How to Play
Dino Run is an endless runner where your pixelated dinosaur sprints automatically. Your only job is to keep it alive by jumping over ground obstacles and ducking under flying pterodactyls.
- Start: Press Space / ↑ on desktop, or tap the canvas on mobile.
- Jump: Space or ↑ — arc over cacti and low pterodactyls.
- Duck: ↓ — shrink under high-flying pterodactyls while still running.
- Touch: Swipe up to jump, swipe down to duck; or use the on-screen Jump/Duck buttons.
- Speed: The game gradually accelerates the longer you survive, making timing harder.
Tips for a High Score
- Short jumps: Tap quickly for a low arc over single cacti — you land faster and are ready for the next obstacle.
- Watch the horizon: Pterodactyls appear at two heights. A low pterodactyl requires jumping; a high one just means duck.
- Stay calm at high speed: Obstacles start spawning closer together after score 500. Relax and react early.
- Day/Night cycles: The background gradually darkens, then lightens — pure style, not a trap.
- Double cacti: These are wider. Jump early and land cleanly.
- High score is saved: Your best run is stored locally so you can always chase your record.
The Chrome Dino — A Brief History
Google's "Dinosaur Game" (internally called "Project Bolan" after Marc Bolan of T. Rex) debuted in Chrome 35 in 2014. Originally a simple Easter egg that appeared on the "No Internet" error page, it became one of the most-played browser games in the world — with an estimated 270 million plays per month at its peak.
The game was designed by Chrome UX designer Sebastien Gabriel. The pixel-art style was chosen to evoke the prehistoric era — a metaphor for being "offline" and out of the digital age. Over the years Google added pterodactyls, a day/night cycle, and a hidden maximum score of 99,999.
FAQ
Is my high score saved?
Yes — your best score is stored in your browser's localStorage under the key dino-run-highscore. It persists between sessions.
Does the game get faster?
Yes. Speed increases gradually as your score grows, making obstacle timing progressively harder.
Can I play on mobile?
Absolutely. Tap to jump, swipe down to duck, or use the on-screen Jump/Duck buttons for full touch support.
What do the day/night cycles do?
They are purely visual — the background transitions from light gray (day) to deep navy (night) and back every 15 seconds, adding atmosphere without affecting gameplay.