# The Stanley Parable vs DREDGE

The clearest difference is monetization model: DREDGE at free with in-app purchases against The Stanley Parable's paid. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Stanley Parable sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and DREDGE sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DREDGE holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 703 and 1.1K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 66% of The Stanley Parable's written reviews are positive against 60% of DREDGE's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

The Stanley Parable ships an update monthly, DREDGE every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Stanley Parable | DREDGE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (703 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-stanley-parable-ud/id6479513152/reviews) | **[4.3 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dredge/id6526463862/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 703 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.3% of reviews** | 59.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 1.4 GB | 768 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Crows Crows Crows](https://appshunter.io/developer/1136717951) | [Black Salt Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756207154) |

## What reviewers say

### The Stanley Parable

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-stanley-parable-ud/id6479513152)

An expanded re-imagining of a critically acclaimed indie game, this title preserves the original experience while adding new content, choices, and secrets. It features visual upgrades, accessibility options, and the original's iconic narration.

**Highlights:** Expanded content and choices, New secrets to uncover, Visually upgraded graphics, Accessibility features, Faithful preservation of original tone, Impeccable voice acting

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Game | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great mobile port
- 👍 Faithful to the original
- 🤩 Exclusive mobile content
- 💎 Hilarious and engaging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔨 Clunky touch controls
- 💰 Expensive for a mobile game
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly

**Reported bugs**

- Graphical issues in certain areas
- Audio not working in free trial

**Requested features**

- Joystick/virtual stick controls
- Landscape mode support
- Ability to track unlocked endings


### DREDGE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dredge/id6526463862)

Captain a fishing trawler to explore remote islands and their depths, selling catches and completing quests to uncover secrets. Upgrade your boat and research equipment to reach new areas, but beware of the dangers lurking in the dark.

**Highlights:** Explore remote islands and depths, Catch and sell over 125 sea creatures, Complete quests and uncover secrets, Upgrade boat with researchable equipment, Navigate treacherous waters, Survive encounters in the dark

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blackstone Key | $0.49 | one-time |
| Blackstone Key | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Pale Reach | $2.39 | one-time |
| The Iron Rig | $4.79 | one-time |
| The Pale Reach | $5.99 | one-time |
| Base Game Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| The Iron Rig | $11.99 | one-time |
| Base Game Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great game
- 🚀 Excellent port to mobile
- 🎮 Supports controllers
- 🎨 Stunning graphics
- 🕹️ Intuitive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive for a mobile game
- 🔍 Misleading 'free' description
- 📱 Text/UI too small on phones
- 🐛 Crashes and performance issues
- 🎮 Controller support needs improvement

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Controller issues
- Inventory/menu navigation problems

**Requested features**

- Larger text and UI options
- Cross-save between devices
- More content and DLC
- Minimap or navigation aids
- Ability to walk around boat/town


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Stanley Parable free?

The Stanley Parable is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is DREDGE free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Stanley Parable or DREDGE?

DREDGE is rated higher. The Stanley Parable averages 4.1 out of 5 from 703 ratings, while DREDGE averages 4.3 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do The Stanley Parable or DREDGE have ads?

Neither The Stanley Parable nor DREDGE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Stanley Parable or DREDGE?

The Stanley Parable ships an update monthly, and DREDGE every 3 weeks. Most recently, The Stanley Parable was updated on November 4, 2026 and DREDGE on November 6, 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.*