# DnD 5e Encounter Keep vs Heartforge

The clearest difference is rating: DnD 5e Encounter Keep at 4.5 against Heartforge's 3.8. DnD 5e Encounter Keep also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 16.4). Heartforge's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Heartforge sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. DnD 5e Encounter Keep asks for nothing beyond the download.

DnD 5e Encounter Keep holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 8 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

DnD 5e Encounter Keep ships an update every 2 months, Heartforge every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DnD 5e Encounter Keep | Heartforge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dnd-5e-encounter-keep/id6476989032/reviews)** | [3.8 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartforge-daggerheart-app/id6749210068/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **8** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Subscription |
| Size | 26 MB | 203 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Fanni Putnoczki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1523350489) | [Lauri Kieksi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1829298529) |

## What reviewers say

### DnD 5e Encounter Keep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dnd-5e-encounter-keep/id6476989032)

This app helps Dungeon Masters manage Dungeons and Dragons 5e encounters in real-time. It allows for pre-planning battles, inviting players to see stats, and automating combat actions. Features include monster management, encounter generation, and built-in cheatsheets for easier gameplay.

**Highlights:** Real-time encounter management, Player and enemy stat tracking, Automated attack rolls, Built-in monster sheets, Custom monster creation, Encounter generation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Heartforge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartforge-daggerheart-app/id6749210068)

This app is a digital assistant for the Daggerheart tabletop role-playing game, offering tools for both game masters and players. It facilitates character sheet management, campaign building, encounter tracking, and provides a searchable compendium of game content. Features include offline functionality, soundscapes, and guided leveling up.

**Highlights:** Character sheet management, Campaign building tools, Combat encounter tracker, Searchable compendium, Offline functionality, Soundscape integration, Guided character leveling

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heartforge Premium (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Heartforge Premium Yearly | $22.99 | per year |
| Heartforge Premium Lifetime | $38.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DnD 5e Encounter Keep free?

DnD 5e Encounter Keep is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Heartforge free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DnD 5e Encounter Keep or Heartforge?

DnD 5e Encounter Keep is rated higher. DnD 5e Encounter Keep averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Heartforge averages 3.8 from 8 ratings.

### Do DnD 5e Encounter Keep or Heartforge have ads?

DnD 5e Encounter Keep shows ads; Heartforge does not.

### Which is updated more often, DnD 5e Encounter Keep or Heartforge?

DnD 5e Encounter Keep ships an update every 2 months, and Heartforge every 2 weeks. Most recently, DnD 5e Encounter Keep was updated on October 7, 2026 and Heartforge on October 8, 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.*