechanics
- 🕰️ Repetitive and monotonous gameplay
- 🧠 Lack of strategic depth
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and technical issues
- 🏃‍♂️ Overpowered running/escaping mechanics

**Reported bugs**

- Matchmaking issues and unbalanced matches
- Freezing and connectivity problems
- Inconsistent character/item behavior

**Requested features**

- Add more game modes and variety
- Improve progression system and character unlocks
- Implement clan/social features
- Balance the pay-to-win elements
- Enhance the combat system and player control


### Tide Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tide-runner/id6804190722)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Squad Busters free?

Squad Busters is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Tide Runner free?

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

### Do Squad Busters or Tide Runner have ads?

Both Squad Busters and Tide Runner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Squad Busters or Tide Runner?

Squad Busters ships an update weekly, and Tide Runner every 2 weeks. Most recently, Squad Busters was updated on October 16, 2026 and Tide Runner on October 1, 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.*