Comparison

Chain Rules vs HamTower

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

Head to head
About

Chain Rules

A block-matching puzzle game where you strategically remove blocks and trigger chain reactions. Between rounds, select unique abilities that alter gameplay, offering a fresh challenge with each session. Enjoy varied difficulty modes and high score tracking.

Highlights
  • Block matching gameplay
  • Trigger chain reactions
  • Select game-altering abilities
  • Dynamic board challenges
  • Multiple difficulty modes
  • High score tracking
  • Offline play
Features
Read full description

Chain Rules is a tile-matching puzzle where the rules change every round. Tap groups of three or more matching tiles to clear them and set off chain reactions. Clear enough tiles to finish the round, then choose one of three abilities: a rule that reshapes scoring for the next few rounds, or a tool you can fire whenever you need it. Between rounds the board fights back with new physics: gravity that pulls sideways or to the center, frozen tiles, fog and conveyor rows. Survive ten rounds to win, then keep going for a higher score. - DAILY: one new board each day, the same for every player. One shot, then share your run. - WEEKLY ASCENT: the same board all week. Lock in permanent rules at rounds 3, 6 and 9 and beat your best. - CLASSIC: Easy, Normal and Hard. - ZEN: no game over, just chains. Plays offline. No account. Optional ads only when you choose to watch one for an extra shuffle.

About

HamTower

Features
Read full description

Cute hamster physics puzzle! Stack blocks, build towers, and battle players worldwide in real-time. 21 languages supported, free to play! -- What's This Game About? -- [Stack Blocks to Build a Tower] Simple controls - just tap to place! But be careful with your balance, or the whole thing might tumble... Real physics make every moment exciting and unpredictable. [50 Stages of Adventure] Acorns, ice blocks, balloons, rubber balls... New block types keep things fresh and fun! Each stage brings surprising new twists. -- 16 Adorable Friends -- Golden hamsters, Djungarian, Roborovski, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, even bunnies...! Each one has a unique personality and stats. Collect new friends through gacha! No duplicates guaranteed - every pull is a brand new friend. -- Dress Up with Accessories -- Ribbons, crowns, capes, angel wings... 20 accessories to style your hamster. Create the cutest outfit and head out on your adventure! -- So Many Ways to Play! -- Story Mode Clear all 50 stages! Free Build Mode Stack as high as you can and set new records! Online Battles Challenge friends and players worldwide in real-time! Use bomb attacks and freeze attacks to mess things up! Rankings Compete for the tallest tower, fastest time, and best battle record! -- Why You'll Love It -- - Daily login bonus gives you free gacha tickets - No-duplicate gacha means every pull is a new discovery - Available in 13 languages - play with friends worldwide - Works on both mobile and PC Your fluffy hamster friends are waiting for you. Let's climb the Sunflower Tower together! [In-App Purchases] - Gacha Ticket ($0.99) - Ad-Free Plan ($4.99) All content is fully enjoyable without any purchases.

Screenshots

Chain Rules4 screens
HamTower4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Chain Rules at none against HamTower's 2. HamTower's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 8 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads 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. HamTower sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Chain Rules asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chain Rules ships an update every 8 months, HamTower every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Chain Rules versus HamTower: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChain RulesHamTower
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperUpstream Partners, LLCKyosuke Takahashi

In-app purchases

None

Chain Rules

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

HamTower

One-time2
  • Gacha Ticket$1.99
  • Remove Ads$7.99

Questions

Is Chain Rules free?
Chain Rules is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HamTower free?
HamTower is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Chain Rules or HamTower have ads?
Both Chain Rules and HamTower show ads.
Which is updated more often, Chain Rules or HamTower?
Chain Rules ships an update every 8 months, and HamTower every 9 days. Most recently, Chain Rules was updated on November 5, 2026 and HamTower on November 9, 2026.

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