Comparison

Quirkies Evolution vs Zen Koi 2

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Quirkies Evolution

Explore the fascinating process of evolution through interactive gameplay. Guide populations of creatures by selecting mates and influencing traits to ensure survival and adaptation. Discover new characteristics, learn through engaging content, and track your progress via a detailed family tree.

Highlights
  • Simulate natural selection and reproduction
  • Influence trait evolution through mate selection
  • Explore genetic recombination and mutation
  • Learn via educational videos and podcasts
  • Earn badges and survival points
  • Manipulate genes in the biolab
  • Track lineage with family tree and population view
Features
Read full description

This game teaches how evolution works: quirkies evolve through natural selection, reproduction, recombination and mutation of genes. The basics: by selecting mates who get to reproduce, you and other players simulate the environment in which the best quirkies survive. You can choose a trait that you would like the population to have (do this on the settings screen). As you play the game, try to select quirkies with that trait. In each generation, the offspring inherit the genes from the parents. The trait that you picked will become common throughout the population. Your fitness score at the top of the main screen will improve, and you win the game with high enough fitness over generations. But quirkies might also be rejected by mates, experience harmful mutations, and risk extinction. As you play, quirkies will entertain you with funny comments (even with speech), quiz your understanding of evolution, and make suggestions from an amazing range of educational videos and podcasts. Earn badges through these activities! Your quirkies will evolve new traits such as colors, nose, mouth, limbs, hair, and more by regulatory gene adaptations. Explore it all through the family tree (showing how genes are inherited) and population view. You can also earn survival points with mini-games: help your offspring feed, fight challengers, and find their parents. And don't tell anyone, but if you get to the biolab, you can manipulate your quirkie's genes! Evolved a really cute quirkie? You can give it a name (it will also get a scientific species name), save it for later, and share it with your friends! (Parents, no worries --- your kid cannot post on social media without your permission.) You can get news updates, when one of your quirkies has new siblings or offspring. And then you can explore the families of your quirkies: their parents, siblings, mates, and offspring. Iris Menczer (4th grade) and her dad created this game for kids to have fun learning about evolution. Evolutionary biologists have helped make it more educational. Hope you enjoy both the fun and the learning!

About

Zen Koi 2

Nurture and breed vibrant koi, guiding them through a serene journey to transform into majestic dragons. Customize your underwater sanctuary and create unique constellations in a breathtaking celestial realm.

Highlights
  • Breed and nurture koi
  • Transform koi into dragons
  • Explore the Dragon Realm
  • Craft and share constellations
  • Customize personal aquarium
  • Compete on leaderboards
Features
Read full description

Dive into Tranquility: Unwind and Ascend with Zen Koi 2 (Free-to-Play) Embark on a captivating journey of serenity and wonder with Zen Koi 2, the enchanting sequel to the beloved Zen Koi game. Immerse yourself in the soothing flow of the Koi's motion. Tranquil gameplay and calming music complete the serene experience. Breed and nurture vibrant koi and witness their transformation into majestic dragons, all within the comfort of your mobile device. A Legacy of Relaxation Evolves: Zen Koi 2 builds upon the core gameplay that captivated players in the original, offering a soothing and relaxing experience suitable for all ages. While retaining the essence of the classic collection mechanic, Zen Koi 2 introduces exciting new features that enrich your gameplay journey: Ascend to the Dragon Realm: Witness the culmination of your carp's journey as they transcend the koi pond and ascend to a celestial plane. Explore the vast expanse of the Dragon Realm, a breathtaking astral space adorned with shimmering constellations. Unleash Your Creativity: Gather essence as your dragon soars through the Dragon Realm. Use this essence to craft unique and shareable constellations, expressing your artistic vision and leaving your mark on the celestial canvas. Cultivate Your Personal Aquarium: Descend from the ethereal heights and return to your cherished koi pond. In 'My Pond', you can create a personalized underwater zen garden. Decorations range from plants and rocks, to seasonal effects, sand ripples, flowers, and glowing stones. Arrange and customize your underwater haven to reflect your individual style and preferences. Witness the Beauty of Transformation: As you breed and nurture your koi through their lifecycle, marvel at their stunning visual transformations. Observe the vibrant patterns and colors displayed by your koi, culminating in the awe-inspiring metamorphosis into majestic dragons. Connect with Family and Friends: Share your love for Zen Koi 2 with loved ones. Compete in friendly leaderboards, showcasing your koi fish collection and dragon constellations with your family and friends. Beyond Relaxation: A Journey of Discovery and Expression: Zen Koi 2 transcends the boundaries of a mere relaxation tool by offering players a platform for creativity and self-expression. The ability to craft and share constellations in the Dragon Realm allows players to explore their artistic side, while the customizable My Pond fosters a sense of ownership and individuality. Additionally, the family-friendly nature of the game encourages social engagement and fosters a sense of community among players of all ages. Unveiling the Art of Zen Koi 2: The developers at LandShark Games have poured their passion and dedication into crafting a visually captivating and emotionally engaging experience with Zen Koi 2. The game's breathtaking visuals transport players to a world of serenity, while the calming soundtrack soothes the mind and promotes relaxation. More than just a game, Zen Koi 2 offers a refuge from the daily grind, a space to unwind, connect with yourself, and unleash your inner artist. Whether you seek a moment of peace amidst a busy schedule, a creative outlet to express yourself, or a fun and engaging experience to share with friends and family, Zen Koi 2 welcomes you to embark on a journey of tranquility and discovery. Download Zen Koi 2 today and begin your ascent! By downloading this game, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy: http://www.landsharkgames.com/terms-of-service/ http://www.landsharkgames.com/privacy-policy/ Rated 3+ by the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS).

Screenshots

Quirkies Evolution4 screens
Zen Koi 24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Zen Koi 2 at 4.8 against Quirkies Evolution's 3.7. Zen Koi 2 also leads on ratings volume (30K vs 10). Quirkies Evolution's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 63) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Zen Koi 2 sells 63 one-off in-app purchases. Quirkies Evolution asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Zen Koi 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Zen Koi 2 has 30K ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Quirkies Evolution's written reviews are positive against 71% of Zen Koi 2's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 6, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Quirkies Evolution versus Zen Koi 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQuirkies EvolutionZen Koi 2
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (10 ratings)4.8 (30K ratings) — better
Positive reviews70.0% of reviews71.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1030K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS7.1 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB150 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIndiana UniversityLandShark Games Pte. Ltd.

Customer experience

Quirkies Evolution

All ratings10 ratings
Positive70.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative30.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive70.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative30.0%

Zen Koi 2

All ratings29,521 ratings
Positive94.9%
Neutral3.4%
Negative1.8%
Written reviews917 reviews
Positive71.3%
Neutral8.1%
Negative20.6%

Bugs and requests

Quirkies Evolution

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Zen Koi 2

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Saved progress being lost or not loading properly
  • Glitches with dragon appearances

Requested features

5 requests
  • Offline play mode
  • More variety in pond environments and prey
  • Ability to interact with and customize dragons
  • Easier way to complete collections
  • Improved friend integration and trading

In-app purchases

None

Quirkies Evolution

No in-app purchases

63 purchases

Zen Koi 2

One-time63
  • Small handful of Pearls$1.99
  • Starter Pack$1.99
  • Value Pack$1.99
Show 60 more
  • Offer Pack$1.99
  • Fun Pack$3.99
  • Suiryū Pack$3.99
  • Senkou Pack$3.99
  • Shodo Pack$3.99
  • Zashi Pack$3.99
  • Hageshī Pack$3.99
  • Ryūtai Pack$3.99
  • Seiun Pack$3.99
  • Saibā Pack$3.99
  • Handful of Pearls$4.99
  • Nice Pack$8.99
  • Hanrin Pack$8.99
  • Bag of Pearls$9.99
  • Tsuru Pack$9.99
  • Saishō Pack$9.99
  • Minori Pack$9.99
  • Tsurai Pack$9.99
  • Origami Pack$9.99
  • Boronoi Pack$9.99
  • Cheshā Pack$9.99
  • Meiro Pack$9.99
  • Kurōjū Pack$9.99
  • Konoha Pack$9.99
  • Sanbīmu Pack$9.99
  • Burokku Pack$9.99
  • Wagasa Pack$9.99
  • Torippī Pack$9.99
  • Nitto Pack$9.99
  • Showa Pack$9.99
  • Sakyū Pack$9.99
  • Enaga Pack$9.99
  • Daimon Pack$9.99
  • Akinoha Pack$9.99
  • Robotto Pack$9.99
  • Kumo Pack$9.99
  • Guradē Pack$9.99
  • Azarashi Pack$9.99
  • Reinī Pack$9.99
  • Māburu Pack$9.99
  • Berī Pack$9.99
  • Byōga Pack$9.99
  • Baabaa Pack$9.99
  • Itoo Pack$9.99
  • Taiju Pack$18.99
  • Seiryu Pack$19.99
  • Ireke Pack$19.99
  • Dōnatsu Pack$19.99
  • Uranai Pack$19.99
  • Kagami Pack$19.99
  • Kaō Pack$19.99
  • Norudiku Pack$19.99
  • Karasu Pack$19.99
  • Shojo Pack$19.99
  • Mikkusu Pack$19.99
  • Inko Pack$19.99
  • Habu Pack$19.99
  • Ōrora Pack$19.99
  • Hareta Pack$19.99
  • Huge chest of Pearls$99.99

Questions

Is Quirkies Evolution free?
Quirkies Evolution is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Zen Koi 2 free?
Zen Koi 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Quirkies Evolution or Zen Koi 2?
Zen Koi 2 is rated higher. Quirkies Evolution averages 3.7 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Zen Koi 2 averages 4.8 from 30K ratings.
Do Quirkies Evolution or Zen Koi 2 have ads?
Zen Koi 2 shows ads; Quirkies Evolution does not.
Which is updated more often, Quirkies Evolution or Zen Koi 2?
Quirkies Evolution ships an update monthly, and Zen Koi 2 monthly. Most recently, Quirkies Evolution was updated on June 6, 2026 and Zen Koi 2 on September 27, 2026.

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