# Simply Cryptic vs Solitaire After Dark

The clearest difference is price: Solitaire After Dark at Free against Simply Cryptic's $0.99. Solitaire After Dark also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (7 vs 1). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Solitaire After Dark is free to download; Simply Cryptic costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Simply Cryptic against 5.0 for Solitaire After Dark. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Solitaire After Dark has 7 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Simply Cryptic ships an update every 2 months, Solitaire After Dark every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply Cryptic | Solitaire After Dark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-cryptic/id6757966051/reviews) | [5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solitaire-after-dark/id6790817785/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 6 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Violet Rome LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380299557) | [Motivation Stack LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1789709109) |

## What reviewers say

### Simply Cryptic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-cryptic/id6757966051)

A cryptic crossword-inspired word game designed for quick, satisfying solves on mobile. It offers an accessible entry point to cryptic clues with optional explanations to help users learn the wordplay. Enjoy multiple difficulty levels and offline play.

**Highlights:** Cryptic clue solving, Optional clue explanations, Multiple difficulty packs, Offline play, Clean mobile design, Hint system

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Solitaire After Dark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solitaire-after-dark/id6790817785)

Experience a unique solitaire roguelike set in a 1960s cocktail lounge. Every move scores points as you manage a shelf of club patrons and mix card combinations to meet targets. Survive challenging boss nights and progress through a season of unique challenges.

**Highlights:** Scoring-based Klondike gameplay, Collectible club patrons as relics, Card manipulation mechanics, Challenging boss nights, Seasonal progression and challenges, Multiple classic solitaire modes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simply Cryptic free?

Simply Cryptic costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Solitaire After Dark free?

Solitaire After Dark is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Simply Cryptic or Solitaire After Dark?

Simply Cryptic and Solitaire After Dark are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 7 ratings respectively.

### Do Simply Cryptic or Solitaire After Dark have ads?

Neither Simply Cryptic nor Solitaire After Dark shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simply Cryptic or Solitaire After Dark?

Simply Cryptic ships an update every 2 months, and Solitaire After Dark every 4 days. Most recently, Simply Cryptic was updated on October 3, 2026 and Solitaire After Dark on October 14, 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.*