LEVEL UP
Master Any Infinite Runner
No finish line? No problem! Infinite runners are all about staying the course, avoiding game-ending collisions, and racking up points. To get awesomely high scores, follow these five tips.
1. Play the long game
It’s a rush racing toward an oncoming train to snag a few elusive coins in Subway Surfers. So is hopping nonstop across a wide freeway in Crossy Road, rather than pausing midway to let a car go by. But you’ll reach higher scores if you avoid needless risks. The extra points you might gain pale in comparison to what you’ll rack up by surviving longer.
2. Look here
In infinite runners with an over-the-shoulder view (Sonic Dash, Om Nom: Run, and others), try to keep your eye on hazards near and far—ideally at the same time. The trick to pulling this off? Look at the middle of the screen rather than the top. That’ll make it easier to glance up and down as needed.
3. Prepare to tilt
Runners with screen-tilting sequences—like Minion Rush and Temple Run 2—are best played by using your thumb to control your character rather than your forefinger, as it’s easier to accurately tilt when you’re holding a device with two hands. Need to tilt across a rickety rope bridge or down a slick waterslide? Your hands will be in the perfect position to quickly grip the device. (In games without tilt, use whichever finger feels best!)
4. Stay fresh
Struggling to stay focused during a long run? Give yourself a little breather by using power-ups that make you invulnerable for a few seconds, à la Talking Tom Hero Dash’s lightning bolt or Jetpack Joyride’s boost. If you’re really struggling, just pause the game and take a break. It pays off!
5. Hit the deck
In games like Blades of Brim and Jumanji: Epic Run, swiping down while you’re airborne warps you back to the ground faster than letting gravity take its course. Use this move every time you leap off a ledge—a quicker landing often allows you to nab gold and other goodies you’d otherwise blow right past. Score!