# Hidden Objects vs Runes

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Runes at 83% against Hidden Objects's 14%. Runes also leads on rating (4.5 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 16 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hidden Objects sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Runes sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Runes holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Runes has 576 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Hidden Objects's written reviews are positive against 83% of Runes's.

Hidden Objects ships an update every 16 months, Runes every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hidden Objects | Runes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-objects-owl-mystery/id893132509/reviews) | **[4.5 (576 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runes-hidden-objects-games/id1484061991/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **576** |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 186 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 13.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [rinku patel](https://appshunter.io/developer/869898369) | [Crisp App Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1143551614) |

## What reviewers say

### Hidden Objects

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-objects-owl-mystery/id893132509)

Test your observation skills in this challenging hidden object game. Find all the hidden items across 10 mind-testing levels, with hints and a magnifier to assist you. Compete with friends and enjoy a free gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Find objects by name, 10 mind-testing levels, Free hints available, Magnifier for zoom, Game Center integration, Score and time penalties for wrong touches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| remove iAd | $0.99 | one-time |
| buy 100 crystals | $0.99 | one-time |
| buy all levels | $1.99 | one-time |
| buy 200 crystals | $1.99 | one-time |
| buy 500 crystals | $2.99 | one-time |
| full version (all levels +700 crystals) | $3.99 | one-time |
| buy 1500 crystals | $3.99 | one-time |
| buy 3000 crystals | $4.99 | one-time |


### Runes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runes-hidden-objects-games/id1484061991)

Uncover the secrets of a mysterious town by searching intricately illustrated scenes for hidden objects and solving puzzles. Follow a detective through a captivating storyline with unique challenges and unlock magical artifacts as you progress. Play at your own pace with optional hints.

**Highlights:** Search hand-painted scenes for hidden objects, Spot subtle differences, Solve puzzles and brain teasers, Follow a twisting storyline, Collect magical artifacts, Play at your own pace with hints

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Instant Hint | $0.99 | one-time |
| Handful of Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Bag with Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Infinity Energy + No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Сhest with Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| Master Pack Special | $3.99 | one-time |
| Master Pack: All-included | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great graphics
- 🧠 Exercises the brain
- 🤩 Fun to play
- 🧘‍♀️ Relaxing gameplay
- 🔍 Interesting hidden object puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Energy/ads require purchases
- 🕰️ Too many interruptions
- 🌃 Dark and blurry scenes
- 🤔 Unclear progression/navigation

**Reported bugs**

- Energy recharge issues
- Purchase rejections

**Requested features**

- Restart option
- Clearer level progression


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hidden Objects free?

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

### Is Runes free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Hidden Objects or Runes?

Runes is rated higher. Hidden Objects averages 1.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Runes averages 4.5 from 576 ratings.

### Do Hidden Objects or Runes have ads?

Both Hidden Objects and Runes show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hidden Objects or Runes?

Hidden Objects ships an update every 16 months, and Runes every 6 weeks. Most recently, Hidden Objects was updated on October 24, 2026 and Runes on October 26, 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.*