# Hard Time vs FR3

The clearest difference is rating: FR3 at 4.7 against Hard Time's 4.0. FR3 also leads on ratings volume (235K vs 4.3K) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). Hard Time's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (71% vs 55%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hard Time sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and FR3 sells 18 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FR3 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FR3 has 235K ratings behind it against 4.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 71% of Hard Time's written reviews are positive against 55% of FR3's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Hard Time ships an update every 3 months, FR3 every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hard Time | FR3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hard-time/id718021930/reviews) | **[4.7 (235K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fr3-multiplayer-games/id1118878857/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4.3K | **235K** |
| Positive reviews | **70.7% of reviews** | 54.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#21** |
| Size | 56 MB | 997 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +17 | 12+ |
| Developer | [MDickie Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/498978165) | [Dirtybit AS](https://appshunter.io/developer/484858667) |

## What reviewers say

### Hard Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hard-time/id718021930)

Simulate life as an inmate in a challenging prison environment. Manage your health, mental state, and attributes while interacting with other inmates and guards. Earn money, improve your skills, and try to survive.

**Highlights:** Create and customize inmate, Survive in a prison with 12 areas, Manage health and mental state, Improve character attributes (Strength, Agility, Intellect, Reputation), Earn money through work or trade, Interact with 100+ inmates and civilians, Navigate prison laws and wardens

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Unique prison simulation experience
- 😊 Nostalgic and memorable
- 🎮 Great mobile game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🤖 Annoying AI behavior
- 💰 Monetization issues
- 🕰️ Repetitive and grindy

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes after ads
- Inconsistent character controls
- Unrealistic physics and damage
- Inability to complete certain tasks

**Requested features**

- Online multiplayer mode
- Expanded map and exploration
- More customization options
- Improved warden/police functionality
- Additional game modes


### FR3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fr3-multiplayer-games/id1118878857)

**Currently charting:** #21 Top Grossing · Racing, #93 Top Grossing · Adventure (US App Store)

Compete in real-time multiplayer races against players worldwide. Sabotage opponents, use power-ups, and customize your avatar. Join clans and battle in the new Arena mode for ultimate glory.

**Highlights:** Real-time multiplayer races, Sabotage opponents, 30+ new power-ups, Arena 8-player elimination mode, Clan Battles (2v2), Avatar customization, Leaderboard climbing

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Daily XP Bonus! | $0.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Arena Season Ticket | $1.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| 550 gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Fun Run - racing starter pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Big Daily XP Bonus! | $4.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $8.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Event Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1200 gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| 2500 gems | $19.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $44.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 🎨 Cute and creative character designs
- 🤝 Enjoyable multiplayer experience
- 🏆 Competitive arena mode

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🐛 Glitches and bugs
- 🤖 Unbalanced matchmaking
- 🕰️ Slow progression and rewards

**Reported bugs**

- Disconnection issues during races
- Power-ups not functioning as expected
- Incorrect race placements
- Clan invites/deletions not working properly

**Requested features**

- More affordable customization options
- Improved clan/party features
- Varied game modes and maps
- Better anti-cheat measures
- Faster leveling and rewards


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hard Time free?

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

### Is FR3 free?

FR3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Hard Time or FR3?

FR3 is rated higher. Hard Time averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4.3K ratings, while FR3 averages 4.7 from 235K ratings.

### Do Hard Time or FR3 have ads?

FR3 shows ads; Hard Time does not.

### Which is updated more often, Hard Time or FR3?

Hard Time ships an update every 3 months, and FR3 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Hard Time was updated on October 17, 2026 and FR3 on October 17, 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.*