# Rift Drifter vs Maelstrom

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Maelstrom at none against Rift Drifter's 3. Maelstrom also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). Rift Drifter's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rift Drifter sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Maelstrom asks for nothing beyond the download.

Rift Drifter ships an update fortnightly, Maelstrom every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Rift Drifter | Maelstrom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rift-drifter/id6764129632/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Jonathan Felty](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895652970) | [John Verco](https://appshunter.io/developer/1825521995) |

## What reviewers say

### Rift Drifter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rift-drifter/id6764129632)

Experience a retro arcade space shooter where every visual is generated from code. Engage in fast-paced runs with unique weapon systems, challenging bosses, and unlockable content. Designed with accessibility in mind for a smooth, one-handed experience.

**Highlights:** Code-generated vector graphics, 5 chapters of escalating challenges, Phased boss fights, Multiple weapon systems, Unlockable ships and cosmetics, Accessibility-first design, Checkpoint saves

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |


### Maelstrom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maelstrom-vector-arcade/id6791025991)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Rift Drifter free?

Rift Drifter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Maelstrom free?

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

### Do Rift Drifter or Maelstrom have ads?

Maelstrom shows ads; Rift Drifter does not.

### Which is updated more often, Rift Drifter or Maelstrom?

Rift Drifter ships an update fortnightly, and Maelstrom every 2 days. Most recently, Rift Drifter was updated on October 2, 2026 and Maelstrom on September 28, 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.*