Desert Runner
Run across the desert, jump the cacti and duck under drones.
How to play Desert Runner
Desert Runner is an endless running game. Your little nomad runs across the dunes on their own. You only decide when to jump and when to duck. The longer you last, the faster the world rushes by.
Goal
Run as far as you can without touching an obstacle. Your score grows with the distance you cover. A flash of numbers marks every 100 points, and your best score is saved in this browser.
Controls
- Press Space, the Up arrow or W to jump. On a phone, tap the game or press the Jump button. The first jump starts the run.
- Hold the jump key a little longer to jump higher. A quick tap gives a short hop.
- Hold the Down arrow or S to duck. On a phone, hold the Duck button or swipe down on the game. Pressing duck in the air pulls you back to the ground fast.
- Press P or Esc, or use the Pause button, to take a break. The game also pauses when you switch tabs.
Obstacles
- Cacti stand alone or in groups of two or three. Jump over them.
- Low drones skim the sand. Jump over them too.
- Middle drones fly at head height. Duck under them, or jump if you are early.
- High drones float above you. Just keep running, and do not jump into them.
Drones only show up once you pass 180 points. Obstacles are always far enough apart to clear with a single jump.
Double jump
Set Double jump to On to jump once more in mid-air. It makes the game more forgiving. Each setting keeps its own best score.
End of the run
The run ends as soon as you touch a cactus or a drone. As you run, the sky turns from day to sunset to a starry night and back again. Want another quick game? Try Sky Hop or Snake.
Strategy tips
- Jump a little early as you speed up. At high speed you cover more ground in the air, so take off sooner than feels natural.
- Use short hops for single cacti. A small hop lands you sooner, which leaves more time for the next obstacle.
- Hold the jump for groups. Wide groups of three need your full jump height and length.
- Duck to land faster. If you jumped too early, press duck in the air to drop straight down.
- Watch the drone's height. Look at its shadow and height before you react. A high drone is safe if you stay on the ground.
Desert Runner FAQ
Is Desert Runner like the Chrome dinosaur game?
It uses the same simple idea of running, jumping and ducking. Desert Runner is its own game with an original runner, drones, a day and night cycle and an optional double jump.
How do I play on a phone?
Tap the game or hold the Jump button to jump. Hold the Duck button or swipe down on the game to duck. The round button in the middle pauses the game.
Does the game get faster?
Yes. The speed rises steadily for the first minute or so, then stays at its top speed. Obstacles are always spaced so one jump can clear them.
Is my best score saved?
Yes. Your best score is saved in this browser, separately for runs with and without double jump.
