- Developer
- Nintendo Co., Ltd.
- Installs
- 100M+
- Downloads
- 2
- Views
- 16
- Updated
- Oct 14, 2026
Screenshots




About Super Mario Run
Super Mario Run: Game Modes, Features, and What You Unlock After Purchase
Picture a commute, a waiting room, or a quick break on the couch. You want a real Mario adventure, but you only have one free hand. Super Mario Run was designed for exactly that moment. This guide explains how the game plays, what each mode offers, and what changes once you unlock the full version, so you can decide if it's worth your time.
What Is Super Mario Run?
Super Mario Run is a mobile platformer where Mario runs forward on his own and you control the action with simple taps. Instead of steering left and right, your job is timing: when to jump, spin, or bounce off a wall. It's a fresh take on the classic series that works comfortably with just one hand.
Is It Free to Play?
The game is free to download, and you can sample all four modes before spending anything. Once you buy the full game, every mode opens up with no further payments required. That one-time unlock approach makes it easier to understand what you're paying for upfront.
How Does the Gameplay Work?
Mario never stops moving, so every tap counts. A quick press makes him jump, holding the screen lets him go higher, and well-timed taps in midair trigger stylish spins. You can also jump off walls to reach tricky spots, which adds a nice layer of skill without complicated controls.
Why One-Handed Play Matters
Many mobile games demand two thumbs, which isn't always practical. With Super Mario Run, you can play while holding a handrail or a cup of coffee. The simple controls make it welcoming for newcomers, while the scoring and coin challenges still give experienced players something to chase.
The Four Game Modes Explained
The game is built around four modes, each offering a different style of play. Here's what each one brings to the table.
World Tour
World Tour is the main story mode, where Mario races through 24 courses to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. You'll travel through plains, caverns, ghost houses, airships, and castles. Collecting three kinds of colored coins and chasing high scores adds replay value, and the first four courses (1-1 to 1-4) are free to try. After Peach is rescued, a bonus nine-course world called World Star becomes available.
Remix 10
Remix 10 turns the game into short, bite-sized runs. You play ten brief courses back to back, and the courses change each time, so no two sessions feel identical. Daisy is hidden somewhere inside, and clearing as many courses as possible helps you find her.
Toad Rally
Toad Rally is the competitive mode, where you face other players' stylish runs and try to earn the highest score. Pulling off flashy moves fills a gauge that triggers Coin Rush Mode, which boosts your coin haul. Win a rally, and the cheering Toads move into your kingdom, helping it grow.
Kingdom Builder
Kingdom Builder lets you design your own world using coins and Toads. There are over 100 buildings and decorations to place, and the more Toads you attract in Toad Rally, the more items you unlock. It's a relaxing break from the action and ties neatly into the rest of the game.
What You Unlock After Purchasing All Worlds
Buying the full game expands almost every part of the experience. Here's a quick overview of what changes:
- All World Tour courses become playable, giving you the full challenge
- Rally Tickets are easier to earn, through Bonus Game Houses, ? Blocks, and colored coins
- More playable characters join in, including Luigi, Yoshi, and Toadette
- Toad Rally expands to seven course types, with Purple and Yellow Toads possibly cheering you on
- More buildings and decorations appear, including Rainbow Bridges
- Remix 10 can be played continuously, with no waiting between games
Unlocking New Characters
To recruit extra characters, rescue Princess Peach by finishing course 6-4, then build homes for Luigi, Yoshi, and Toadette in Kingdom Builder. Each character plays a little differently from Mario. Experimenting with their special abilities can make certain courses feel brand new.
How to Get Started
1. Download Super Mario Run for free from your device's app store.
2. Try World Tour's free courses to learn the controls.
3. Test Remix 10, Toad Rally, and Kingdom Builder to see which mode you enjoy.
4. Decide whether to buy the full game and unlock everything.
5. Collect coins and Toads to grow your kingdom over time.
> Tip: Practice your jump timing in the early courses. Mastering midair spins and wall jumps makes high scores much easier later.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy one-handed controls
- Free trial of all four modes
- One-time purchase unlocks everything
- Plenty of replay value through coins, scores, and rallies
Cons
- Internet connection is required to play, and data charges may apply
- The game may contain advertisements
- Automatic running means less control than traditional Mario games
FAQs
Can you play Super Mario Run with one hand?
Yes. Mario runs automatically, and you control the game by tapping the screen, so one hand is enough.
What are the four modes in Super Mario Run?
They are World Tour, Toad Rally, Remix 10, and Kingdom Builder. You can try all four before buying the full game.
Do I need an internet connection to play?
Yes. The game requires internet connectivity, so data charges may apply if you're not on Wi-Fi.
What do I get when I purchase the full game?
You unlock every World Tour course, more characters, extra Toad Rally courses, additional Kingdom Builder items, easier Rally Tickets, and continuous Remix 10 play.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario Run proves that a classic platformer can work perfectly on a phone. Its simple tap controls, four distinct modes, and generous free trial make it easy to jump in. Try the free content first, see which mode clicks with you, and if you want the complete experience, the full unlock opens up the rest of the adventure.

