# Genesis vs Gourmet Merge

The clearest difference is ads: Gourmet Merge at none against Genesis's shown. Gourmet Merge also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Genesis sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Gourmet Merge sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Genesis against 5.0 for Gourmet Merge. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Genesis ships an update every 2 weeks, Gourmet Merge daily. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Genesis | Gourmet Merge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/genesis-evolution/id6788605075/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gourmet-merge/id6801191436/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 15 MB | 135 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aly Shehata](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788605077) | [Maaz Arfi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1829249619) |

## What reviewers say

### Genesis

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/genesis-evolution/id6788605075)

Engage in a cozy, clever hex puzzle game that guides you through the story of life on Earth. Snap gene-cells together to awaken over 100 creatures and explore 20 eras of history. Enjoy a satisfying challenge with optional extras and free updates.

**Highlights:** Hex gene-cell puzzle gameplay, Collect 100+ creatures, Explore 20 eras of Earth's history, Gentle learning curve with increasing challenge, Optional hints and cosmetic extras, Accessibility features (colorblind assist, reduced motion), Daily streaks and mastery stars

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Genome Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Genome Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pure Genesis | $2.99 | one-time |
| Large Genome Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Founder's Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mega Genome Pack | $9.99 | one-time |


### Gourmet Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gourmet-merge/id6801191436)

Combine ingredients to craft dishes and serve customers in a culinary puzzle adventure. Renovate and design your dream bistro, uncover an engaging story, and play at your own pace. Become the ultimate head chef and build your restaurant empire.

**Highlights:** Merge and craft hundreds of items, Renovate and design your bistro, Serve unique customer orders, Uncover an engaging story, Relaxing, offline gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gem Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Boost Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack 2 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Pro Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack 3 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack 4 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack 5 | $59.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack 6 | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Genesis free?

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

### Is Gourmet Merge free?

Gourmet Merge is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Genesis or Gourmet Merge?

Genesis and Gourmet Merge are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Genesis or Gourmet Merge have ads?

Genesis shows ads; Gourmet Merge does not.

### Which is updated more often, Genesis or Gourmet Merge?

Genesis ships an update every 2 weeks, and Gourmet Merge daily. Most recently, Genesis was updated on October 28, 2026 and Gourmet Merge on October 16, 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.*