# Elemental Merge vs Scratch Inc.

The clearest difference is rating: Scratch Inc. at 4.7 against Elemental Merge's 3.9. Scratch Inc. also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elemental Merge sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and Scratch Inc. sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scratch Inc. holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Scratch Inc. has 1.9K ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Elemental Merge's written reviews are positive against 93% of Scratch Inc.'s.

Elemental Merge ships an update monthly, Scratch Inc. every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on July 5, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Elemental Merge | Scratch Inc. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-merge/id6741715769/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratch-inc/id6745529538/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **1.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | **93.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 319 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Bigyan Tripathi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1795227954) | [Makopaz LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479952757) |

## 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 (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quick Boost 3 Hour | $0.99 | one-time |
| Faster Auto Merge! | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ad Skipper V1 | $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 |
| Ad Skipper 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 |
| Ad Skipper V3 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Disable all ads! | $4.99 | one-time |


### Scratch Inc.

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratch-inc/id6745529538)

An idle incremental game where you build an empire by scratching cards and earning points. Upgrade your cards, unlock automation, and prestige to progress faster. Enjoy endless upgrades, achievements, and global leaderboards with no ads or wait timers.

**Highlights:** Endless Upgrades, Prestige for Progress, Achievements with Rewards, Global Leaderboards, Playable Offline, No Ads

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |
| 55 Gold | $4.99 | one-time |
| 120 Gold | $9.99 | one-time |
| 260 Gold | $19.99 | one-time |
| 750 Gold | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Enjoyable gameplay
- 🚀 Satisfying idle mechanics
- 💡 Active developer listening to feedback
- 👍 Optional in-app purchases
- 👍 Polished interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 In-app purchases feel expensive
- 🔧 Needs more balance and content
- 🐛 Offline rewards not working consistently

**Reported bugs**

- Offline rewards rarely triggering
- Lacking sound effects

**Requested features**

- More skin tone options for avatar
- Better variety and more offline rewards


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Elemental Merge free?

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

### Is Scratch Inc. free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Elemental Merge or Scratch Inc.?

Scratch Inc. is rated higher. Elemental Merge averages 3.9 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Scratch Inc. averages 4.7 from 1.9K ratings.

### Do Elemental Merge or Scratch Inc. have ads?

Elemental Merge shows ads; Scratch Inc. does not.

### Which is updated more often, Elemental Merge or Scratch Inc.?

Elemental Merge ships an update monthly, and Scratch Inc. every 3 days. Most recently, Elemental Merge was updated on July 5, 2026 and Scratch Inc. on September 22, 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.*