# The Dreamhold

> Interactive fiction

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id517870810](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id517870810)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id517870810`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Zarfhome Software Consulting
- **Category:** Adventure
- **Rating:** 4.80 / 5 (15 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.1.3
- **Last updated:** 2018-12-21
- **First published:** 2012-05-25
- **Size:** 7.22 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-23
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-dreamhold/id517870810)
- **Website:** [http://zarfhome.com/dreamhold/](http://zarfhome.com/dreamhold/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://zarfhome.com/privacy.html](https://zarfhome.com/privacy.html)

## Description

*The Dreamhold* is interactive fiction — a classic text adventure. No graphics! No point-and-click! You type your commands, and read what happens next.

*The Dreamhold* is designed for people who have never played IF before. It introduces the common commands and mindset of text adventures, one step at a time. There’s an extensive help system describing standard IF commands, as well as dynamic hints which pop up whenever you seem to be stuck.

I’ve tried to create a game which rewards many species of adventurer: the inexperienced newcomer, the puzzle-hurdler, the casual tourist, the meticulous explorer, the wild experimenter, the seeker after nuances and implications.

- Fluid interface designed for comfortable typing and reading.
- Full-length puzzle adventure with several optional side quests and hidden endings.
- Text adventure devotees can turn off the tutorials and hints, or play in Expert mode for additional challenge.
- Achievements tracked through Game Center.
- Pop-up palette of commonly used commands.
- Dynamic in-game map, so you don’t have to scribble boxes on a piece of paper.
- Full support for VoiceOver (speech output) and dictation (speech input) on devices that offer these features.
- Yes, really free. Not “free with ads,” not “freemium.” Just free. I want to introduce people to IF, and this game is how I do it.

*The Dreamhold* won the XYZZY Awards for Best Puzzles and Best Use of Medium in 2004. It is also available (for free) on my web site.

(The cover art is based on a photograph by Trey Ratcliff: The Festival of Lights in Lyon (CC by-nc-sa), remixed with images of Mercury and Io.)

## Rankings

- #275,175 — Overall

## Review summary

The Dreamhold is praised for its auto-map, rich story and puzzles, and beginner-friendly tutorial. Reviewers value the detailed examine descriptions, note-taking features, and customization, with many calling it a high-quality, engaging IF and noting the free-limited-time availability as a plus. A notable drawback is intermittent crashes on older iOS versions (Fizmo fatal error). A few players wish for more peril or a more climactic ending, but overall it’s regarded as a standout, well-polished interactive fiction title.

### Pros

- Auto-map feature makes navigation easier and is widely praised.
- Well-written, intriguing story with challenging puzzles.
- Beginner-friendly thanks to a helpful tutorial and on-screen help.
- High polish and usability: long examine descriptions, note-taking, and easy text-entry (tap commands), plus customizable margins and line spacing.
- Strong value and engagement, with many reviewers calling it an excellent interactive fiction title (noting it was free for a limited time in at least one review).

### Cons

- Occasional crashes on older iOS versions due to Fizmo fatal error.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id517870810)