# Dots vs Alchemist's Engine

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Alchemist's Engine at none against Dots's 4. Alchemist's Engine also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 weeks) and iOS requirement (16.7 vs 18.0). Dots's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dots sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Alchemist's Engine asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Dots against 5.0 for Alchemist's Engine. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 13 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Dots ships an update every 4 weeks, Alchemist's Engine every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dots | Alchemist's Engine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-pop-them-all/id6743966185/reviews) | [5.0 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemists-engine/id6804922440/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 217 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.7** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Michael DeProspo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1563580242) | [Just Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6804922442) |

## What reviewers say

### Dots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-pop-them-all/id6743966185)

Engage in a fast-paced arcade game that tests your reflexes and strategic thinking. Tap and swipe to create combos, unlock powerups, and achieve new high scores. Progress through milestones and customize your gameplay with store upgrades.

**Highlights:** Fast-paced combo chaining, Unlockable powerups, Progress and achievements, In-game store for upgrades, Global leaderboards, Immersive audio-visuals

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Coin Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Coin Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Large Coin Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Extra Large Coin Pack | $19.99 | one-time |


### Alchemist's Engine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemists-engine/id6804922440)

Tend to a dormant engine in a ruined world by gathering fuel, crafting resources, and researching upgrades. Forge golems to assist in your tasks as you explore a labyrinthine mine and uncover a forgotten story.

**Highlights:** Feed and stoke the engine, Merge sparks on an alchemical table, Forge and upgrade golems, Research forgotten techniques, Explore a seeded labyrinth, Unravel the story

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dots free?

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

### Is Alchemist's Engine free?

Alchemist's Engine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Dots or Alchemist's Engine?

Dots and Alchemist's Engine are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 10 and 13 ratings respectively.

### Do Dots or Alchemist's Engine have ads?

Alchemist's Engine shows ads; Dots does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dots or Alchemist's Engine?

Dots ships an update every 4 weeks, and Alchemist's Engine every 4 days. Most recently, Dots was updated on October 25, 2026 and Alchemist's Engine on October 24, 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.*