Comparison

Shoot the Monster vs TraceNum

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Shoot the Monster

Engage in a unique casual game combining shooting action with number merging puzzles. Aim and shoot number bullets to hit monsters, strategically merging them to create higher values and prevent them from reaching the bottom. Master precise aiming and smart positioning for endless high-score challenges.

Highlights
  • Shooting action and number merge puzzle gameplay
  • Simple tap and drag controls
  • Strategic aiming and merge mechanics
  • Endless high-score challenges
  • Casual puzzle shooting experience
Features
Read full description

Shoot the Monster is a unique casual game that blends shooting action with number merge puzzle gameplay. Aim carefully, shoot number bullets, and hit monsters on the board. When monsters with the same number collide, they merge into a stronger one. Plan your shots, create bigger numbers, and keep the monsters from reaching the bottom. Simple controls make it easy to start, but smart positioning and timing are the key to high scores. As the board fills up, every shot becomes more important. How to Play Tap and drag to aim your number bullet Release to shoot monsters on the board Merge monsters with the same number to create a higher value Prevent monsters from reaching the bottom of the screen Keep merging and shooting to achieve the highest score possible Game Features A fresh mix of shooting action and number merge puzzle gameplay Easy to play with simple controls Strategic aiming and satisfying merge mechanics Endless gameplay focused on high-score challenges If you enjoy casual games that reward smart thinking and precise aiming, Shoot the Monster delivers an addictive puzzle shooting experience. Download now and see how high you can go.

About

TraceNum

Features
Read full description

TraceNum is a minimalist number puzzle that combines a refined design inspired by the dark cosmos with the beauty of numbers. With just the numbers 1 through 9, endless strategy unfolds across the hex grid. Trace. Clear. That’s it. The rules are simple. Trace 3 adjacent tiles and match the TOTAL to the TARGET. The TARGET values are 6, 9, 12, and 15. A whole new kind of number puzzle. Choose between two game modes: Time Mode, where you aim for a high score within the time limit, and Endless Mode, where you can take your time and keep playing until the board is full. You are not limited to waiting for the system to add tiles. With your 3 hand tiles, you can place the best tile on the board and control the game with your own strategy. COLOR & Combos Clearing tiles of the same color increases your score multiplier. Fill the gauge to earn a Diamond and experience the thrill of clearing the board in one move. Special Tiles WILD and Almighty tiles can turn a difficult moment into an opportunity and bring your ideas to life.

Screenshots

Shoot the Monster4 screens
TraceNum4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Shoot the Monster at none against TraceNum's shown. Shoot the Monster also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). TraceNum's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Shoot the Monster sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and TraceNum sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shoot the Monster ships an update weekly, TraceNum every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Shoot the Monster versus TraceNum: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShoot the MonsterTraceNum
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size226 MB88 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperACTIONFITISAO NAGATA

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Shoot the Monster

One-time10
  • Starter Pack$2.99
  • Beginner Pack$2.99
  • Remove Ad$4.99
Show 7 more
  • Remove Ad Pack2$5.99
  • Exorcist Pack$6.99
  • Retry Pack$8.99
  • Remove Ad Pack$9.99
  • Lucky Charm Pack$14.99
  • Divine Blessing Pack$39.99
  • Demon Slaying Pack$69.99
1 purchases

TraceNum

One-time1
  • Unlock All Stages$0.99

Questions

Is Shoot the Monster free?
Shoot the Monster is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TraceNum free?
TraceNum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Shoot the Monster or TraceNum have ads?
TraceNum shows ads; Shoot the Monster does not.
Which is updated more often, Shoot the Monster or TraceNum?
Shoot the Monster ships an update weekly, and TraceNum every 2 days. Most recently, Shoot the Monster was updated on September 21, 2026 and TraceNum on September 12, 2026.

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