Pocket Build
Build without boundaries in Minecraft-style sandbox.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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Pocket Build
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Pocket Build is an open-ended building experience that is reminiscent of Minecraft. There is some mild, blood-free violence as human characters battle goblins or other creatures, but characters can revive. Kids may ask to purchase a subscription to unlock bonus items (buildings, land pieces, etc.), but they can unlock one item for free each hour. There is some pressure to subscribe when kids tap on locked bonus items, but there are no other ads. Kids can upload their worlds and download worlds others have created. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What’s It About?
POCKET BUILD is a sandbox building app where kids collect resources and then use them to buy characters, buildings, trees, and other objects to decorate their worlds. The characters collect more resources (wood, food, gold) to purchase more items. There's also a "sandbox mode" where kids have all items unlocked (no need to save). Kids can start with a range of worlds starting from completely empty to having a homestead. They can add all sorts of objects and creatures, including goblins, dragons, and giants to make whatever type of environment they can imagine. The characters have automation features that may have them working, dancing, or just roaming around. This adds some life to the worlds so kids don't have to micromanage everything. For those who want to experience their words first-hand, there's a first person mode where kids navigate as one of the characters and can chop trees and collect food. If kids want to collaborate, there are other user-generated worlds to explore or add to a personal account so kids can build on each other's world, and kids can share their own worlds, too.
Is It Any Good?
This app lets kids build without goals, time limits, or outside pressure. Pocket Build is relaxing, low-key, and somewhat mesmerizing. Whether you work for your resources and spend them wisely, or unlock it all in sandbox mode, there's simply no stress to get anything in particular done. Now, this isn't for everyone. Some kids prefer concrete tasks to complete so they feel like they are progressing. Pocket Build isn't for those kids. But for those who like lining everything up "just so," and picking out just the right tree for a particular outcropping, this will occupy them for hours on end. There are some drawbacks, however. It's hard to tell what some objects are, placing things doesn't always go as intended, and mining is painfully slow early on, but those are easily overlooked as you watch your characters dance or chop wood. All in all, this little game is delightful in its simplicity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about saving up resources for bigger purchases in Pocket Build and similar apps. Are there some examples of times you do that in your family? What do you save for?
How do you like this app in comparison with other apps you could play? As you balance your time on- and offscreen, would this be an app you'd choose to use? Why or why not?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: spatial reasoning, Creativity: imagination, making new creations, Collaboration: cooperation
- Pricing structure: Paid ($1.99)
- Release date: February 4, 2020
- Category: Simulation Games
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures
- Publisher: MoonBear LTD
- Version: 2.96
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later
- Last updated: February 26, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
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Minecraft
Worthy spin-off of popular PC game encourages creativity.
-
Kiloblocks
Creative sandbox blocks beg for more options.
-
Blox 3D World Creator
Solid world-builder with learning curve boosts creativity.
For kids who love simulation apps and building virtual worlds
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