# Shadow Self vs Archetype Decks

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shadow Self at none against Archetype Decks's 4. Shadow Self also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Archetype Decks sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Shadow Self asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shadow Self ships an update every 6 days, Archetype Decks every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadow Self | Archetype Decks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Size | 7 MB | 202 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [yehuda breuer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1877033625) | [Drew Douglass](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887999660) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadow Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-self/id6759146370)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Archetype Decks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/archetype-decks/id6764735465)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A candle for the desk | $1.99 | one-time |
| An afternoon in the stacks | $4.99 | one-time |
| A key to the collection | $9.99 | one-time |
| A new wing for the library | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadow Self free?

Shadow Self is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Archetype Decks free?

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

### Do Shadow Self or Archetype Decks have ads?

Neither Shadow Self nor Archetype Decks shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadow Self or Archetype Decks?

Shadow Self ships an update every 6 days, and Archetype Decks every 3 weeks. Most recently, Shadow Self was updated on September 8, 2026 and Archetype Decks on September 8, 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.*