Endless Running Games

Run Until You Die In These Endless Games

Overview

The concept of an endless runner is simple. You run until you die. Despite its simplicity, endless running games are among the most ubiquitous and popular games in the App Store. This AppGuide looks not only at "runners" in the strictest sense, but also at games which capture the spirit of the endless runner. These include games with other types of endless motion, as well as endlessness in dimensions other than the horizontal.

Essential Apps

  • Free

    Jetpack Joyride

    by Halfbrick Studios

    Jetpack Joyride, starring the versatile Barry Steakfries, is one of the most popular games around, and it has been for some time. The game was already among the best of its kind, but it refuses to sit on its laurels. Recent updates have brought interesting gizmos and gadgets, such as a robot dog friend for Barry. What makes the game so good is that it is simple in its gameplay, yet also diverse. Power-ups make the game interesting. Missions keep the game challenging. Unlocking all the available content? Well, it's addicting. I have logged more hours on Jetpack Joyride than any other iOS game.

  • Free

    Temple Run 2

    by Imangi Studios, LLC

    Following its predecessor Temple Run, Temple Run 2 was a success as soon as it entered the App Store. In just eight hours, the game made its way to the number one spot in the Top Free Apps. If you are a fan of the original Temple Run, then you are in for a treat. This sequel delivers with better graphics and more challenging gameplay. Powerups, utilities, and controls remain the same. A handful of the characters are back as well. If you haven't grabbed this game yet then you're missing out. I personally believe it is more fun than the original!

  • Free

    Subway Surfers

    by Kiloo

    Subway Surfers combines some of the best elements of both Temple Run and Jetpack Joyride. Like Temple Run, it is a delightful 3-D runner with excellent graphics and tight swipe control. It also borrows from Jetpack Joyride's model of listing three missions at a time. The game is highly enjoyable and also free!

  • Free

    Agent Dash

    by Full Fat

    If you love Temple Run but want a change of scenery, then I suggest you download Agent Dash. The game operates almost exactly like Temple Run with swipe and tilt controls. Jump over and slide under obstacles that include barrels of toxic water, laser beams, and trees. And don't forget to cling to a random side by tilting your device so that you don't fall into the lava! With the gems you collect, you can unlock gadgets, power ups, and more quirky characters! With the fun graphics and entertaining gameplay, Agent Dash has landed itself a spot in the essential section of our guide.

  • Free

    TheEndApp

    by Goroid

    Tired of collecting coins and gems? Try your hand at collecting duct tape in TheEndApp instead. This game is similar to Temple Run and Agent Dash yet slightly different. The first difference is the setting. TheEndApp seems to take place in a post-apocalyptic world. Your obstacles in this game include fire, lava, and vehicles that are no longer on their wheels. The second difference is that this game offers you the option of playing a mission mode or to go freerunning. And last, but not least, you are given a health bar, allowing you to hit small obstacles without being fatal. This game is also free with the option to buy coins and is available on both iPhone and iPad.

  • $0.99

    Ski Safari

    by Defiant Development

    The running in this game is done by the yetis you chase down. You yourself don't run. You ski, while outpacing an avalanche and chasing down a variety of creatures, including the aforementioned yeti. You ride animals, perform backflips, and collect as many coins as you can. The game is a lot of fun. One advantage to Ski Safari is that it does not have any in-app purchases (IAP). I personally prefer the gameplay of the above games a little more, despite their use of IAP. But that doesn't take away from Ski Safari. This endless game is will bring you many hours of enjoyment.

  • Free

    PITFALL!™

    by Activision Publishing, Inc.

    If you remember the Atari, then you more than likely remember the hit game Pitfall! Activision has been kind enough to bring this title back from the past as an endless running game. The gameplay is similar to Temple Run, but the graphics give you a retro feeling. This is neat because it seems to pay homage to the original Atari game. The camera angles also tend to shift from the over-the-shoulder view to a landscape view much like Jetpack Joyride.

Notable Apps

  • Free

    Into the Dead

    by PikPok

    Into The Dead is a game that forces you to do just that: run into the dead. While I love intricate zombie games, a simple one like this can be just as intense and satisfying. The game begins with your character looking at a helicopter crash. I can only assume that your character was in the helicopter as you turn around quickly and start running. The graphics are realistic and the sound effects are hair-raising. You can easily change the controls in options. Choose between tilt-control, left and right touch, and a thumbstick on either side of your screen. The missions and mini goals are aplenty and you can also challenge your friends to beat your high score. This game is available for both iPhone and iPad. The only downside that keeps this app from being an essential is the fact that a pop-up ad comes up randomly and there isn't a way to upgrade to an ad-free version.

  • Free

    Run'n'Gun

    by Gaijin Entertainment

    Run'n'Gun is one of the newest titles to come to the endless runner scene. The game has a very fairy tale feel to it and that's not a bad thing. It plays just like Temple Run and Agent Dash except for one thing: you shoot goblin thieves as you run. Each hit forces the goblin to drop a gold coin. Collect these gold coins to unlock equipment, upgrades, and characters. This is, in fact, a tilt game. It is free in the App Store and is available for both iPhone and iPad.

  • Free

    One Epic Knight

    by Simutronics Corp

    I love RPGs so I suppose it's only right that I love One Epic Knight. Not to mention that the graphics are pleasing and the audio is hilarious. In this endless runner, you barge through the doors of a dungeon and, of course, avoid the obstacles. Those obstacles are anything from traps to goblin enemies. There is even a cube of Jello that can block your path, which never fails to make me laugh. A unique thing about this game is that it doesn't contain the traditional power ups. There are random shields and swords throughout the dungeon that are made to withstand the obstacle or foe in your way. In order to control your knight, you need to swipe left or right. I wish this game offered tilt controls because swiping just doesn't feel comfortable for an endless runner at times.

  • Free

    Escape from Age of Monsters HD

    by Ayopa Games LLC

    Because endless runners are rather repetitive in nature, it often takes an extra helping of personality to set an endless running game apart. Personality is this game's greatest asset. The gameplay is nothing groundbreaking. You possess a red gauntlet and a blue gauntlet. If you face red colored opposition, you tap on the left side of the screen. For blue obstacles, you tap on the right side. With its quirky, yet excellent graphics and its electric guitar-driven music, Escape from Age of Monsters gets the adrenaline pumping. I recommend the game, although I realize that part of the appeal comes from the fact that I am a sucker for good packaging. The game is good, but also has really good packaging. It also has a separate iPhone version.

  • $0.99

    Robot Unicorn Attack

    by [adult swim]

    If any app could be considered a "cult classic," this would be the one. The game is ridiculously over the top, and that's the point. A rainbow robot unicorn, exploding to the sounds of "Always" by Erasure, will not be everyone's cup of tea. But a good number of people will like it. And the people who like it, will love it, as evidenced by the game's many positive ratings. Hidden beneath the flashy surface is not a superb game; but Robot Unicorn Attack is definitely solid. And its unique exterior elevates it to notable. Please note that while this game is universal, there are iPhone-only versions of Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal Edition and Robot Unicorn Attack Christmas Edition.

  • Free

    Punch Quest

    by Rocketcat Games

    Do you like to smash things? Do you have a knack for pixelated games? Then you'll love Punch Quest. The main objective of Punch Quest is to smash your enemies in order to gain points. The longer a combo, the more points you score. You can also snag bags from imps or treasure chests that are full of coins. These coins are then used to purchase skills, accessories, and upgrades. The fact that you can change your character's look and ride a raptor makes this one cool game different from the other endless running games. This game is free and is available on both iPhone and iPad.

  • Free

    Temple Run

    by Imangi Studios, LLC

    To say that Temple Run is a hit would be an understatement. Like Jetpack Joyride, Temple Run has simple, yet addicting gameplay. It also has some nice 3-D graphics, as well as an immersive swipe and tilt control system. This is an oldie, but quite definitely a goodie. I do believe that the graphics are slightly outdated now that Temple Run 2 is out and that is why I'm going to say this is now a notable app.

  • $0.99

    Temple Run: Brave

    by Disney

    Temple Run: Brave is Temple Run with a different skin. The skin comes in the form of Pixar's movie "Brave." Your runner is the movie's heroine, Merida. Instead of a temple, you run through some lush Scottish scenery. The gameplay is very similar to that of the original, except for the new archery feature, which allows you to tap targets and earn extra coins. The biggest downside of the game is that, unlike the original Temple Run, it is not free. At the same time, it still uses IAP in addition to its base cost. Still, this app combines a proven gaming formula with a successful movie.

Decent Apps

  • Free

    Infinity Run 3D

    by IntenseGames Limited

    In Infinity Run 3D, it is your duty to save the Mashuran Empire. This game reminds me slightly of One Epic Knight because it does have an RPG influence. It just isn't quirky. It also has the same gaming fundamentals and controls of Temple Run, but it doesn't have the same feel. In fact, I don't think the reaction from swiping is timely enough. It seems a bit late. This game is addicting and fun, but because it is broken down into levels, I can't say that it is a true endless runner.

  • $0.99

    Madcoaster

    by Chillingo Ltd

    Out of all the games on this list, I think Madcoaster has the best app icon. I love the expression on that kid's face. Who hasn't experienced the sheer terror and exhilaration of a roller coaster? This app will not give you that level of rush, but is still an enjoyable ride. It's not special, but it's fun.

  • Free

    Rush City

    by Acceleroto

    The games so far have featured unicorns, monsters, and monstrous temple protectors, among other things. It was only a matter of time before we got to little green aliens. In a vacuum, Rush City is a very good representative of endless runners. It's got the key components of accessibility, personality, and fun. It just doesn't offer as much as some of the other games on this list. That's not so much an indictment on Rush City as it is a commentary to the quality of endless running games available. I personally could kill a decent amount of time with this game. And I did.

  • $2.99

    Canabalt

    by Semi Secret Software, LLC

    Canabalt has that classic retro look and feel. It's about as stripped down as an endless runner can be. There are no coins, power-ups, or missions. It's all about the running and jumping. It's a nice palate cleanser after the visual spectacle represented in the other games. Endless runners are a fairly simple class of game to begin with. This one is the simplest of all. I like it. It has a certain charm.

  • $0.99

    Baby Monkey (going backwards on a pig)

    by Kihon Games

    I'm always conflicted about whether to include this iPhone game, whenever an applicable category arises. Baby Monkey usually finds itself at the cusp of being mentioned. The fact is that all my friends like this game. I think the gameplay is mediocre. But the theme song is like chocolate for my brain. I can't stop singing it. It gets embarrassing after awhile, when I randomly and unconsciously spout out, "Baby monkey, baby monkey, riding on a pig, baby monkey." Since Baby Monkey is, at its heart, a endless running game, I had to finally give it some love.

  • $0.99

    Monster Dash

    by Halfbrick Studios

    This is another game that stars the versatile Barry Steakfries. The game is not as deep as Jetpack Joyride, but it still offers a good amount of endless running fun. One thing it has, which Jetpack Joyride doesn't, is the ability to fight the supernatural. Instead of flying around obstacles, your purpose here is to kill vampires, mummies, and other monsters. If you love Jetpack Joyride, you may like this game as well.

  • Free

    Zombie Tsunami

    by Mobigame

    There is a current obsession with zombie games. This endless runner offers something the above games do not; you can add to your number of runners. Every person you eat becomes a zombie groupie that helps you create even more carnage. It's quite entertaining to try to grow your horde. If you're looking for a zombie-themed endless runner, this is the one to get.

We're Flying

  • $0.99

    Tiny Wings

    by Andreas Illiger

    Tiny Wings is another app bestseller. i decided to put it in its own category because it may not immediately come to mind as an endless runner. I don't need to elaborate on the virtues of the game, as thousands of people have already done so. I will say that I personally get a different vibe when I play Tiny Wings versus other endless games. While I generally play endless runners for their excitement, Tiny Wings is more like the app equivalent of a day spa for me. It's relaxing. Tiny Wings is only optimized for the iPhone.

  • Free

    Whale Trail

    by ustwo™

    Whale Trail is unique among all the games on this list in the sense that it features no concept of ground at all; even the bird in Tiny Wings needs to touch down once in awhile. Whale Trail is a pure example of an "endless flyer," which is an interesting concept, given that the subject is a giant whale. Recent updates have introduced a "freemium" model to the game, which has resulted in a good number of negative reviews. I feel like the game has become more difficult and has lost some of its previous charm. However, the update did bring new costumes, characters, and wallpapers. The game may not be as good as it was, but is still worth mentioning.

Endlessly Vertical

  • Free

    Duckers

    by Retro Dreamer

    We've looked at endless runners and even an endless flyer. This adorable game takes us into the realm of the endless miner. You trace digging paths, while circumventing obstacles. There are special items to find and power-ups to collect. This game is going to be successful, not only for its gameplay, but because it is extremely cute.

  • $2.99

    Doodle Jump HD

    by Lima Sky

    In terms of representatives for endless climbers, I went with a modern classic. There's not much to the game other than jumping higher and higher, while avoiding obstacles. That's the appeal of the game. As the saying goes, there is beauty in its simplicity. There's also a good amount of charm. The game has separate iPad and iPhone versions, as well as a free version and a Christmas version.

  • $0.99

    Sonic Jump™

    by SEGA

    Joining the group of the endlessly vertical category is Sonic Jump. Yes, Sonic the popular Sega character. This game is very similar to Doodle Jump except it's Sonic. Can't go wrong there, right? Collect the rings, avoid the wasps, and stay away from the spiked platforms! This game includes multiple characters with their own abilities, different worlds, story mode, arcade mode, boss battles, and more.

Other Versions Of Mentioned Apps

Other Apps