Is Shadow Runner hard?

It starts gently and climbs. The first stage is a tutorial in disguise. Later stages expect you to have learned enemy patterns, so expect to retry a few.

How do I play on a touchscreen?

An on-screen pad handles movement and buttons handle attack and jump. It is a little less precise than a keyboard, so a tablet is easier than a small phone.

Does my progress carry across devices?

No. Any saved stage lives in the browser storage of the device you played on. There is no account to sync it.

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Browser game · Action

Shadow Runner

Once you have run through the level your shadow emerges to race you, running just like you ran before.

4.3

Play now — it's free

Runs in your browser · no download

Category: Action
Score: 4.3
Device: Mobile + Desktop
Access: Free Play
Controls: Mouse + Keyboard
Type: HTML5 Game

The guide

Overview

Once you have run through the level your shadow emerges to race you, running just like you ran before. If you win the race against your shadow you will be thrown back, racing your ever faster self. Use the arrow keys to control yourself. Note that you can also slow down or accelerate during a jump.

Jump, strike, roll, repeat. Action games reduce play to a handful of moves and then throw a steady stream of problems at them. Each stage introduces an enemy type or hazard that forces you to use the moves differently. Health is tight, checkpoints are spaced just far enough apart to matter, and the stretch before a boss is where sessions tend to get loud.

How to play

1Read the control hint on the first screen and practise the attack and dodge moves against the first enemy.
2Stay off the edges of the arena. Getting cornered removes your escape options.
3Watch each new enemy for a moment before engaging; most have a tell before they attack.
4Save special attacks or power-ups for groups and bosses rather than single enemies.

Features

Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
Plays best with the phone turned sideways or on a wider screen
Mouse and keyboard controls, with touch support on most devices
Listed under Action

Why it's worth a go

A session of Shadow Runner is quick to start, sharp while it lasts, and over before it wears out its welcome. Free in a browser tab, no download, no login. It is a good way to shake off a slow afternoon and get your pulse up for a few minutes.

Who it's for

Suits players who want a challenge for their reflexes, mostly teens and adults. Older children with experience of platformers or fighters will also do fine. It is not designed for very young players.

FAQs

Is Shadow Runner hard?: It starts gently and climbs. The first stage is a tutorial in disguise. Later stages expect you to have learned enemy patterns, so expect to retry a few.
How do I play on a touchscreen?: An on-screen pad handles movement and buttons handle attack and jump. It is a little less precise than a keyboard, so a tablet is easier than a small phone.
Does my progress carry across devices?: No. Any saved stage lives in the browser storage of the device you played on. There is no account to sync it.