# Close Cities vs Shells

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Shells at 100% against Close Cities's 69%. Shells also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Close Cities's advantage is ratings volume (356 vs 22). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Close Cities sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Shells sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shells holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Close Cities has 356 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Close Cities's written reviews are positive against 100% of Shells's.

Close Cities ships an update every 3 weeks, Shells weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Close Cities | Shells |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (356 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084/reviews) | **[5.0 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shells-nested-block-puzzle/id6661020395/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **356** | 22 |
| Positive reviews | 69.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 158 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Juan Manuel Altamirano Argudo](https://appshunter.io/developer/391953849) | [arlybird games LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1764665157) |

## What reviewers say

### Close Cities

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084)

Build beautiful cities on diverse worlds by solving unique puzzles. This relaxing game guides you through 160 levels with a simple tap or drag interface, requiring no architectural knowledge. Conquer each world's challenges and travel through time with its calming soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Build cities on empty maps, Solve 160 unique puzzle levels, Intuitive tap and drag controls, No architectural knowledge needed, Travel through different worlds, Relaxing music and pace

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hints - Small Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hints - Medium Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads + Hints | $2.99 | one-time |
| Hints - Big Pack | $5.99 | one-time |


### Shells

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shells-nested-block-puzzle/id6661020395)

A geometry puzzle game where you slide blocks into larger shells to rearrange the board and solve challenges. It offers over 360 levels across 8 worlds with a focus on spatial reasoning and problem-solving. Enjoy a relaxing experience with a soothing soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Nested block sliding mechanics, Over 360 original levels, 8 distinct game worlds, Optional hint system, Soothing piano soundtrack, Compact 4x4 grid gameplay

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Bundle | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large Bundle | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Bundle | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Close Cities free?

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

### Is Shells free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Close Cities or Shells?

Shells is rated higher. Close Cities averages 4.8 out of 5 from 356 ratings, while Shells averages 5.0 from 22 ratings.

### Do Close Cities or Shells have ads?

Both Close Cities and Shells show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Close Cities or Shells?

Close Cities ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shells weekly. Most recently, Close Cities was updated on October 7, 2026 and Shells on September 30, 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.*