Sisterhood

We’ve all had those moments where we just need a five-minute break from work or studying. You open a new tab, look for something simple to play, and suddenly, an hour has vanished. For me, that "five-minute" distraction usually turns into a full-blown obsession with endless runner games. There is something incredibly satisfying about the rhythm of jumping, landing, and dodging. Recently, the game that has completely captured my attention is Run 3

If you haven’t tried it yet, or if it’s been a while since you visited the tunnels of deep space, here is a little guide on how to dive into this deceptively simple game.

What is the Gameplay Actually Like?

The premise of the game is straightforward, which is exactly why it works so well. You play as a little grey alien traversing through a series of tunnels floating in the void of space. Your only goal is to not fall out.

Unlike your typical runner where you just move left or right, this game plays with gravity. The tunnel is a 3D shape—usually a square or a hexagon—and running into the walls rotates the entire world. The wall becomes the floor, the ceiling becomes a wall, and so on. It feels a bit like you are running inside a kaleidoscope.

There are two main ways to experience it:

Explore Mode: This is the "campaign." You progress level by level, unlocking a galaxy map. It’s great if you like a sense of progression and want to see how the tunnel architecture gets trickier over time.

Infinite Mode: This is pure survival. You run until you make a mistake. It’s perfect for testing your reflexes and collecting power cells.

Tips for Surviving the Tunnels

I’ll admit, my first few runs were embarrassing. I misjudged jumps constantly. However, after spending way too much time in space, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make life easier:

Watch Your Shadows: The perspective can be tricky. Sometimes it’s hard to tell exactly where your alien will land. Keep an eye on your character's shadow; it’s the best indicator of where you are relative to the platform.

Don’t Jump Unless You Have To: This sounds counter-intuitive in a platformer, but excessive jumping is the fastest way to lose control. If you can simply strafe left or right to avoid a hole, do that instead. Jumping locks you into a trajectory that is hard to fix mid-air.

Unlock New Characters: As you progress in Run 3, you unlock new aliens with different abilities. The Skater moves faster, while the Lizard can jump higher. Finding the character that matches your playstyle changes everything. I personally love the Lizard for those difficult, long-distance gaps.

Look Ahead: It’s tempting to stare at your character, but you need to look at the top of the screen. Seeing the incoming obstacles a second early gives your brain time to plan the route.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

In an era of hyper-realistic graphics and complex RPG mechanics, there is a refreshing purity to games like this. It doesn't ask for your credit card, and it doesn't require a 100-hour commitment. It just asks for focus.

Whether you are trying to beat a specific level that has stumped you for days, or just zoning out to the electronic soundtrack, the experience is strangely meditative. It’s just you, the tunnel, and the void. So, next time you need a break, take a run through the galaxy. Just don’t blame me when your five-minute break turns into an afternoon marathon.