Review · Simulation · Android · iOS
Hay Day
Reviewed: 09 Apr 2026
Android · iOS
Supercell · 2012
Ludograph rating
D
Caution
40 /100
Hay Day is a farm simulation game that builds problem solving and strategic thinking through resource management, but it uses strong compulsion-loop design techniques.
Growth (BDS)
35
Risk (RIS)
52
Daily limit
30min
Age guidance
6+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.40 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.40 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.15 | |
Hay Day promotes strategic thinking through resource management and trade. Players can express creativity by customizing their farm. The social aspects encourage cooperation and communication with friends and neighbors.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.70 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.46 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.28 | |
The game utilizes strong compulsion-loop design techniques, such as variable rewards, streak mechanics, and notifications, to encourage continuous play. There's also significant monetization pressure through in-app purchases and currency obfuscation, potentially targeting children.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 0.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.00 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.00 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Heads up
- Monthly spendTypical real-money spend by engaged players: $0 – $20/mo.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: concerns noted·GDPR-K — Assessed: concerns noted·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. Likely violations: monetisation that deliberately targets children; virtual currency that obscures real-money prices; frequent spending prompts in a children-rated game.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. Likely violations: profiling or targeting of children for marketing.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.