Seaside Escape review

Seaside Escape is a lighter story game from Microfun, the studio behind Gossip Harbor and Merge County, and it ranks sixth on value and ease. You drag two basic items together to merge them, and hundreds of items let you combine almost anything as you help fallen celebrity Rowan and the residents of Kryphos rebuild the town. Seasonal events such as Turkey Trot and Magical Rescue hand out energy, gems and chests. Two details set it apart from its siblings: the US App Store listing rates it 9+ and, unlike most games here, does not list advertising, though it does list loot boxes. It also supports iOS 13.0, Apple silicon Macs and Android. Gem packs start at $1.99 and a VIP ticket costs $4.99. The listing documents fewer systems than Merge Dragons or Merge Mansion, so expect a simpler game. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not count ads in play.

Who it is for

Players who want a story merge game whose US App Store listing does not mention advertising.

Price

Free to play; in-app purchases from $1.99 (A Bit of Gems) on the US App Store.

A Bit of Gems $1.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Drag two basic items together to merge them
• Hundreds of items to merge
• Help the residents of Kryphos and rebuild the town
• A story about Rowan restoring her confidence
• Seasonal special events with energy, gems and chests

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The App Store listing does not list advertising
• Strength: Rated 9+, lower than most story merge games here
• Strength: Runs on iOS 13.0, Apple silicon Macs and Android
• Weakness: Fewer documented features than the top picks
• Weakness: Contains loot boxes
• Weakness: English and only 6 more languages

Key facts

• Developer: Microfun
• Age rating: 9+
• Languages: English and 6 more
• Requires: iOS 13.0 or later

Where it ranks

Seaside Escape is No. 6 in our Best Merge Games verdict.