Report updated Apr 8, 2026
Pull the Pin
v240.0.8Casual gamers looking for short, satisfying, and mentally stimulating puzzle experiences to pass the time.
What Is Pull the Pin?
Launched Jan 16, 2020
Updated Apr 2026
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.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Gravity-driven gameplay requiring players to remove pins in the correct sequence.
Secondary complexity where colorless balls must touch colored balls to gain color.
Polished graphics and animations designed for a rewarding sensory experience.
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.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate core gameplay enjoyment, but report excessive and misleading ads and technical instability.”
What Users Love
I enjoy the game very much.
Most of the puzzles are fun, some are a little confusing!!! But enjoying the challenge!!!
Pain Points
I FREAKING HATE THE ADS SOOOOOO MUCH!!!
The ads that you are delivering are misleading and stupid.
Since installing this app, phone keeps on locking-up
After the past few updates, the game starts and then crashes right away.
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
★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
★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
★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
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™
★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
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