Comparison

Equate 8 vs Wu Xing

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

Head to head
About

Equate 8

This math puzzle game challenges players to rearrange numbers in a 3x3 grid to solve eight equations simultaneously. It offers escalating difficulty, medals for efficiency, and a daily puzzle for free play. The game also serves as an educational tool, with features for educators to design custom levels.

Highlights
  • Magic square reimagining
  • Balance eight equations
  • Multiple operators
  • Escalating difficulty levels
  • Medals for efficiency
  • Daily puzzle
  • Snap Mode for assistance
Features
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Equate 8 is a bold reimagining of the classic magic square—an innovative, addictive math puzzle featured at New York City’s Museum of Mathematics. Players rearrange numbers in a 3×3 grid to balance eight equations at once (three rows, three columns, two diagonals), racing to solve the puzzle in the fewest moves. With multiple operators, escalating difficulty levels, and medals awarded for efficiency, Equate 8 is as rewarding as it is challenging. Equate 8 is the sequel to our Webby-nominated game The Devil’s Calculator, named one of PAX’s 10 Best Indie Games of 2019. Disguised as a casual mobile game, Equate 8 is a powerful interactive learning tool. Our talk will explore the sophisticated math behind the project and debut a new feature allowing educators to design levels aligned with their curricula. With its blend of pedagogical depth, intuitive design, and playful challenge, Equate 8 shows how games can transform math education. It empowers students, supports teachers, and makes math feel like play. Solving the grid in fewer moves will gain a silver or gold medal, but a bronze is awarded regardless, so don't stress. The daily puzzle gives players a free way to play and unlock content. Acquire “streaks” tokens by playing regularly. Exchange medals and streaks for Challenges, packs of themed puzzles. If the squares seem too complicated, open the menu to try Snap Mode. A number will automatically be locked (circled) when in the correct place. This mode can be played in a limited number of sequences before it reverts to the default. Donate to our nonprofit for access to unlimited difficulty levels.Equate 8 is a fun casual game for all ages, whether practicing math skills or engaging brainpower. Donations support the mission of Cinq-Mars Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to develop educational games, always provided free to teachers and students.

About

Wu Xing

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Master the ancient Chinese Five Elements in this strategic puzzle game! Tap to switch between Jin(Metal), Mu(Wood), Shui(Water), Huo(Fire), and Tu(Earth). Drag to move and use elemental relationships - generate new life or eliminate enemies through the cycles of creation and restraint. Perfect for puzzle lovers who enjoy strategic thinking!

Screenshots

Equate 84 screens
Wu Xing4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Wu Xing at none against Equate 8's 1. Equate 8's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). On price and device support 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. Equate 8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Wu Xing asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Equate 8 ships an update weekly, Wu Xing every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Equate 8 versus Wu Xing: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEquate 8Wu Xing
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (14 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings14 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB186 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCinq-Mars MediaBeijing Ningdom Technology Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Equate 8

One-time1
  • Endless Levels!$2.99
None

Wu Xing

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Equate 8 free?
Equate 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Wu Xing free?
Wu Xing is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Equate 8 or Wu Xing have ads?
Wu Xing shows ads; Equate 8 does not.
Which is updated more often, Equate 8 or Wu Xing?
Equate 8 ships an update weekly, and Wu Xing every 3 months. Most recently, Equate 8 was updated on November 4, 2026 and Wu Xing on October 30, 2026.

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