# DragonVale vs Hatch Dragons

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hatch Dragons at 87% against DragonVale's 65%. Hatch Dragons also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 4 weeks). DragonVale's advantage is ratings volume (100K vs 22K) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DragonVale sells 20 one-off in-app purchases and Hatch Dragons sells 18 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hatch Dragons holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 100K and 22K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of DragonVale's written reviews are positive against 87% of Hatch Dragons's.

DragonVale ships an update every 4 weeks, Hatch Dragons every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DragonVale | Hatch Dragons |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (100K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dragonvale-breed-dragons/id440045374/reviews) | **[4.9 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hatch-dragons/id6746389113/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **100K** | 22K |
| Positive reviews | 65.0% of reviews | **86.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#29** | #55 |
| Size | 535 MB | 670 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Deca Live Operations GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464120176) | [Runaway](https://appshunter.io/developer/1042800793) |

## What reviewers say

### DragonVale

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dragonvale-breed-dragons/id440045374)

**Currently charting:** #29 Top Grossing · Family, #159 Top Grossing · Simulation, #166 Top Free · Family (US App Store)

This game lets you collect, breed, and raise over 500 mythical dragons. Build a fantasy park, nurture your dragons from baby to elder, and send them on quests for treasures. Discover new dragons and decorations during seasonal events.

**Highlights:** Breed and hatch over 500 mythical dragons, Nurture dragons from baby to elder, Enter dragons in races and quests, Discover new dragons and decorations, Build and decorate floating islands, Connect and share with friends

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

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pile of Cash | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pile of Treats | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pile of Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Cash | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Treats | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bag of Cash | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bag of Treats | $4.99 | one-time |
| Excellent Iceberry/Gem Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Excellent Eggs & Gem Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bag of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Outstanding Iceberry/Gem Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Outstanding Eggs & Gem Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Impressive Iceberry/Gem Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |
| Impressive Eggs & Gem Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |
| Box of Gems | $24.99 | one-time |
| Stunning Iceberry & Gem Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| Stunning Eggs & Gem Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| Incredible Iceberry/Gem Bundle | $99.99 | one-time |
| Incredible Eggs & Gem Bundle | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🐉 Nostalgic and long-running game
- 👍 Variety of unique dragons to collect
- 🎨 Appealing and creative dragon designs
- 🎉 Engaging seasonal events and new content
- 🤝 Cooperative breeding with friends

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases and upgrades
- 🕰️ Slow progression and long waiting times
- 🤯 Overwhelming number of new dragons
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and loading issues
- 🤔 Confusing and complicated new features (Rift)

**Reported bugs**

- Glitches with ad-related features
- Inconsistent performance on older devices
- Inability to delete or reset saved parks

**Requested features**

- Ability to gift dragons to friends
- More customization options for islands
- Easier way to reorganize and manage park
- Reduced costs for habitats and upgrades
- Improved rewards and currency acquisition


### Hatch Dragons

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hatch-dragons/id6746389113)

**Currently charting:** #55 Top Free · Simulation, #90 Top Grossing · Simulation, #139 Top Grossing · Casual, #162 Top Free · Casual (US App Store)

Collect and nurture hundreds of unique dragons in a magical forest. Restore the land by lifting fog, summoning dragons, and decorating your environment. Uncover their origins and lore as they grow into bonded companions.

**Highlights:** Summon hundreds of unique dragons, Hatch, feed, and raise dragons, Uncover dragon lore and origins, Clear fog and restore the forest, Decorate the forest with magical items, Participate in missions and events

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

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dragon's Hoard | $0.99 | one-time |
| 50 Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Amazing Value Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| 130 Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Event Pack 04 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Event Pack 01 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Fruitkeeper Special | $4.99 | one-time |
| Super Price Slasher | $4.99 | one-time |
| Discount Fruitmaster Fairy | $4.99 | one-time |
| 275 Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Mega Price Slasher | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dragon Haven | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fruitmaster Fairy | $9.99 | one-time |
| Event Pack 03 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Event Pack 05 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Fox Companion Decoration | $24.99 | one-time |
| 3750 Gems | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DragonVale free?

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

### Is Hatch Dragons free?

Hatch Dragons is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, DragonVale or Hatch Dragons?

Hatch Dragons is rated higher. DragonVale averages 4.7 out of 5 from 100K ratings, while Hatch Dragons averages 4.9 from 22K ratings.

### Do DragonVale or Hatch Dragons have ads?

Both DragonVale and Hatch Dragons show ads.

### Which is updated more often, DragonVale or Hatch Dragons?

DragonVale ships an update every 4 weeks, and Hatch Dragons every 10 days. Most recently, DragonVale was updated on September 26, 2026 and Hatch Dragons on September 26, 2026.

### Which is more popular, DragonVale or Hatch Dragons?

DragonVale currently peaks at #29 in the App Store charts, and Hatch Dragons at #55. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*