Report updated Apr 3, 2026
Mr. Crab 2
v1.9.3Casual gamers who enjoy platformers, colorful aesthetics, and character collection mechanics.
What Is Mr. Crab 2?
Launched May 18, 2016
Updated May 2021
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Requires precise timing and quick thinking to navigate levels and earn gold medals.
Collect and equip various hats and masks to personalize the crab characters.
A gift system that allows players to unlock additional levels and items.
A series of challenging and visually distinct levels to complete.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
Gathering public signals...
Sentiment analysis will be available once enough user reviews are collected.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Strong brand legacy (App Store Best of 2016)
- High-fidelity 2.5D visual style
- Unique cylindrical level design
Cons
- Infrequent updates (last updated 2021)
- Aging monetization model
- Lack of modern social/competitive features
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Modernize for Apple Arcade or subscription models
- Implement daily challenges to drive DAU
- Expand customization into a meta-game
Market Threats
- High-velocity hyper-casual clones
- Modern precision platformers with deeper mechanics
- Declining App Store visibility due to age
Who competes with Mr. Crab 2?
The Nemesis
Sonic Jump™
SEGA
The most direct mechanical rival, featuring vertical-climbing platforming with a focus on timing and character-specific abilities.
The most direct mechanical rival, featuring vertical-climbing platforming with a focus on timing and character-specific abilities.
Contenders
Leap Day
★4.6 (18K)Nitrome
A high-quality vertical platformer that uses one-tap timing mechanics and daily level progression similar to Mr. Crab 2.
A high-quality vertical platformer that uses one-tap timing mechanics and daily level progression similar to Mr. Crab 2.
Super Mario Run
★3.9 (1667K)Nintendo Co., Ltd.
The definitive premium auto-runner platformer that competes for the same casual audience seeking high-polish timing-based gameplay.
The definitive premium auto-runner platformer that competes for the same casual audience seeking high-polish timing-based gameplay.
Doodle Jump 2
★4.5 (38K)Lima Sky
The sequel to the original vertical platformer, competing directly for users who enjoy climbing-based arcade progression.
The sequel to the original vertical platformer, competing directly for users who enjoy climbing-based arcade progression.
A precision-timing game where players jump between platforms, mirroring the 'timing is everything' mantra of Mr. Crab 2.
Jetpack Exploration
Peers
A fast-paced vertical arcade game that emphasizes quick reflexes and navigation through dangerous passages.
Procedural Vertical Labyrinth
While moving downward, it occupies the same 'vertical timing' space in the hyper-casual market.
Fireball Mode
The gold standard for casual timing-based arcade games with heavy character customization/collection.
Character Collection
Om Nom: Run
★4.4 (4K)ZeptoLab UK Limited
A character-driven runner that utilizes a similar freemium model and colorful aesthetic.
A character-driven runner that utilizes a similar freemium model and colorful aesthetic.
New Kids on the Block
Super Mario Run Stickers
★3.9 (1K)Nintendo Co., Ltd.
A newer, highly-rated precision platformer with fast-paced movement and a focus on combos and timing.
A newer, highly-rated precision platformer with fast-paced movement and a focus on combos and timing.
What are the key takeaways?
Mr. Crab 2 is a divisive games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.1/5 rating from 709 reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users.
Best for: Casual gamers who enjoy platformers, colorful aesthetics, and character collection mechanics.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
The game utilizes a free-to-play model supported by in-app purchases, likely focusing on cosmetic items and level unlocks to drive revenue.