# Lode Runner Classic vs PAC

The clearest difference is price: PAC at Free against Lode Runner Classic's $2.99. PAC also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (88% vs 52%). Lode Runner Classic's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

PAC is free to download; Lode Runner Classic costs $2.99 up front. PAC sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Lode Runner Classic asks for nothing beyond the download.

PAC holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PAC has 21K ratings behind it against 34, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Lode Runner Classic's written reviews are positive against 88% of PAC's.

Lode Runner Classic ships an update every 5 weeks, PAC every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lode Runner Classic | PAC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.9 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lode-runner-classic/id582864706/reviews) | **[4.7 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pac-man-256-arcade-run/id1002340615/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 34 | **21K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.3% of reviews | **88.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 47 MB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tozai, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/356277315) | [BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe](https://appshunter.io/developer/580781332) |

## What reviewers say

### Lode Runner Classic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lode-runner-classic/id582864706)

Navigate maze-like levels, collecting gold while dodging enemies. Blast blocks to create paths or trap pursuers. Enjoy 150 classic levels with modern enhancements like zoom and adjustable speed.

**Highlights:** 150 classic levels, Two game modes, Screen magnification, Adjustable play speed, Customizable color palettes, Worldwide leaderboards

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PAC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pac-man-256-arcade-run/id1002340615)

Navigate an endless maze, munching dots and avoiding ghosts. Outsmart a glitching world with over 15 unique power-ups. Experience a classic arcade adventure reimagined for mobile.

**Highlights:** Endless maze gameplay, Over 15 power-ups, Avoid the Glitch, New ghost characters, Controller support

**Features:** Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Credit Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Classic 80's Theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Grid Theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| Welcome Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Robotz Theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| CEDX Theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| PAC-MANIA Theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Arcade | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| Coin Doubler | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun, easy way to kill time
- 👍 Amazing gameplay
- 🚀 No pop up ads while having fun
- 👍 Classic gameplay with a twist
- 👍 Great mobile support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy controls
- 🔋 Repetitive after a while
- 💰 Expensive themes and upgrades
- 🔋 Ads can be intrusive
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches (e.g. invisible Twinado power-up)

**Reported bugs**

- Game resets on phone calls or notifications
- Ads don't work properly
- Inability to pause and resume without losing progress
- Incompatibility with newer devices
- Glitches with 256-dot chains and power-up timers

**Requested features**

- Multiplayer mode
- More themes and customization options
- Gradually increasing difficulty
- More power-ups
- More frequent power-up spawns


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lode Runner Classic free?

Lode Runner Classic costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PAC free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lode Runner Classic or PAC?

PAC is rated higher. Lode Runner Classic averages 3.9 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while PAC averages 4.7 from 21K ratings.

### Do Lode Runner Classic or PAC have ads?

Neither Lode Runner Classic nor PAC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lode Runner Classic or PAC?

Lode Runner Classic ships an update every 5 weeks, and PAC every 6 weeks. Most recently, Lode Runner Classic was updated on October 26, 2026 and PAC on October 28, 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.*