Summary
Endless runners are a staple ofthe increasingly popular game platform. They’ve been around for decades as a concept, but in recent years the mobile gaming industry has seen a huge uptick in the number ofendless running games.
Various reasons can be pointed to for this; from their universal appeal to their comfy fit with smartphones and tablets to big-name IPs being represented and lifting the genre of late. Whatever it is, these are the most popular mobile games; they’ve remained so heavily downloaded on the Google Play and Apple stores for a reason.
Updated July 11, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:Endless runners have fast become one of the dominant gaming genres on mobile devices, and haven’t given up ground. It makes sense, given their accessible, pick-up-and-play nature which fits mobile gaming like a glove.
It also serves as a nice complement to an increasingly fast-paced society rife with bite-sized videos and quickly digestible social media. With this increasing prominence of mobile devices comes a slew of more thrilling offerings on this front. Given the vast, diverse library of titles to pick from — many of which are free or budget-priced — it seemed time to revisit this list.
27Fotonica
Google Play Score (Out Of 5): 4.7
One is reminded of the virtually ancient personal computers when looking at these minimal vector-inspired visuals. Yet, this is offset by some exhilaratingly fast pseudo-3D gameplay — rounded out by a charming “homage to classic gaming” art style.
The vibe is that of a strange dream fused with a classic action film. The unknown sprinter will hustle and leap at impressive distances through endless narrow pathways floating among a void of blackness. Despite its straightforward mechanics, it’s hard not to appreciate the pure, undiluted gameplay thatFotonicabombards the player with, as well as its rapid pacing that scarcely allows for a break.
26Super Glitch Dash
Google Play Score: 4.0
As proven by many mobile games, a minimalist visual approach can be more effective. Yet, Rogue Games reminds players that a super sleek, refined aesthetic can also make for a gripping experience. Gamers are treated to some alluring and impressive graphics, making the sci-fi setting all the more atmospheric and giving a realistic feel — despite the wild glitchy motif.
While the game is, of course, on rails, the unpredictable nature and fast pacing makeSuper Glitch Dasha tough, intense ride. During this perilous run through each corridor, players will be forced to jump, slide, and dodge countless pathways of odd glitchy obstacles, deadly lasers, and industrial machinery to survive until the end.
Google Play Score: 4.6
Unlike most action games emphasizing forward sprinting, this PikPok zombie romp “fleshes” things out more byfusing the runner with a gritty FPS. The zombie slayer in question is still confined to fairly limited on-rail movement, and automatically runs forward.
Yet, there is plenty of fun and intense shooter gameplay, complete with a slew of satisfying weapons, solid dodge mechanics, and even companions that aid the hero in the skirmish. The frantic action is balanced by plenty of depth, via rewarding customizations and power-ups to provide more effective zombie killing. While it’s noLeft 4 Dead,Into the Dead 2thrives as a thrilling runner-shooter that’s both accessible and nuanced.
24Boson X
Google Play Score: 4.3
One would expect a simple run given this game’s limited movement and simple graphics. However, this rotational runner is anythingbut. InBoson X, players will need to react quite quickly as they shift about and hop across sporadic platforms scattered around in a cylindrical formation.
Everything moves fast, and there’s little time to plan one’s path to safety, as constant hurdles are being flung at the polygonal protagonist. However, it’s this difficulty that makes the game so alluring.Boson Xwill almost certainly beckon frustrated players to return for another run, in an effort to make it just a bit farther through the gap-laden corridor.
23Pitfall
Google Play Score: 3.1
Pitfallwas originally a game made for the Atari 2600 back in 1982. It made its way to mobile platforms fairly recently in two forms: a direct port of the original game, and a brand-new freerunning game that puts a spin on the well-established endless runner formula.
While the original game is technically limited to 20 minutes, it helped to establish the genre nearly 40 years ago. The “endless runner” version of the game is pretty fun, too, even if it does seem a bit too similar toTemple Run(which itself took some inspiration from the originalPitfall).
22Metroland
Google Play Score: 4.3 (out of 5)
Developed by studio Kiloo, also known for their similar hitSubway Surfer,Metrolandfeatures a high-energy teenager looking to break from the oppressive MegaCorp and their prowling guards. This 3D runner is an adrenaline-fueled ride whose pacing remains swift and exciting throughout.
Players will need to continuously dash and maneuver through the streets — as well as rooftops and underground tunnels — in this ongoing scramble. Progression and aid can come by way of nabbing loot, power-ups, and earning new characters. The game’s colorful, (relatively) tame nature makes ita good pick for kids, though the high speeds and rewarding nature of this runner should satisfy adults too.
21Smash Hit
Google Play Score: 4.5
While this abstract runner looks straightforward on its surface, and happens to be crafted by a studio called “Mediocre”,Smash Hitis anythingbut.The developer illustrates simply that complex visuals, mechanics, or level design aren’t always needed to have a fun, thrilling time.
While the experience is peaceful and low-key, the game also demands precision and strategy in a subtle but effective manner. Players must time their shots as they fire off metallic balls and try to shatter the varying glass objects in their path. In a sense, it’s as much areimagined light gun shooteras it is a 3D runner.
Despite its constant scrolling and minimalist approach, the game remains gripping with a hypnotic presentation and cool destruction physics.
20Jet Run: City Defender
Google Play Score: 4.1
Jet Run: City Defenderis a flashy runner in its primary form, though also has the essence of afrantic arcade-style Shmup that just about anyone can enjoy. Players will take to the skies as they soar and blast their way through bustling city streets.
As a fighter pilot trying to save the earth from a barrage of blocky alien invaders, gamers will have no shortage of targets to blast as they zip between buildings at high speeds. While perhaps lacking the figurative and literal depth of, say,Star Fox, this mobile runner captures much of its frantic feel and sci-fi motif.
19Alone
With an asking price less than your typical fast-food hamburger,Aloneoffers a can’t-miss experience with its thrilling space-flight and minimal-yet-deep atmosphere. The game rides the line of a relaxing journey andarcade-style action, featuring a steady stream of twitch gameplay and sharp analog control.
Players will be hard-pressed to put this one down as they look to shoot for the stars and topple their previous high score.
18Bendy In Nightmare Run
Google Play Score: 4.4
This stylized retro cartoon runner boasts one of the best collective review scores on the Google Play store, and for good reason. Tagged with the even more distinct “boss-runner” genre,Bendy in Nightmare Runhas players take on the role of the cartoon demon Bendy, as he scrambles through a handful of 3D-scrolling stages.
The name of the game is to outrun and overcome four distinct cartoon monsters, which include a Mimic-esque treasure box with fangs and a ravenous soup can. With subtle swipe and touch inputs, players can leap, dash, and counter-attack to power through hazards and baddies. Beyond just being artistically delightful, this one is just plain exciting to “run” through.
