If it crashes before trying to contact the server with your win, such as when it tries to load an ad, then it will return to your last move. (Unless whatever is causing the crash also corrupts your game information.)
Speculation: if the game crashes but 1) believes it has sent your win to the server and 2) the server didn't receive the information, then when you restart the game, your phone will overwrite the game information stored on your phone with the game information from the server, which does not include your win or your partial progress. Therefore, the game will prompt you to restart the level.
Why is it crashing? IDK, but the answer might help you preserve your progress even if it crashes. Four years ago, the app would sometimes crash when the game tried to load an ad. I don't remember whether or not I found a solution or found a way to prevent data loss: sorry.
In general, I recommend three things: 1. Make sure your storage isn't full. (Clear cache, move files to the cloud, etc. 2. Close other apps. I'm on Android and I use KillApps. 3. Backup your progress. It probably won't fix this problem, but it's a good idea.
Good luck!
I just discovered this game (it was advertised to me in another game and at first I thought it was for Two Dots because the art is so similar!). I'm glad to see other Two Dots Hunt fans have already found it. I also saw in the comments how paralyzingly frequent the ads were so I immediately sprung for the ad-free version ($3) and it has been very enjoyable. You need to find around 170 items per "theme" and the search area expands and new search areas are revealed every time you find X number of items. It is basically the same as TD Hunt but without having to go back to the "order form" between search areas.
You can re-play a theme with more difficult levels (one is timed (OMG the pressure), the other makes you find items in pairs (i.e., you find a penguin, you can't click on the butterfly next to him until you find and click on a second penguin, etc.)). When I bought it there were only three themes and there are now five, not sure if that is because I have completed some themes or they just added more this week.
The art is so similar to TD that they are either copycats or it is the same artists. I have not yet seen any pop-culture Easter eggs.
Very satisfying to have this to play while waiting for TD to release new Hunts!
i was looking for the same and I found this little game. it's mainly a puzzle game but it also has different modes like find the differences and finding objects. I had a lot of un playing.
why don't you give it a try? you may really like it
Anything similar for Android, preferably free?
Edit: I think I found something for free
Hidden folks exists for Android too I just never bothered to set up Google play payments