There was a time when you couldn’t move for autorunners on the App Store. These compact arcade action games distilled the essence of the platformer and racing game genres, and stirred in an endless high score-chasing mechanic.
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt (or paw, if we’re talking about this adorable pug in that auto-runner), I must say that the games you’ve curated here are truly a delight!
In today’s market, while there may not be as many new auto-runners being released as before, they continue to appear quite often. If we were to pick one category, we’d argue that the auto-runner is arguably the longest lasting popular genre in mobile gaming, alongside perhaps match-three puzzlers.
One significant reason could be that the game’s compatibility with mobile devices is highly advantageous. Given their brief playtime requirements – usually just a few minutes and a single screen tap (though it might involve multiple taps), a well-designed autorunner presents an ideal choice for casual gaming during short breaks, such as while waiting at stops.
Additionally, you have plenty of leeway to improvise and create your own unique style using this fundamental structure. There are various types of autorunners, such as 3D and 2D, racing, roguelike, shooter, RPG, just to name a few. The possibilities are numerous.
Hopefully, we’ve reflected some of this diversity in the following list.
It’s possible you may question why we no longer call it the ‘endless runner’ category as we once did. This change is due to a straightforward explanation: certain games within this category do indeed have an ending, rather than just requiring continuous play until one fails.
1 Super Mario Run
Publisher:
Nintendo
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Super Mario Run
In Super Mario Run, you might not be able to steer Mario directly, but the variety of jumps available gives the game an unexpected richness.
2 Alto’s Odyssey
Publisher: Snowman
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Alto’s Odyssey
In simpler terms, Alto’s Odyssey is an exquisite, endless skiing game where you jump and flip through a massive mountain. You won’t find auto-runner games that are as refined and gratifying as this one.
3 Badland 2
Publisher: Frogmind Games
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Badland 2
The games “Badland” and its excellent follow-up popularized the tapping-to-fly control method within mobile gaming. Their enchanting, shadowy depictions of fantasy landscapes are hard to rival among auto-runner titles.
4 Rayman Mini
Available on: iOS + Apple Arcade
Find out more about Rayman Mini
Rayman’s mobile outings nailed the whole auto runner template years ago with their stunning graphics and imaginative worlds. Rayman Mini brings that formula to Apple Arcade, and it’s sharper than ever.
- Best iOS racing games
5 Chameleon Run
Developer: Hyperbolic Magnetism
Publisher: Noodlecake Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Chameleon Run
In simpler terms, playing Chameleon Run feels like you’re touching the game itself because it blends smooth 2D auto-running mechanics with thicker, more tangible 3D graphics.
6 Crossy Road
Developer: Hipster Whale
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Crossy Road
In Crossy Road, you navigate through streets bustling with moving vehicles, ensuring your character doesn’t get hit by cars or plunge into the water. You’ll need to dodge obstacles along the way. Initially, you control a chicken, but there are other characters to choose from as well. The game presents various modes that could keep you entertained for numerous hours.
Additionally, for those curious about uncovering all the enigmatic characters in Crossy Road, our article is a must-read!
7 Punch Quest
Developer: RocketCat Games
Publisher: RocketCat Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Punch Quest
In various genres, the auto-running mechanic finds its place. For instance, in Punch Quest, this translates to an endless scrolling brawler, blending action and rhythm in a delightful fashion.
8 Boson X
Publisher: Mu and Heyo
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Find out more about Boson X
A brilliant, twitchy arcade masterpiece that takes the 3D endless runner to new heights.
9 Knight Runner
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Knight Runner
In the “Knight Runner” game, you’ll take on the role of a knight piece in a board resembling a chess setup. Your task is to navigate the board strategically, planning each move carefully to progress through the game!
10 Pigeon Wings Strike
Publisher: Ignacio Schiefelbein
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Pigeon Wings Strike
An exceptionally swift, non-stop flight game incorporates pieces of racing and shoot ’em up excitement. This blend creates a remarkably original auto-runner, one of the most innovative in recent times.
11 Subway Surfers
Developer: SYBO Games
Publisher: SYBO Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Subway Surfers
Among the listed games, Subway Surfers is arguably the most well-known endless runner. In this game, you assume the character of a daring skater who leaps, slides, and dashes above and around numerous barriers to gather as many coins as feasible.
12 Pac-Man 256
Developer: Hipster Whale
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Pac-Man 256
As a gamer, I’d say: I’ve stumbled upon an amazing twist on an old classic – it’s like Pac-Man, but in an endless runner style! It’s a breath of fresh air, blending the timeless maze-running fun with the modern rush of never-ending challenges.
13 Jetpack Joyride
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Publisher: Beatshapers
Available on: iOS + Sony PSP + Android + PlayStation Vita + Facebook
Find out more about Jetpack Joyride (previously Machine Gun Jetpack)
jetpack Joyride, a timeless classic among the endless runners dating back to the early years of the App Store, continues to captivate players with its engaging and unexpectedly diverse gameplay mechanics that offer a delightful touch experience.
14 Super Glitch Dash
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Super Glitch Dash
A fast-paced, difficult first-person running game set in a sleek, futuristic science fiction environment. If you yearn to experience the sensation of sprinting through a grimy, futuristic wasteland, this is the perfect game for you.
15 Ava Airborne
Publisher: Laser Dog
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Ava Airborne
An unfettered, content-rich aircraft named Ava Skyflyer, which is hard not to find captivating. It’s challenging to become bored with Ava Airborne.
16 Temple Run
Developer: Imangi Studios
Publisher: Imangi Studios
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Temple Run
An exciting, swift, and smooth evolution of the autorunner genre, consistently staying current, is Temple Run. In this game, you control an Indiana Jones-esque character who dashes through numerous ancient temples filled with flames and treacherous chasms, all while gathering as much gold as possible.
17 Don’t Run With A Plasma Sword
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Don’t Run With A Plasma Sword
This game offers another thrilling auto-running experience featuring 5 challenge modes, numerous boss encounters, and a diverse set of 25 unique stages. Additionally, it allows for character customization and the discovery of multiple new abilities.
18 Summer Catchers
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Summer Catchers
If you’ve been wondering if the auto-runner genre has run out of creative ideas, say hello to Summer Catchers! This unique game combines deck-building features with exhilarating car-platformer action to keep things fresh and exciting.
19 Into the Dead 2
Publisher: PikPok
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Into the Dead 2
In The Dead 2 drags the auto-running genre forcefully into a first-person perspective, where you flee for survival amidst hordes of the undead. Yikes!
- Best iOS roguelikes
20 Despicable Me: Minion Rush
Publisher: Gameloft
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Despicable Me: Minion Rush
Are you up for joining the minions on their banana-collecting adventure? I’m certain you wouldn’t want to miss out, as it seems like one of the best options available right now. The captivating cartoonish backdrops might even make you forget about real-world hazards like cars or trees!
21 Tiny Wings
Developer: Andreas Illiger
Publisher: Andreas Illiger
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Tiny Wings
While we can’t definitively categorize Tiny Wings as an auto-runner because you need to control the character’s momentum by holding the screen, its significant impact on the gaming industry makes it feel inappropriate not to acknowledge it.
22 Pug Rapids
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Pug Rapids
A game featuring a lovable pug character, where you’re in charge, comes with a straightforward yet charming visual style, making it an ideal choice for anyone fond of canines – it’s an exceptional auto-runner!
23 Monster Dash
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Monster Dash
Monster Dash, one of the pioneers on the App Store, underwent an unforeseen major upgrade around mid-2020. Although the gameplay remains excellent, it now has a more polished and enhanced appearance.
24 FOTONICA
Developer: Santa Ragione
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Find out more about FOTONICA
This simple, minimalistic first-person game puts you in control as you dash and leap across wireframe backdrops. The experience is so engaging it gives you a sense of being there.
25 Rest in Pieces
Publisher: Itatake
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Rest in Pieces
Experience a uniquely creepy 3D platformer, brimming with horror elements. However, it’s the innovative swing-based control mechanism that sets Rest in Pieces apart. Don’t forget to explore our top picks for the most thrilling endless runner games on Android devices! Enjoy your gaming journey!
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2024-10-31 15:51