Comparison

Punch Machine vs Shovel Run 3D

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Punch Machine

Engage in a virtual punching experience where you can enhance your fist's capabilities. Improve your stats, unlock upgrades, and compete for the highest score to win.

Highlights
  • Virtual punching simulation
  • Punch stat enhancement
  • Unlockable upgrades
  • High score competition
  • Game progression
Features
Read full description

Punch doors, increase your punch's stats, use upgrades, try to get the highest score in the finish and win the game!

About

Shovel Run 3D

Dig deep and collect gems in this fast-paced runner game. Strategically navigate decision gates, upgrade your shovel for faster digging, and uncover hidden treasures. Experience an addictive adventure with thrilling gameplay.

Highlights
  • Digging for gems
  • Shovel upgrades
  • Decision gates
  • Drag controls
  • Gem collection
  • Challenging levels
Features
Read full description

Experience the thrill of a high-speed adventure in Shovel Run 3D, the ultimate runner game that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey where you'll shovel away layers to uncover precious gems, while conquering challenging decision gates along the way. With its addictive gameplay and exciting features, Shovel Run 3D is a game you won't be able to put down! In Shovel Run 3D, your main objective is to dig your way through layers of dirt and rubble to reveal hidden gems. As you progress through the game, you'll encounter piles of gems that will serve as rewards for your excavating skills. Collect as many gems as you can to unlock exciting shovel upgrades that will enhance your digging prowess. With each upgrade, you'll be able to dig faster, uncover gems more efficiently, and reach even greater depths. One of the key elements that sets Shovel Run 3D apart from other runner games is the inclusion of decision gates. These gates present you with thrilling choices that can make or break your progress. Will you take the riskier path in search of greater rewards, or will you play it safe and opt for a more secure route? The decision is yours, and it will test your strategic thinking and quick reflexes. Be prepared for heart-pounding moments that will keep you hooked from start to finish! Features of Shovel Run 3D: Engaging runner game that offers an adrenaline-fueled adventure Exciting drag controls that allow you to dig with precision and speed Uncover hidden gems by skillfully shoveling away layers of dirt and rubble Upgrade your shovel to dig faster and uncover gems more efficiently Encounter decision gates that challenge your strategic thinking and reflexes Collect piles of gems as rewards and unlock new levels and upgrades Join the ranks of fearless explorers and download Shovel Run 3D now! Get ready to embark on an epic dig, uncover precious gems, and conquer thrilling decision gates. With its intuitive drag controls, exciting gameplay, and addictive features, Shovel Run 3D is the ultimate mobile gaming experience. Are you ready to prove your digging skills and become a master excavator? Start your adventure today and unearth the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered!

Screenshots

Punch Machine4 screens
Shovel Run 3D4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Punch Machine at 11K against Shovel Run 3D's 701. Shovel Run 3D's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Punch Machine sells 15 one-off in-app purchases and Shovel Run 3D sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Punch Machine against 4.7 for Shovel Run 3D. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Punch Machine has 11K ratings behind it against 701, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 23% of Punch Machine's written reviews are positive against 29% of Shovel Run 3D's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Punch Machine ships an update weekly, Shovel Run 3D every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Punch Machine versus Shovel Run 3D: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPunch MachineShovel Run 3D
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (11K ratings)4.7 (701 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.9% of reviews28.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings11K — better701
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 9 days
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size566 MB306 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperRollic GamesDawn of Play

Customer experience

Punch Machine

All ratings10,986 ratings
Positive91.3%
Neutral3.5%
Negative5.2%
Written reviews249 reviews
Positive22.9%
Neutral11.2%
Negative65.9%

Shovel Run 3D

All ratings693 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral3.2%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive28.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative71.4%

User reviews

Punch Machine

From 11K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎮 Fun and entertaining game
  • ⏱️ Good time waster
  • 🔓 Permanent upgrades

Room to improve

  • 💸 Excessive ads
  • 🔒 Progression blocked after a certain point
  • 🐛 Bugs and glitches
  • 🔍 Lack of transparency in upgrade mechanics

Shovel Run 3D

From 701 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🤩 Relaxing and fun experience
  • 👍 Enjoyable gameplay

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Freezing issue with final chest
  • 🛑 Ads not working properly
  • ⏱️ Slow progression through early levels
  • 🚫 Unable to progress past level 70

Bugs and requests

Punch Machine

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Game freezes on leaderboard screen
  • Permanent upgrades not working as intended
  • Matchmaking issues in versus mode

Requested features

3 requests
  • Remove level cap
  • Fix progression issues
  • Improve ad experience

Shovel Run 3D

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Shovel upgrade not working as expected
  • Game progression stuck at level 70

Requested features

2 requests
  • Option to watch ads to earn more keys
  • Ability to upgrade beyond level 70

In-app purchases

15 purchases

Punch Machine

One-time15
  • 1000 Year Fist$0.99
  • 8x Skip It$0.99
  • BEST SELLER PACK$1.99
Show 12 more
  • 1500 Year Fist$1.99
  • 20X Skip It$2.49
  • Starter Pack 2$2.99
  • 50K Coins$3.99
  • NO ADS$4.99
  • DOUBLE FIGHTER PACK$5.99
  • 60x Skip It$5.99
  • STARTER PACK$7.99
  • 100x Skip it$7.99
  • NO ADS - FIGHTER PACK$9.99
  • 500K Coins$14.99
  • Infinity Skip It$19.99
5 purchases

Shovel Run 3D

One-time5
  • Skip'its 20$2.99
  • No Ads$4.99
  • Starter Pack$6.99
Show 2 more
  • Skip'its 60$7.99
  • Skip'its 250$19.99

Questions

Is Punch Machine free?
Punch Machine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shovel Run 3D free?
Shovel Run 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Punch Machine or Shovel Run 3D?
Shovel Run 3D is rated higher. Punch Machine averages 4.6 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Shovel Run 3D averages 4.7 from 701 ratings.
Do Punch Machine or Shovel Run 3D have ads?
Both Punch Machine and Shovel Run 3D show ads.
Which is updated more often, Punch Machine or Shovel Run 3D?
Punch Machine ships an update weekly, and Shovel Run 3D every 9 days. Most recently, Punch Machine was updated on November 1, 2026 and Shovel Run 3D on October 23, 2026.

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