# Phantom Tower vs Ariana and the Elder Codex

The clearest difference is rating: Phantom Tower at 4.6 against Ariana and the Elder Codex's 2.6. Phantom Tower also leads on review sentiment (71% vs 50%) and ratings volume (115 vs 5). Ariana and the Elder Codex's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Phantom Tower sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Ariana and the Elder Codex asks for nothing beyond the download.

Phantom Tower holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phantom Tower has 115 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Phantom Tower's written reviews are positive against 50% of Ariana and the Elder Codex's.

Phantom Tower ships an update every 10 days, Ariana and the Elder Codex every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phantom Tower | Ariana and the Elder Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (115 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phantom-tower/id6745515425/reviews)** | [2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ariana-and-the-elder-codex/id6760456190/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **115** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **71.1% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 664 MB | 1.2 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Horien Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812660391) | [Crunchyroll, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/329913457) |

## What reviewers say

### Phantom Tower

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phantom-tower/id6745515425)

Embark on a challenging roguelike adventure within a mysterious tower. Battle creatures, collect resources to craft gear, and unlock powerful abilities to ascend 100 floors. Every playthrough offers a new experience as you strive to conquer the unknown.

**Highlights:** Action roguelike gameplay, RPG elements, Elemental combat system, Crafting weapons and armor, Unlockable glyphs, 100-floor tower ascent

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard Bag | $0.99 | one-time |
| Archer Starter Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Warrior Starter Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Mage Starter Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Advanced Bag | $1.99 | one-time |
| Premium Bag | $2.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Unique and engaging gameplay
- 🚀 Responsive controls
- 💎 Satisfying combat and progression
- 🎨 Clean and polished visuals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paid content required to access full game
- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Enemies spawning outside of room
- UI text readability issues

**Requested features**

- Controller support
- Ability to choose starting class
- Teleport to boss room option
- Gear unequip functionality


### Ariana and the Elder Codex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ariana-and-the-elder-codex/id6760456190)

Embark on a 2D action RPG adventure as a magical librarian who enters ancient books to restore lost magic. Battle monsters, master elemental spells, and customize your abilities to save the world.

**Highlights:** 2D side-scrolling action RPG, Dynamic anime action combat, Master elemental magic and transformations, Customize spellbook with 30+ spells, Craft magic items and accessories, Time attack and repair point challenges, Metroidvania exploration

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phantom Tower free?

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

### Is Ariana and the Elder Codex free?

Ariana and the Elder Codex is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Phantom Tower or Ariana and the Elder Codex?

Phantom Tower is rated higher. Phantom Tower averages 4.6 out of 5 from 115 ratings, while Ariana and the Elder Codex averages 2.6 from 5 ratings.

### Do Phantom Tower or Ariana and the Elder Codex have ads?

Phantom Tower shows ads; Ariana and the Elder Codex does not.

### Which is updated more often, Phantom Tower or Ariana and the Elder Codex?

Phantom Tower ships an update every 10 days, and Ariana and the Elder Codex every 3 days. Most recently, Phantom Tower was updated on October 16, 2026 and Ariana and the Elder Codex on October 4, 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.*