# Elemental Merge vs Code Buster

The clearest difference is update cadence: Code Buster at fortnightly against Elemental Merge's monthly. Elemental Merge's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elemental Merge sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and Code Buster sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Elemental Merge ships an update monthly, Code Buster fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Elemental Merge | Code Buster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-merge/id6741715769/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **24** | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 319 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bigyan Tripathi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1795227954) | [Davauhn Ellison](https://appshunter.io/developer/1822280129) |

## 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 |


### Code Buster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-buster-shooting-game/id6792092393)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7.5K Honey | $0.99 | one-time |
| Claude Color Green | $1.99 | one-time |
| Claude Color Gold | $2.99 | one-time |
| Claude Purple Color | $3.99 | one-time |
| Claude Color Cyan | $4.99 | one-time |
| 40K Honey | $4.99 | one-time |
| 90K Honey | $9.99 | one-time |
| 200K Honey | $19.99 | one-time |
| 550K Honey | $49.99 | one-time |
| 1.25M Honey | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Elemental Merge free?

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

### Is Code Buster free?

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

### Do Elemental Merge or Code Buster have ads?

Both Elemental Merge and Code Buster show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Elemental Merge or Code Buster?

Elemental Merge ships an update monthly, and Code Buster fortnightly. Most recently, Elemental Merge was updated on October 23, 2026 and Code Buster on October 25, 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.*