Report updated Apr 8, 2026

What Is Pull the Pin?

Pull the Pin is a leading hyper-casual physics puzzle game by Popcore/Rollic that challenges players to guide balls into a pipe by removing pins in the correct order. While it boasts a massive user base and a unique color-spreading mechanic, it is currently facing a decline in user sentiment due to technical instability and aggressive monetization. The game is a primary target for competitors who are adding meta-layers to the core pin-pulling formula.

What 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.

Frustrated
Core Gameplay Enjoyment
Excessive and Misleading Ads... Show more

What does it look like?

What are the key features?

Physics-based Puzzle MechanicsStandard

Gravity-driven gameplay requiring players to remove pins in the correct sequence.

Color-spreading LogicDifferentiator

Secondary complexity where colorless balls must touch colored balls to gain color.

Satisfying Visual FeedbackStandard

Polished graphics and animations designed for a rewarding sensory experience.

Progressive Difficulty LevelsBasic

Increasingly tricky levels designed to challenge problem-solving skills.

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.

Frustrated

Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate core gameplay enjoyment, but report excessive and misleading ads and technical instability.

What Users Love

Core Gameplay Enjoyment

I enjoy the game very much.

Most of the puzzles are fun, some are a little confusing!!! But enjoying the challenge!!!

Pain Points

Excessive and Misleading Ads

I FREAKING HATE THE ADS SOOOOOO MUCH!!!

The ads that you are delivering are misleading and stupid.

Technical Instability

Since installing this app, phone keeps on locking-up

After the past few updates, the game starts and then crashes right away.

Broken IAP

Paid to remove ads and it did nothing except take my money.

High confidence · 1.6M reviews available

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • Massive global reach (1.6M+ ratings)
  • Satisfying core physics loop
  • Unique color-logic differentiator

Cons

  • Severe technical instability/crashes
  • Broken ad-removal IAP functionality
  • Lack of utility for in-game currency

What is the market outlook?

Growth Opportunities

  • Add meta-game layers (renovation/collectibles)
  • Improve Android stability to match iOS ratings
  • Leverage 'Nuts & Bolts' mechanical trends

Market Threats

  • Rising mechanical puzzle competitors (Wood Nuts & Bolts)
  • Platform penalties for non-functional IAPs
  • High churn due to ad fatigue and lack of progression

Who competes with Pull the Pin?

The Nemesis

Hero Rescue 2026

Hero Rescue 2026

4.3 (84)

One Up Games Studio

The primary competitor that popularized the pin-pulling mechanic as a standalone game with nearly identical physics-based logic.

+

The primary competitor that popularized the pin-pulling mechanic as a standalone game with nearly identical physics-based logic.

Contenders

Save The Fish! Rescue Puzzle

Save The Fish! Rescue Puzzle

4.5 (23K)

Mesiba Games

Adapts the pin-pulling mechanic to water physics, providing a similar 'satisfying' logic experience for the same user base.

+

Adapts the pin-pulling mechanic to water physics, providing a similar 'satisfying' logic experience for the same user base.

Unscrew Puzzle: Pin Jam

Unscrew Puzzle: Pin Jam

4.9 (168)

ONESOFT GLOBAL PTE. LTD.

Combines the core pin-pulling mechanic with a home-renovation meta-game to increase long-term player retention.

+

Combines the core pin-pulling mechanic with a home-renovation meta-game to increase long-term player retention.

Fishdom

Fishdom

Playrix

While primarily match-3, it heavily utilizes pin-pulling minigames in its marketing and gameplay to capture the same puzzle-solving interest.

+

While primarily match-3, it heavily utilizes pin-pulling minigames in its marketing and gameplay to capture the same puzzle-solving interest.

Peers

+

Shares the core objective of guiding balls into a container using physics, though it uses digging instead of pins.

+

Sand-Digging Puzzle Mechanics

+

A physics-based puzzle game that focuses on gravity and flow, appealing to the same 'satisfying' gameplay itch.

+

Dynamic Line-Drawing Mechanism

+

A dominant hyper-casual puzzle game that competes for the same 'brain-teasing' and 'color-logic' audience.

+

Offline Playability

+

A broad logic puzzle competitor that targets the same casual demographic looking for short, tricky mental challenges.

+

Unconventional Puzzle Design

New Kids on the Block

+

A rapidly growing physics-based logic game that is currently stealing the 'satisfying mechanical puzzle' market share.

+

Customizable Skins

Screw Puzzle: Wood Nut & Bolt™

Screw Puzzle: Wood Nut & Bolt™

4.4 (8K)

ONESOFT GLOBAL PTE. LTD.

A rising trend in physics puzzles that uses mechanical manipulation similar to pins to solve gravity-based challenges.

+

A rising trend in physics puzzles that uses mechanical manipulation similar to pins to solve gravity-based challenges.

What are the key takeaways?

Pull the Pin is a frustrating games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 3.6/5 rating from 1.6M reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate core gameplay enjoyment, though excessive and misleading ads remains a common concern.

Best for: Casual gamers looking for short, satisfying, and mentally stimulating puzzle experiences to pass the time.

How much does it cost?

Model: freemium

Tiers:
Free-to-play (Ad-supported)In-app purchase for Ad Removal

The app relies on a high-volume hyper-casual model. However, users report that the 'no-ad' purchase often fails to work, creating significant trust issues.

iOS Version

240.0.8

Android Version

240.0.8

Release Date

Jan 16, 2020

iOS Price

Free

Android Price

Free

Developer

Popcore GmbH

Independent intel to help builders create better apps.

No publisher influence. No third-party bias. Built with objectivity in mind to serve the builder community. Reports are continuously improved and refined. For informational purposes only.

Hope this helps & keep building! · Found an error?

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Pull the Pin Intelligence Report.” Updated Apr 8, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/games/pull-the-pin

Agent Markdown (.md)·

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0