Handling Player Input and Movement in a Non-Lane-Based Endless Runner

Introduction

Endless runner games often come in two styles: lane-based (e.g., Temple Run, Subway Surfers) and non-lane-based (free movement across a path, e.g., Alto’s Adventure). While lane-based runners restrict players to predefined tracks, non-lane-based endless runners give more freedom, allowing continuous and fluid movement across a plane.

This flexibility adds realism and challenge but requires careful handling of player input, physics, and camera control. In this blog, we’ll explore techniques for implementing smooth player movement in a non-lane-based endless runner.

Key Differences: Lane-Based vs. Non-Lane-Based Movement

Handling Player Input

1. Touch and Drag Controls
   • Use finger drag to control horizontal movement.
   • Map screen coordinates to world space for accurate positioning.
   void Update() { if (Input.touchCount > 0) { Touch touch = Input.GetTouch(0); Vector3 touchPos = Camera.main.ScreenToWorldPoint(new Vector3(touch.position.x, touch.position.y, 10)); transform.position = new Vector3(touchPos.x, transform.position.y, transform.position.z); } }
2. Tilt (Accelerometer) Controls (Mobile)
   • Use device tilt for left-right movement.
   void Update() { float move = Input.acceleration.x * 5f; transform.Translate(move * Time.deltaTime, 0, 0); }
3. Joystick / Keyboard Controls (PC/Console)
   • Map A/D or arrow keys for horizontal movement.
   void Update() { float move = Input.GetAxis("Horizontal"); transform.Translate(move * speed * Time.deltaTime, 0, 0); }

Implementing Smooth Movement

1. Lerp for Smooth Transition
   • Use linear interpolation to avoid jerky movements.
   Vector3 targetPosition; void Update() { float move = Input.GetAxis("Horizontal"); targetPosition = new Vector3(transform.position.x + move, transform.position.y, transform.position.z); transform.position = Vector3.Lerp(transform.position, targetPosition, Time.deltaTime * smoothSpeed); }
2. Physics-Based Movement (Rigidbody)
   • Apply forces instead of teleporting for realistic motion.
   Rigidbody rb; void Start() { rb = GetComponent<Rigidbody>(); } void FixedUpdate() { float move = Input.GetAxis("Horizontal"); rb.AddForce(new Vector3(move * moveSpeed, 0, 0)); }
3. Clamp Movement Boundaries
   • Prevent players from moving off the track.
   float boundary = 5f; void Update() { Vector3 pos = transform.position; pos.x = Mathf.Clamp(pos.x, -boundary, boundary); transform.position = pos; }

Enhancing the Gameplay Experience

1. Dynamic Camera Follow
   • Use Cinemachine or smooth camera scripts to follow player horizontally.
   public Transform player; Vector3 offset; void Start() { offset = transform.position - player.position; } void LateUpdate() { transform.position = Vector3.Lerp(transform.position, player.position + offset, Time.deltaTime * 3f); }
2. Responsive Animations
   • Trigger running, jumping, and sliding animations based on movement.
   • Blend animations smoothly to match player input speed.
3. Obstacles & Power-Ups
   • Place them dynamically across the width of the track.
   • Ensure collision detection works with free movement.
4. Difficulty Scaling
   • Gradually increase forward speed.
   • Reduce reaction time by adding more obstacles.

Best Practices

• Prioritize input responsiveness – even small input lag ruins the game experience.
• Balance difficulty – free movement adds complexity, so avoid overcrowding obstacles.
• Optimize for mobile – use lightweight physics and object pooling.
• Playtest extensively – ensure controls feel natural across devices (touch, tilt, joystick).

Conclusion

Handling player input and movement in a non-lane-based endless runner requires more than just moving a character left and right—it’s about creating a fluid, responsive experience that feels intuitive and engaging. By implementing smooth input handling, physics-based motion, and dynamic camera systems, you can build an endless runner that stands out with freedom of movement and skill-based gameplay.

Whether you’re targeting mobile or PC, mastering these techniques will help you deliver a polished and addictive non-lane-based endless runner experience.