# Root Down vs Merge

The clearest difference is rating: Merge at 5.0 against Root Down's 4.0. Merge also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 27 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.4). Root Down's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Root Down asks for nothing beyond the download.

Merge holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, Merge every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Root Down | Merge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-chess/id1583953370/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Martin Grider](https://appshunter.io/developer/309543466) | [Ammonite Design Studios Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/460176444) |

## What reviewers say

### Root Down

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474)

An original abstract strategy game for two players with unique movement rules. Figure out how to move your pieces to capture your opponent's and win. Offers AI play and pass-and-play modes with variable setups.

**Highlights:** Abstract strategy gameplay, Unique piece movement rules, AI opponent, Pass-and-play mode, Variable game setups

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-chess/id1583953370)

This game combines classic chess strategy with simple puzzle mechanics. Swipe to merge same-colored pieces, aiming to leave only a King on the board. Be mindful of board space to avoid filling it up.

**Highlights:** Chess strategy, Puzzle mechanics, Swipe to merge pieces, Merge same-colored pieces, Goal: leave only a King, Avoid filling the board

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Root Down free?

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

### Is Merge free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Root Down or Merge?

Merge is rated higher. Root Down averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Merge averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Root Down or Merge have ads?

Merge shows ads; Root Down does not.

### Which is updated more often, Root Down or Merge?

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, and Merge every 3 days. Most recently, Root Down was updated on November 1, 2026 and Merge on November 3, 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.*