Both are RPG maths games, but MathCraft embeds maths into gameplay (feeding creatures IS fractions) while Prodigy interrupts gameplay with context-free questions. MathCraft uses the UK curriculum with no ads; Prodigy uses US Common Core with aggressive freemium upselling.
| Feature | MathCraft | Prodigy Math |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Free (beta) → £4.99 | ~£4–8 (Core tier) |
| Annual price | TBC | ~£47–95 (varies by tier) |
| Free tier | Yes — free during beta | Yes — full maths content free (cosmetics paid) |
| Age range | 5–14 (Y1–Y9) | 6–14 (Y1–Y9) |
| Curriculum | UK National / White Rose Maths | Full primary + some secondary (US Common Core primary, UK curriculum adapted) |
| Adaptive engine | ✓ Spaced repetition + mastery tracking | Freemium RPG where maths questions interrupt gameplay as "toll gates" |
| Platforms | Web (PWA — any device) | Web, iOS, Android, Kindle |
| Offline mode | ✗ No (internet required) | ✗ No |
| AI tutoring | ✓ Merlin (Socratic, logged) | ✗ No |
| Parent dashboard | ✓ Curriculum heatmap + AI logs | Basic progress dashboard. Teacher tools are significantly stronger than parent tools. |
| Ads / dark patterns | ✗ None | Yes — aggressive freemium upselling |
Prodigy Math has genuine strengths that are worth acknowledging:
No app is perfect. These are the most common complaints from parents and reviews:
Both use RPG mechanics, but MathCraft embeds maths into activities (feeding creatures IS fractions, building structures IS geometry), while Prodigy interrupts gameplay with context-free questions. Prodigy's monetisation model visibly disadvantages non-paying children — MathCraft has no ads, no upselling, no dark patterns. MathCraft uses the UK curriculum; Prodigy primarily uses US Common Core.
Families who want a free RPG-style maths experience and don't mind the US curriculum focus or aggressive monetisation.
Your child resists anything that feels like homework and needs genuine game engagement. You want UK curriculum alignment, adaptive practice, AI tutoring, and full parent visibility — all in a game they’ll actually ask to play.
Prodigy is primarily aligned to US Common Core, not the UK National Curriculum. While it offers some UK curriculum mapping, the methods, terminology, and question styles differ from what UK schools teach. MathCraft is built specifically for the UK curriculum using White Rose Maths progression.
Prodigy's maths content is free, but the game aggressively pushes paid memberships (£4-8/month). Free players are visibly disadvantaged — they "walk in dirt while members ride on clouds." Fairplay documented "16 ads for membership and only 4 math problems in 19 minutes." MathCraft has no ads, no in-app purchases, and no dark patterns.
Prodigy has a more polished 3D world and a larger user base. MathCraft has deeper maths integration (maths IS the gameplay, not an interruption), UK curriculum alignment, transparent AI tutoring, and ethical monetisation with no dark patterns. If you're a UK parent, MathCraft is the more appropriate choice.
Critics — including an FTC complaint — argue that Prodigy treats maths as a "toll gate" to gameplay. The maths questions have no relationship to the game world. Common Sense Media noted "math not fully integrated into adventure." MathCraft takes the opposite approach: feeding your companion IS a fractions problem, building structures IS geometry.
Looking at more options? See our Best Alternatives to Mathletics guide.
Step-by-step lessons, worked examples, and adaptive practice — all wrapped in an adventure game your child will love.
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