Comparison

NumLink vs Tricky Mean3

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

Head to head
About

NumLink

Features
Read full description

Trace 1→2→3… and fill every cell with a single stroke. Simple rules, deep gameplay. Perfect for a 5-minute break or a 1-hour brain workout. 200+ stages await. ▸ You'll love this if you enjoy ・Sudoku, number puzzles, or daily brain teasers ・Clean, minimal, ad-light design ・Quick games for the commute or before bed ・Calm focus over flashy chaos ▸ How to Play Swipe to connect numbers in order: 1→2→3… But you must pass through every cell to clear the stage. Simple to learn, hard to master. ▸ Packed with Content ・200+ stages (4×4 to 7×7 grids) ・3 difficulty filters (Easy / Normal / Hard) ・Daily Challenge — a new puzzle every day ・Time Attack — race the clock for 3 minutes ・Random Play — jump right in ・Endless Mode — never stop solving ・NEW v1.1.0: Special Cells Mode — 25 stages with blocked cells & walls ▸ Keep Coming Back ・Earn up to 3 stars per stage ・Unlock 18 achievements & 6 color themes ・Weekly ranking to beat your best ・Detailed play statistics ・Daily login bonus for free hints ▸ Make It Yours ・6 color themes (Dark / Light / Ocean / Sunset / Purple / Forest) ・Adjustable font size, sound & haptics Free to play. Optional ad-removal available (one-time purchase). Works fully offline — no internet required. Number link × brain training × logic puzzle. Start sharpening your mind today, one number at a time.

About

Tricky Mean3

Engage in a unique puzzle game by manipulating on-screen items to reveal hidden changes and solve intricate illustrations. This installment offers new stages and mechanics, building on the series' signature interactive gameplay.

Highlights
  • Move items to discover changes
  • Solve hidden illustration puzzles
  • New stages and gameplay mechanics
  • Unique puzzles in each stage
  • Short play sessions
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

A puzzle game where you move items on the screen to discover changes in the illustrations and find hidden solutions. Building on the series’ signature gameplay of moving items to find the answer, this latest installment features new stages and gameplay mechanics. New stages to explore A variety of new gameplay mechanics Unique puzzles and setups in each stage Easy to enjoy even in short play sessions Whether you have played previous games in the series or are new to the series, there is plenty to discover and enjoy. Move the items on the screen, observe how things change, and find the solution to each stage. EU / California users can opt-out under GDPR / CCPA. Please respond from the pop-up displayed when starting in the app or within the settings in the app.

Screenshots

NumLink4 screens
Tricky Mean33 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Tricky Mean3 at every 11 days against NumLink's every 6 weeks. Tricky Mean3 also leads on chart position (#202 vs unranked). NumLink's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads, 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. NumLink sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Tricky Mean3 sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NumLink ships an update every 6 weeks, Tricky Mean3 every 11 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
NumLink versus Tricky Mean3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNumLinkTricky Mean3
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.7 (59 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—59 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 11 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#202 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB632 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperWaffle, LCCONIGIRI GAMES

In-app purchases

3 purchases

NumLink

One-time3
  • Hint×10$0.99
  • Remove ads$1.99
  • Hint×50$2.99
7 purchases

Tricky Mean3

One-time7
  • ◯Hint item5$1.99
  • ◯Hint item10$2.99
  • ◯Hint item20$5.99
Show 4 more
  • VIP PACK$5.99
  • SUPER VIP PACK$9.99
  • ◯Hint item50$14.99
  • ◯Hint item100$29.99

Questions

Is NumLink free?
NumLink is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tricky Mean3 free?
Tricky Mean3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NumLink or Tricky Mean3 have ads?
Both NumLink and Tricky Mean3 show ads.
Which is updated more often, NumLink or Tricky Mean3?
NumLink ships an update every 6 weeks, and Tricky Mean3 every 11 days. Most recently, NumLink was updated on October 25, 2026 and Tricky Mean3 on October 25, 2026.

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