Crystal Runner is a unique sort of puzzle/arcade hybrid that drops you in the lightfooted shoes of a hero carving his way through two dozen dungeons. The twisty little passageways are filled with hazards such as roving black holes that can shoot fireballs, perilous falls, and auto-rotating platforms that threaten to leave you stranded. You can rotate blue blocks on your own, allowing you to create temporary safe havens from the enemy, but if you’re going to collect all the keys, rescue hostages, and gather all the coins before you make it to the rescue ship, you don’t have time to dawdle! Use our strategy guide below to run your way through the game’s main levels without a hitch!
General Tips
- Black holes will pursue you if they’re in a direct line of sight.
- Rotating a block will thwart black holes. You can also use the walls in your home fort to stay safe from them.
- When a black hole dies, a new one spawns from the skull mouths. Don’t dawdle near these openings or you’ll meet a surprise end!
- You can run faster than the black holes. If you see one, turn the other way and go go go!
- If a black hole is nearby, wait at the corner of a block and see where it goes. They don’t always follow a logical pattern.
- When rescued hostages are following you, make sure they’re on solid ground before rotating platforms. A vanishing bridge is no place to stand!
- Don’t run off the side of a platform unless a bridge appears. Death awaits those who attempt it!
Levels 1 & 2
Tutorial levels with no real puzzles to solve. Wander around the corridors and read the signs to learn the basics of the game.
Level 3
Two locked doors on the top left and right corners, with keys found right below. You’ll have to work your way down and around, rotating blocks to line up passageways that lead to the keys. The boat is at the bottom.
Level 4
Several auto-rotating platforms populate this level. Wait for them to align in the right position, then carefully cross the bridges. The boat is on the right.
Level 5
It may look complex, but this level is quite straightforward. Navigate the auto-rotating platforms to pick up coins, hearts, and a few bombs. The ship is to the south.
Level 6
A roving black hole! Move quickly to grab the coins, and if you’re daring, nab the bombs in the upper pylons to buy yourself some time. The ship is below.
Level 7
Four prisoners are locked away in the corners of this stage, and that black hole is out with a vengeance. Grab all of the coins and be careful of the gold coins in the upper and lower towers, as they’re in a dead end and it’s easy to get trapped there! The ship is to the right.
Level 8
A quick run to grab a large number of coins, use the long passageways to foil the black hole, and don’t be afraid to leave coins behind if danger is near. The rescue boat is in the lower center portion of the map.
Level 9
The first real puzzle level, this one features three locked blue doors with the keys hidden to the north. Rotate the center platform to move up, and watch out for both black holes in this area. Nab the blue keys, book it down below, and unlock the platforms to get the yellow key. That key in hand, head to the upper right corner to unlock the door and gain access to the ship.
Level 10
A lot of ground to cover and not a lot of time to do it in. Never stop to take in the scenery, and be thorough with your coin grabbing so you don’t have to backtrack. The ship is on the right.
Level 11
Several coins are locked away in blue gates on the upper left corners of this map. The keys are hidden in plain sight along the passageways, so make a few trips down the main halls, gut the labyrinth of its treasure, and head to the rescue ship in the east.
Level 12
Auto-rotating platforms and black holes in small passageways make this level a nightmare. Wait for the enemies in the left, right, and lower areas to move away at one square’s distance, then dart out of your fort and grab each coin in turn. Carefully cross the upper right passageway to reach the ship.
Level 13
Coins line the outer passageway, but in order to rescue the prisoners, you’ll need to venture inside to grab the keys. Stay moving, as this level is pretty expansive! The ship is on the bottom.
Level 14
Head left and collect the coins on that side of the map first, then circle back and clear out the areas near the ship. Easy!
Level 15
A simple level that’s all about avoidance. Several black holes will plague your existence, but stay on the move and you’ll reach the ship on the right with ease.
Level 16
There’s no time, just run! Seriously, just run before the timer reaches zero!
Level 17
Another short level with a frighteningly depleted timer. Rush to the blue platforms and rotate them immediately, then keep running through the maze to the ship at the end.
Level 18
Be methodical with your gold grabbing and you’ll ace this grid-like level with ease. The boat is on the right. Go!
Level 19
A harrowing level with fire blasts coming at you from every direction. Step aside to avoid the projectiles, and keep moving to reach the ship in time.
Level 20
Here’s a real test of your running abilities. Step on the blue platforms and rotate them. The black hole will be unleashed, forcing you to run. Grab the lone coins quickly, then step back on the main path right in front of the enemy. You’ll have just enough time to stay a step ahead of death. The boat is on the right.
Level 21
A field of blue platforms is the ideal place to avoid black holes inches away from you. Rotate the platforms to keep the foes at bay, and collect every coin on your way to the ship on the left.
Level 22
You’ve got plenty of time to explore this level, so be sure to grab the extra lives on the lower right side of the screen. The boat is bottom center.
Level 23
A lot of ground to cover with two prisoners to rescue. Work your way around the perimeter, gathering keys and coins as you go. When you’re through, head to the ship on the lower dock.
Level 24
Your biggest challenge to overcome, carve your way around this complex map to gather all the coins. No keys or bombs to find, just auto-rotating platforms standing in your way. The ship is in the lower right corner.
