High School Simulator 2018 vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against High School Simulator 2018's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Core Identity
Developertomoya sugikamiGarusoft LLCCandy Room Games & RabbitCo LimitedBest Free Games Trading FZ-LLCFaiza Dilawar Dilawar HussainEpisode Interactive
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOSAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating3.8 / 54.3 / 54.5 / 54.3 / 53.9 / 54.7 / 5
Ratings Count23,69924,0656,6791153132,816,237
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateJun 5, 2017Jan 23, 2019Mar 28, 2024Aug 3, 2022Oct 7, 2022Dec 18, 2013
Last UpdatedNov 11, 2025Feb 19, 2026Apr 15, 2026Jun 27, 2024Nov 26, 2025Mar 30, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativepositivepositive--mixed
Score35/10080/10072/100--48/100
Praises
  • Core simulation mechanics provide long-term entertainment value for players who enjoy roleplaying scenarios
  • Character customization options allow for personalized avatar creation within the simulation environment
  • Creative Freedom & Exploration
  • Deep Customization Options
  • Creative Sandbox Gameplay
  • Offline Accessibility
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  • Compelling Storytelling
Complaints
  • Removal of weapon assets post-update significantly degrades the intended combat and roleplay experience
  • Obscure and tedious unlock requirements for items force excessive ad consumption on players
  • Technical instability including lag and performance issues affects users on older hardware
  • Restrictive 'Child Mode' Updates
  • Empty Environments
  • Excessive Advertisements
  • App Stability and Launch Bugs
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  • Aggressive Monetization
  • Server and Connectivity Issues
Requests
  • Reintroduction of combat and weapon mechanics to restore the original gameplay loop
  • Expansion of interactive environment elements to increase depth beyond basic social interactions
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Persistent sandbox environment supports user-generated roleplay scenarios
  • High-volume Android install base provides significant ad-impression inventory
  • Unique 'Chaos' mechanics (jetpacks, weapons) not found in standard simulators
  • Multi-character control system (up to 4 characters)
  • Strong niche appeal within the anime community
  • Optimization for 1GB RAM devices
  • Robust offline playability
  • Specific 'School' thematic roleplay identity
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  • Massive UGC library (150k+ stories) creating a significant content moat
  • Strong social features like Book Clubs driving community engagement
  • High brand recognition and established market presence (#27 Grossing)
Weaknesses
  • 3.2★ Android rating reflects technical instability
  • Ad-gated progression creates high friction for new users
  • Removal of combat assets degraded core value proposition
  • High hardware requirements (3GB RAM/Snapdragon 820 floor)
  • Alienating 'Child Mode' restrictions on combat
  • Empty/non-interactive building interiors
  • Aggressive ad frequency (every 2 minutes)
  • Bot-only social interaction
  • Launch stability and UI bugs
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  • Aggressive 'pay-to-play' choice mechanics causing user frustration
  • High ad frequency and unskippable ad formats
  • Technical stability issues (server errors) affecting story access
Pricingfreefreemiumfreefreefreefreemium
MomentumMaintenanceSteadyActive--Maintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, ~616d avg5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~25d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~30d avg--5 versions, ~25d avg

Compare High School Simulator 2018 head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by High School Simulator 2018, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0