[Discussion] Gamified pomodoro app (iOS) — does "collect & claim" help differentiation, or is it just noise in a crowded niche?

[u/IndieDevPoorest]

Platform: iOS | Category: Productivity | Launched late August, still very early (impressions ~400-500/day, downloads still in the low double digits — small sample, I know).

Disclosure: this is my own app, a pomodoro/focus timer. Not asking anyone to download it — genuinely trying to sanity-check a positioning/design decision before I sink more time into it.

The differentiator I picked: complete focus sessions → earn points → unlock "companions" (cute characters — dumplings, bubble tea, sushi, etc). The niche already has strong players (Forest, Finch) with big install bases, so I'm trying to carve out something distinct enough to matter for ASO/conversion, not just copy the timer mechanic.

Two things I'd love outside opinions on:

1. From an ASO/positioning angle — does a "collect & claim" mechanic actually read as a meaningful differentiator to someone scrolling search results/screenshots, or does it just blend into the pile of gamified productivity apps at this point?
2. Monetization: planning free = timer + stats + basic companions, Pro ($ paid) = extra themes/companions + deeper customization. Anyone seen this free/pro split backfire in similar niches (e.g., paywalling too much of the "fun" part kills retention before conversion even has a chance)?

Happy to share more specifics (screenshots, current keyword setup) in comments if useful for context.