Endless Runner Games: Tips to Run Further and Score Higher
Published · 4 min read
An endless runner looks simple. Your character keeps moving forward on their own, and all you do is switch lanes, jump and slide. But the speed keeps rising, the obstacles get closer together, and one wrong move ends the run. That is exactly why they are so hard to put down.
This guide explains how endless runner games work and gives practical tips to run further, with two free runners you can play online.
How endless runner games work
- Forward is automatic. You never press "go". You only steer.
- Lanes, jumps and slides. Most runners have three lanes. You swipe or press keys to change lane, jump over low obstacles and slide under high ones.
- Speed builds up. The longer you survive, the faster it gets.
- Score from distance and pickups. Distance adds to your score, and coins or bonuses add more.
- Power-ups. Short boosts such as magnets or shields make a run easier for a few seconds.
Tips to run further
- Look ahead, not at your feet. Watch the track a few metres in front of you. By the time an obstacle is next to you, it is too late to react.
- Stay in the middle lane. From the middle you can dodge left or right with one move. From an edge lane you only have one escape.
- Commit to each move. Changing your mind half-way is the most common way to crash. Decide, then swipe once.
- Learn the obstacle patterns. Runners reuse the same obstacles. After a few runs you will know which ones need a jump and which need a slide.
- Save your shield for the fast part. Protection is worth more late in a run, when the speed makes mistakes more likely.
- Do the missions. Missions often raise your score multiplier for good, so every future run scores more.
- Take a breath between runs. Tired fingers make mistakes. A short break often gives you a better next run.
Free endless runners to play online
Rail Rush: run the train tracks
In Rail Rush you run along busy train tracks in three lanes, dodging trains and grabbing coins. On a keyboard, the arrow keys or A and D change lane, Up or Space jumps, Down slides and B rides the hoverboard. On a phone, swipe in any direction. A side hit makes you stumble, and a second hit within four seconds ends the run.
Power-ups help: Coin Magnet, Jetpack, 2x Score and the Hoverboard, which saves you from one crash. Every three missions add +1 to your multiplier for good. Read how to play Rail Rush for every control.
Mumbai Auto Rush: an endless drive
Mumbai Auto Rush turns the runner idea into a drive. You steer a three-wheeled auto rickshaw through heavy traffic, change lanes and hop over barricades. A tea boost doubles your score for a while, a Magnet pulls in coins and a Shield absorbs one hit. Driving close past traffic earns a Close call bonus, so brave players score more. Read how to play Mumbai Auto Rush for the controls.
Frequently asked questions
What is an endless runner game?
It is a game where your character keeps moving forward on their own and you dodge obstacles for as long as you can. The run only ends when you crash.
Can I play endless runners without downloading?
Yes. Both games above run in your web browser on a phone or a computer, with nothing to install.
How do I get a higher score in an endless runner?
Survive longer, collect coins and bonuses, use power-ups at the fast part of the run, and complete missions to raise your multiplier.