Getting Started

Getting Started with Temple Run 2

Welcome to Temple Run 2! This guide will help you survive your first hour, avoid common pitfalls, and set you on the path to becoming a seasoned runner.

First Hour Walkthrough

1. Launch the game – You’ll see a title screen with a character ready to run. Tap or press Start.
2. First run tutorial – The game automatically teaches you the basics: swipe left/right to turn, swipe up to jump, swipe down to slide. Pay close attention to the on-screen prompts.
3. Your first run – You’ll start as the default male explorer (no character creation available at the start). Just run! Collect coins, avoid obstacles, and see how far you can get.
4. Game over – You’ll eventually hit an obstacle or fall. Don’t worry – this is normal. After your first death, you’ll see the results screen showing distance, coins collected, and experience points.
5. Complete missions – Right away, you’ll be given a set of beginner missions (e.g., “Collect 50 coins”, “Run 500 meters”). Focus on these to earn coins and gems.
6. Buy your first power-up – Use coins to purchase the Coin Magnet from the Shop. It automatically attracts nearby coins for a few seconds, making early runs much more profitable.
7. Practice, practice, practice – Spend your first hour familiarizing yourself with obstacle types: broken bridges (jump or slide), tree roots (jump over), fire (slide under), and collapsing paths (turn left/right quickly).

Character Creation (or Lack Thereof)

Temple Run 2 does not have a traditional character creator. You start with the default male explorer. All other characters are unlocked by:

• Collecting a certain number of coins or gems


• Completing special challenges


• Progressing through the game (e.g., reaching certain distances)

Characters like Scarlett Fox (female explorer) can be unlocked with gems, while others like Knight require completing specific missions. Unlocking characters is purely cosmetic – they don’t affect gameplay mechanics, but some have unique animations or outfits.

Controls on All Platforms

#### Mobile (iOS/Android)
Important: On some devices, tilt controls are also available in settings (tilt left/right to turn). Swipe controls are more precise for beginners.

#### Windows 10/11 (Microsoft Store)
Note: The Windows version essentially mirrors mobile controls with keyboard arrows. You can also click on-screen buttons for turn/jump/slide.

UI Overview

When in a run, the main UI displays:

• Top left: Distance counter (meters)


• Top center: Total coins collected this run


• Top right: Pause button (pause menu gives option to quit or resume)


• Bottom left: Boost meter (fills as you collect coins, activates when full)


• Bottom center: Power-up slots (if you bought any) – tap to activate


• During run: Obstacle warning icons appear briefly – learn to react fast


On post-run screen, you see:

• Distance, coins, gems earned


• Mission progress


• XP bar (leveling up gives rewards)


• Option to watch an ad to revive (once per run)




Essential Early Objectives



1. Reach 1000 meters – This unlocks additional missions and a sense of achievement.
2. Complete the first 5 missions – They reward coins and gems, which are critical for early growth.
3. Buy the Coin Magnet power-up – Costs 500 coins (one of the best investments).
4. Save 10 gems – Do NOT spend gems on revives or cosmetic items early. Use them to buy the Extra Life upgrade (permanent ability to survive one fatal hit per run).
5. Unlock your first new character – Aim for Scarlett Fox (costs 10 gems) or a character from mission rewards to add variety.



What to Do First vs. What to Avoid



#### ✅ Do First

• Focus on collecting coins to buy power-ups (Coin Magnet, Boost, Shield).


• Complete missions – they are a steady source of coins/gems.


• Learn obstacle patterns by repeating runs.


• Watch an ad revive once per run if you die close to a new distance record.


#### ❌ Avoid

• Spending gems on revives early – gems are precious. Only revive if you’re about to complete a hard mission.


• Buying cosmetic characters before getting power-ups – they don’t help you run farther.


• Panicking: Plan your swipes carefully. Swiping too early or late causes death.

Early Resource Priorities

Tip: Save your first 10 gems for the Extra Life permanent upgrade. It is by far the most valuable investment for beginners.

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Swiping too early/late – Obstacles come fast. Wait until the last moment to swipe, but not so late that you miss.
2. Ignoring turn markers – The path splits often; if you don’t turn, you’ll hit a wall. Always look ahead for wide paths.
3. Sticking to the middle – Coins and power-ups often appear on the outer lanes. Don’t be afraid to move.
4. Wasting gems on revives – 1 gem per revival adds up. Only revive if you absolutely need to (e.g., close to a mission goal).
5. Not using power-ups – If you bought Coin Magnet or Boost, activate them when you see many coins or a long straightaway.
6. Focusing only on distance – Coins and missions are more important early on; distance comes naturally with practice.

Day-One Checklist

• [ ] Play your first 5 runs to learn controls.


• [ ] Complete the first three missions (usually very easy).


• [ ] Buy the Coin Magnet power-up from the shop (500 coins).


• [ ] Save at least 10 gems without spending any.


• [ ] Practice sliding under fire and jumping over tree roots.


• [ ] Watch one ad revival to double your coins (if available).


• [ ] Unlock one new character (e.g., Scarlett Fox with gems) if you have enough.


• [ ] Set a personal goal: reach 1500 meters by day’s end.

With this guide, you’ll avoid early frustration and build a solid foundation for high scores. Happy running!