# Elemental Merge vs Idle Chest

The clearest difference is rating: Idle Chest at 4.5 against Elemental Merge's 3.9. Idle Chest also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly) and review sentiment (81% vs 69%). Elemental Merge's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elemental Merge sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Idle Chest sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Idle Chest holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 109 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Elemental Merge's written reviews are positive against 81% of Idle Chest's.

Elemental Merge ships an update monthly, Idle Chest every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Elemental Merge | Idle Chest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-merge/id6741715769/reviews) | **[4.5 (109 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-chest/id6744372975/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **109** |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | **80.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 319 MB | 192 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bigyan Tripathi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1795227954) | [Thomas Gunzburger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807389356) |

## What reviewers say

### Elemental Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-merge/id6741715769)

This game lets you merge atoms to discover new elements and progress through the periodic table. Earn resources to upgrade production and unlock bonuses, offering a relaxing yet strategic science-inspired experience.

**Highlights:** Merge atoms to unlock new elements, Collect elements across the periodic table, Strategic upgrades with Particles, Anti-matter, Magic flasks, Relaxing chemistry game inspired by science, Long-term goal of reaching Element 118, Idle progression and discovery gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quick Boost 3 Hour | $0.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge! | $0.99 | one-time |
| Permanent Booster V1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Quick Boost 12 Hour | $1.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge V2! | $1.99 | one-time |
| Quick Boost 1 Day | $2.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge V3! | $2.99 | one-time |
| Permanent Booster V3 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Permanent Booster V2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Disable all ads! | $4.99 | one-time |


### Idle Chest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-chest/id6744372975)

Embark on a treasure-hunting adventure where every click earns rewards. Upgrade your skills, collect and enhance equipment, and unlock unique abilities. Discover the secrets of this world through engaging gameplay and an addictive incremental experience.

**Highlights:** Open various chests, Loot and upgrade equipment, Buy skill upgrades, Unlock unique skills, Discover game story

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Underwater Background Skin | $3.99 | one-time |
| Underwater Chests Skin | $3.99 | one-time |
| Underwater Acolytes Skin | $3.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $3.99 | one-time |
| Underwater Complete Skins Pack | $8.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun short idle clicker
- 👍 Consistent theme
- 👍 Enjoyable experience
- 👍 Minimalistic but rewarding grind
- 💰 Non-intrusive ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Game breaking bug with 'Chosen One' minion
- 🔍 Difficult to compare tap damage to acolyte damage
- 🔍 Some explanations could be improved
- 🔍 Slightly linear progression

**Reported bugs**

- Progress resets or reverts
- Minions not working after equipping 'Chosen One'

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Better UI for comparing damage sources


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Elemental Merge free?

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

### Is Idle Chest free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Elemental Merge or Idle Chest?

Idle Chest is rated higher. Elemental Merge averages 3.9 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Idle Chest averages 4.5 from 109 ratings.

### Do Elemental Merge or Idle Chest have ads?

Both Elemental Merge and Idle Chest show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Elemental Merge or Idle Chest?

Elemental Merge ships an update monthly, and Idle Chest every 10 days. Most recently, Elemental Merge was updated on November 4, 2026 and Idle Chest on November 10, 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.*