Temple Run 2 is a mobile endless-runner video game developed by Imangi Studios. First released in January 2013, it is the direct sequel to the original Temple Run and continues the series' fast-paced, swipe-controlled gameplay. The game was created by Keith Shepherd and Natalia Luckyanova with art by Kiril Tchangov, and has been distributed on major mobile platforms including iOS and Android. The official Android listing is available here.
Gameplay
Players guide a character sprinting through a hazardous course while being chased by a persistent pursuing creature. Controls rely on swipes to turn, jump and slide, and on tilting the device to collect coins and avoid obstacles. The objective is to survive as long as possible, complete short-term missions, collect coins and gems, and improve high scores on leaderboards. Runs are procedurally generated, so each attempt presents a different sequence of turns, gaps and hazards.
Features
Temple Run 2 expanded the formula of its predecessor with new environments such as cliffs, waterfalls and mine tracks, plus zip lines and moving obstacles. It introduces power-ups and character-specific abilities, varied unlockable characters, daily challenges and in-game objectives that add structure beyond a single endless run. Visual polish, particle effects and smoother animation were emphasized to modernize the presentation.
Development and release
Imangi Studios, a small independent studio, built Temple Run 2 as an incremental but visually richer follow-up to the 2011 original. The developers focused on more detailed art and smoother animations while preserving simple, one-handed controls. After its initial release the title was quickly ported across mainstream mobile stores and became one of the most downloaded games on smartphones.
Reception and impact
Temple Run 2 contributed to the widespread popularity of the endless-runner genre on mobile devices and inspired many similar titles. As part of the Temple Run franchise, it helped the series surpass one billion downloads worldwide by mid-2014. The game follows a free-to-play model supported by advertising and optional in-app purchases, balancing an arcade feel with long-term progression.
Related titles and legacy
The Temple Run brand spawned several themed variants and licensed tie-ins, and Temple Run 2 remains a reference point for accessible, arcade-style mobile design. For context on the original game see Temple Run. The series illustrates how simple mechanics, short play sessions and regular updates can sustain a lasting mobile hit.