# Punch Machine vs Shovel Run 3D

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.

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.

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.

Punch Machine ships an update weekly, Shovel Run 3D every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Punch Machine | Shovel Run 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/punch-machine/id6450673427/reviews) | **[4.7 (701 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shovel-run-3d/id6450744426/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 701 |
| Positive reviews | 22.9% of reviews | **28.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 566 MB | 306 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Rollic Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1452111779) | [Dawn of Play](https://appshunter.io/developer/393743434) |

## What reviewers say

### Punch Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/punch-machine/id6450673427)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1000 Year Fist | $0.99 | one-time |
| 8x Skip It | $0.99 | one-time |
| BEST SELLER PACK | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1500 Year Fist | $1.99 | one-time |
| 20X Skip It | $2.49 | one-time |
| Starter Pack 2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50K Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| NO ADS | $4.99 | one-time |
| DOUBLE FIGHTER PACK | $5.99 | one-time |
| 60x Skip It | $5.99 | one-time |
| STARTER PACK | $7.99 | one-time |
| 100x Skip it | $7.99 | one-time |
| NO ADS - FIGHTER PACK | $9.99 | one-time |
| 500K Coins | $14.99 | one-time |
| Infinity Skip It | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- Remove level cap
- Fix progression issues
- Improve ad experience


### Shovel Run 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shovel-run-3d/id6450744426)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Skip'its 20 | $2.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $6.99 | one-time |
| Skip'its 60 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Skip'its 250 | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Relaxing and fun experience
- 👍 Enjoyable gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Shovel upgrade not working as expected
- Game progression stuck at level 70

**Requested features**

- Option to watch ads to earn more keys
- Ability to upgrade beyond level 70


## Frequently asked 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 October 31, 2026 and Shovel Run 3D on October 23, 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.*