If you use a smartphone, you are almost certainly aware of the game called Subway Surfer. The endless running game is available on every operating system, be it mobile or desktop. The game involved playing the role of a teenager, running on the subway to escape an inspector and his loyal yet fierce dog.
There are some reasons such games appeal to the users. You do not have to commit to finishing certain levels or completing certain missions. There is no definite time requirement, as you can play for a minute, or you can go on for hours in this endless running genre game. Also, you can enjoy the game even if you cannot complete a certain mission. Plus, there is a constant thrill of you getting chased by the inspector. And finally, there is little or no competition, so making the players comfortable with whatever way they play the game. However, if you have played the game for long, you are likely to get bored of it. So, here are 15 amazing games like Subway Surfers on Android that you will love:
1. Sonic Dash
The first game that comes to mind when thinking of alternatives to Subway Surfers is probably Temple Run. However, there is one main reason why we are not topping our list with Temple Run. It is the “level of seriousness”. Sonic dash, like Subway Surfers, is a playful and merry game, unlike Temple Run. Developed by Hardlight, the gameplay is pretty similar to Subway Surfers. Sonic has to be taken through levels, collecting rings and avoiding obstacles and enemies. When jumping and sliding, the camera angles often change giving you a good look at your surroundings which are beautifully rendered in 3D. The graphics are enjoyable, and there is a good variety in terms of soundtracks to keep the gameplay interesting.
The key difference is that Sonic is not constantly getting chased by anyone. Other than that, other characters are unlocked at high levels, like Subway Surfers. You also get to upgrade power-ups and purchase boosts via in-app purchases.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
2. Temple Run 2
There is a never-ending debate over which game is better. Temple Run or Subway Surfers. We will just avoid that and put the comparison this way. Temple run is the more serious endless running game of the two. You have to dodge obstacles while keeping yourself from falling over the edge, while you are being chased by a Guerrilla. Downloaded over a billion times, Imangi studios base their game on a plot which leads to unlocking more and more characters. You run in mine carts and zip lines, and jump over and under obstacles that relate to the environment.
Instead of swiping the characters, you can move sideways by tilting the device accordingly. The game is much more sophisticated than its rivals/clones. It can be argued that this game was the one which inspired hundreds of clones.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
3. Zombie Highway 2
Another endless runner game, where you drive down a road forever while avoiding zombies. Instead of a human character, the game requires you have to drive vehicles and zombies are the obstacles that try to overturn the vehicles in their path. The more upgraded the vehicle the harder it is to overturn for the zombies, hence the constant need to upgrade the vehicle is what coaxes the player to keep playing and earn more. You are equipped with guns ranging from sidearms to explosives and bio arms. The use of ammo has to be pre-planned to avoid running out of it.
As you proceed through the game, it becomes tougher and tougher to kill the zombies because of the increase in their number and strength, so always save your ammo for the later stages where you will need it the most.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
4. Jetpack Joyride
Although a lot different in the gameplay to Subway Surfers because of being a side scrolling game this game provides the same fun. Halfbrick studios developed this action-adventure where Barry Steakfries, the character, steals an advanced jetpack from a secret military laboratory. Some obstacles like zappers, laser beams, and missiles await Barry on his path to end his run. The controls are easy, graphics are of high quality, and the gameplay is incredibly addictive. Do try it out if you want to have some fun.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
5. Into The Dead
Although not quite similar to Subway Surfers, this game is still a lot of fun. Things are a little different here. You have to run for your life through a never ending horde of zombies, who will stop at nothing. This free to play game comes with various in-app purchases. The spooky graphics provide a delightful experience. Weaponry can be picked from the sides, as you run to help you with the task of survival.
Developed by Pikpok, the game is considered a must have for mobile phones. Although a simple game to play, it is full of immersive gameplay. One annoyance, however, remains that the players can only aim the weapons at zombies in front of them while giving the ones at the sides an open invitation to kill you.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
6. Despicable Me: Minion Rush
To earn the title “Minion of the year”, a player has to control one of the three Minions, Dave, Carl, or Jerry. You have to play in hilarious fast faced challenges while collecting bananas as a reward. Minions should avoid obstacles and attacks from bosses unless they have certain power-ups, in which case the obstacles can be avoided.
To make things more interesting, the game has different modes like global events, special missions, and limited-time races. The game was developed by Gameloft after the hilarious animated movie Despicable Me. If you are a fan of Minions and running games, this game is perfect for you.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
7. Rail Rush
This game, probably inspired from the mine cart of Temple Run, is an exhilarating adventure, where the player steps into the boots of Bob Molenchaser and travels through mines. You have to remain alive while facing challenges like volcanic hot waters or other deadly obstacles inside the mines. Jump around the broken trails and take hold of gold and gems while tilting, weaving, and avoiding obstacles.
As soon as you get rid of one challenge, another challenge awaits your hero. The challenges are more frequent than any other running game, which gives this game a more challenging feel. Focus and quickness of the mind is all that is required to enjoy this game. Characters can be changed, and extra equipment can be purchased to make the game even more interesting.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
8. Agent Dash
The idea of being a secret agent is intriguing. The same is incorporated into this game, where you suit up as a secret agent to run endlessly through enemy territory, destroying everything that comes along while avoiding the traps. It is the same as Temple Run and Subway Surfers in most of its features except that the character has got ammo that he can use to shoot at different targets. You can use the gems to buy upgrades and characters throughout the levels. This game is simple to play, addictive and is a great contender to Subway Surfers in terms of entertainment.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
9. Giant Boulder Of Death
As the name suggests, it is an endless runner game, the character being a rock. The giant rock rolls down the tracks destroying the targets and avoiding the obstacles by moving sideways and jumping. Instead of collecting coins, you get to destroy trees, crush villages, cars, yetis, golden cows. Basically, crush everything in your way. Pikpok has done a great job in satisfying your killer instinct, as you roll down the mountain track obliterating everything in your path.
You can even upgrade to a spiky rock and confront the obstacles with sheer strength. You do get gold and gems along the way. Compare your scores with that of your friends by connecting the game with your Facebook account and other social media sites. Complete as many goals as possible before getting shattered by obstacles.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
10. One Epic Knight
Another endless runner, this time with a character dressed as a knight. Why a Knight, you ask? That’s because you have to face some deadly enemies down the track. You either have to kill them with the sword you find on the way, or you can dodge them by moving to the sides. A shield may help you endure one or two obstacles but in the process of shielding you, it does get shattered, and you are left vulnerable again.
There are coins and coin chests on the way as a reward for your heroics and you can use these coins to upgrade your strength. The tracks are fancy, the falls are deep, and the obstacles are challenging. This game is fun and worth trying out if you love medieval style heroes.
Availability: Google Play (Free)
11. Monster Dash
Halfbrick Studios once again amuses with a blasting endless runner game dubbed Monster Dash. The side scrolling game allows you to run along the traditional Arabian rooftops. Jump to avoid falls & spiky obstacles and kill the enemies on the way before they hit you three times. Pick the heart shape lives and shoot the boxes full of upgrades to get more surprises. Chase down hordes of monsters spanning 6 locations; portal-hopping and guns blazing.
One thing that is particularly different is the soothing Sufi music in the background. This makes the game more attractive to me. Halfbrick provides constant updates to keep the game interesting. Although not among the top games in the Play store anymore, this game is surely going to provide a lot of fun if you give it a try.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
12. Ski Safari 2
Let’s make things a little interesting by moving from running to skiing. In Sky Safari 2, you ride the hover boards in the snow while avoiding a bunch of obstacles. You can perform front flips and back flips to earn more and more points. You also get to ride almost all kinds of animals found in snowy areas. Penguins, Sea Lions, and even a bird that takes you so high in the sky that you can perform a dozen of stylish flips on the way down. Break into houses and steal items to aid you in your journey. The gameplay as well as the music will remind you to Subway Surfers.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
13. Canabalt
Sick of all the coins, power-ups, and missions, Canabalt is game for you. Just jump and run, as simple as that. Even though there are almost no visual spectacles, Canabalt packs in still as much charm as other endless running games. This is a fast paced and side scrolling game, where certain obstacles have to be avoided. If you run into an obstacle, it will slow you down, and you won’t be able to make certain jumps. One of the really interesting things about this game is the background view.
Also, Semi secret software went that extra mile to put those minor details in the game. You can see robots destroying everything, flying ships, smoke coming out of burning buildings etc. giving the game a gritty feel to it. The imagination of an apocalyptic scenario combined with chilling music while running gives you the necessary thrill, thus making the game highly addictive.
Availability: Google Play (Paid $2.99)
14. Hunger Crunch
Developed by Rice Bowls, a non-profit organization, Hunger Crunch takes you on a quest to solve hunger problems one level at a time. The game lets you control Beasty by simply tapping on the screen. In the game, you have to avoid the tricky traps and hunger minions while keeping your eyes open for enemies and candies along the way. The game becomes more and more challenging as you go further on your run. Although you might have to play the same level a few times which can become boring over time, once you advance to a new level, the game becomes interesting again.
You can use the candy coins in the game to buy permanent upgrades and one-off power-ups to make your run easier. Do keep in mind that although it is a fun game to play, there is also a real message in this game which is beautiful.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
15. Looney Tunes Dash
Who doesn’t love Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters? Well, as you might have guessed, the Looney Tunes Dash is an endless runner game that lets you run as Bugs Bunny, while Elmer Fudd chases you. There is an endless stream of objectives and goals to complete in this game. Slide, jump and smash your way through levels and make sure to improve your power-ups and boost your favorite character by spending the coins and star ratings. A Looney Tunes bin adds to the game as a long term objective. You have to fill up unique cards that you find on the way and unlock the entire Looney Tunes character collection.
Availability: Google Play (Free with in-app purchases)
SEE ALSO: 5 Games Like Super Mario Run on Android You Should Play
Try these Subway Surfers like Games on Android
Subway Surfers is a lot of fun but if you are just bored of it, you can definitely try out these endless running games. Try them out and if you think we missed one of your favorite running games then feel free to let us know in the comments below and we’ll take a look.
