Running games make up one of the most popular genres on mobile devices. In these easily accessible games, the means to the objective, if there is any, is just running. Some of them have you running through endless, randomly generated labyrinths, from which you never have any hope of escaping. Other games have levels and collectibles embedded in them. Whichever type you would rather go with, take a look at AppScout’s top five running games for both the iPhone and Android phones. 

5. Gravity Guy

Who needs jumping when you can control gravity? Flip the laws of physics upside down with a simple tap of the screen. With Gravity troops on his heels, Gravity Guy switches between the ceiling and floor to run through suspended platforms. To succeed, you must use quick judgment, choose the right path, and react fast enough to oncoming obstacles. When Gravity Guy picks up speed, the game gets really fun, and the levels require more and more innovative ways of using gravity. There’s a story mode with level progression, but you can run endlessly, too. For something more unusual, play up-to-four multiplayer (on the same screen) and try out a running game with friends.

4. Into the Dead(Opens in a new window) 

Here’s something for zombie fans. This endless runner is in first-person-perspective, certainly something unique for this genre. By swiveling left and right, you dodge the walking dead; the further you go, the more densely the plains and cornfields get populated with the undead. Pick up weapons to take out targets in front of you and arm yourself with perks. Every time you die, you can pick up what you left at your grave. Eventually, you’ll find you’ve peppered the field with your own tombs. Gritty, impressive visuals make this one stand out.

3.  (Opens in a new window)Vector(Opens in a new window)

This 2D running game defines itself with expertly-animated parkour moves. Just as in Gravity Guy, you’re on the run from an armed officer, who can easily catch up and zap you if you make a mistake or two. Swiping lets you easily jump, slide, and sprint, but the fun comes when at specific moments you get to perform parkour moves. Watching each animation is a pleasure, and it takes a lot of skill to 3-star all levels. This is one the harder running games out there, and you may find it more satisfying than never-ending stages.

2. Temple Run 2

No running list is complete without this one, the game that amassed over 50 million downloads on both the App Store and Google Play. Running at breakthrough speeds, the character is trying to escape a gorilla-like monster. Navigate randomly generated paths, dodging obstacles by jumping, sliding, and swerving. Temple Run 2 varies up the gameplay from the original by adding rope and mining cart segments, as well as objectives to fulfill. It takes good skills to break a high score, but there’s just something that keeps you going.

1. (Opens in a new window)Rayman Jungle Run(Opens in a new window)

This runner looks quite similar to the Rayman games on the Wii, which is impressive. With simple touch controls, get Rayman to the end of every level while collecting precisely 100 shiny Lums. The game doesn’t require perfection but certainly rewards it consistently. Meticulous design reflects the well-paced complexity, with each chapter bringing in new mechanics. Although the main stages are light-hearted and enjoyable, you can unlock the Land of the Dead levels if you perfect at least 5 stages. You’re rewarded with booby-trapped, filled-with-death levels that give a daunting challenge.  In this way, Rayman Jungle Run successfully caters to both casual and hardcore gamers (and non-gamers).