The 5 best free-to-play auto runner games for mobile

By , on September 11, 2018
Last modified 5 years, 6 months ago

Yesterday we gave you a list of the best auto-runners money could buy.

Well, if you're a bit strapped for cash there's no need to worry, there are a bunch of fantastic games in the genre you can sit down with free-to-play. Easy peasy.

These titles run on adverts and IAPs, but don't bully you into buying the goods. No they're incredibly enjoyable and, in some cases, thoroughly challenging.

Subway Surfers - download on iOS

As one of the most downloaded App Store games of all time, Subway Surfers remains one of the best auto-runners on the market. Sure, it's simple and occasionally shows its age, but it's constantly updated and a fantastic time-killer.

Sprint along train tracks avoiding the feds and avoid crashing into anything in your way. Engage your hoverboard for a smoother ride, duck or jump over blockades, dart out of the way of incoming trains, and collect as many coins as you can.

With coins you can unlock more power-ups and upgrade your board, plus there're a bunch of new characters to meet and play as along the way.

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Into the Dead 2 - download on iOS

If you want an auto-runner with a storyline and striking graphics to boot, Into the Dead 2 should fix you up nicely. There's always a time to mow down some zombies.

After overturning your truck in a zombie-infested wasteland, you'll be sprinting for your life, leaping over boundaries, picking up ammo crates, and shooting masses of the undead. Your mission? To get safely back to your sister, Helen, and your daughter.

Each level is distance-based and gradually increases in difficulty. Generally, the idea is to watch your ammo and escape unscathed (and with a full clip), but you've also got level-based goals to complete for extra rewards.

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Bendy in Nightmare Run - download on iOS

It may look cute and cuddly, but Bendy's not in the mood for being lenient in this clever boss runner.

Run away from a variety of different bosses, all while avoiding obstacles, darting past and defeating minions, and avoiding the bosses' attacks. As well as picking up delicious cans of bacon soup, it'll be handy to grab an axe on your way past, just for good measure.

Each level seems straight forward enough, but you need to be on your toes if you hope to defeat the bad guy. You won't feel too freaked out by it though, it's cute 1930s cartoon-like art style is only mildly disturbing.

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Punch Quest - download on iOS

Without much explanation you're thrown into the fray and have to do or die as you fight your way through halls of bad guys.

This arcade-style fighting runner requires a sharp eye, lightning reflexes, and sneaky feet. Use the right side of the screen to jab and the left side to upper cut (and jump) to attack aerial enemies. Sounds simple, but you probably won't know what's going on and that's the beauty of it.

Ride a dinosaur that shoots lasers out of its frickin' mouth, bounce over troll shield, take on flaming bats, earn some seriously fancy hats, and unlock tons of special abilities as you go. Honestly, if you're looking for something short and daft, I'd not miss out on this one.

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Jetpack Joyride - download on iOS

It's probably been a few years since you last heard this title, but Jetpack Joyride is still as good as ever and well worth mentioning.

If you're after an auto-runner with a fast-paced and rather insane feel to it, you'll find it here. You may be tapping to keep your character from getting fried and to avoid all sorts of obstacles, but the further you go the more you've got to work with.

You'll earn power-ups which change the way you play. From the starter point jetpack to controlling a massive mech, you've got to be on top of your game if you want to go far on this one. Perhaps you'd better have a coffee first.

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