- If you want to take part in the balloon flight mini-game, you need to swipe in the correct direction when you come to a crossroads and the balloon becomes visible on the horizon. Once you reach the balloon, swipe upwards to grab onto the rope and crawl inside.
- During the balloon flight, it's essential that you avoid hitting the emerald crystals that sprout from the rocks in the sky. Having said that, you can take a few hits before your balloon is completely destroyed, so don't be afraid to go after some risky coins here.
- You'll occasionally get the chance to switch to an entirely different environment altogether. Follow the correct directions at a crossroad, then survive the run until the new environment meter has filled up completely. It's worth keeping a gem in the back for these occasions, so if you stumble you can finish off the final few meters.
- The environments are a little bit different in this edition of Temple Run. For a start, you'll have to deal with dynamic changes to the road layout, so always keep your eyes on what's happening further ahead. You'll need to jump over any crumbling masonry or tree roots that appear.
- If an enemy swoops at you on the yellow brick road, you need to slide beneath its grasp. Don't do this too early, otherwise you'll stand up straight into it! Wait until the creature is almost touching you before ducking underneath it.
- If you see a key on the road, make sure you jump up to grab it. At the end of the run, you'll be given the chance to pick a music box at random. Depending on which one you select, you could receive a decent points or coin boost.
- Don't forget to upgrade your abilities. You can do this by heading into the game store and spending some of the coins you've collected on power-ups and enhancements.
- The Magic Magnet will attract all coins on the playing field towards you, the Fireworks are good for distracting enemies, the Coin Bonus gives you an instant injection of cash on your run, the Score Bonus improves your score in line with your multiplier, the Shield will save you from one clumsy encounter, and Finley's Boost will race you ahead safely for a period of time.
- If you want to get more coins in Temple Run: Oz, we recommend investing in the Double Coins ability early on. This will cause double-value coins to appear much earlier in each run, ultimately giving you more cash, more quickly, to upgrade other areas of the game.
- Getting bored of the early stages of the game? There are two types of headstart available in Temple Run: Oz, one that gives you a 1,000m boost from the start, and another that gives you a 2,500m boost. These cost coins though, and can only be used once.
- Getting an unbroken run of coins fills up your coin meter. Once it's filled completely, you can double-tap anywhere on the screen to activate a temporary power-up. Don't forget to make use of these power-ups as soon as they become available.
How to Gather More Coins and Gems
Riding the Balloon
Unlike other Temple Run games, Oz has different scenes for players to explore, each with slightly different gameplay to keep players on their toes. One of these alternate paths involves flying on Oz's hot air balloon. When you see the balloon on the horizon, be sure to swipe in the correct direction. When you approach, jump up and grab the rope to take off. Once in the air, you'll have to dodge the green crystals and collect as many coins as possible before the balloon takes too much damage and crashes.
Taking the hot air balloon forces you to study risk vs reward. Do you go for the coins or avoid more of the green crystals? I generally go for the coins and hope to get back into the hot air balloon later if I crash. Always try to get the hot air balloon as the process will also help you slow down and maintain a better pace toward a high score.
Watch the Road!
That's the cardinal rule of Temple Run, I know, but it's even truer in Oz because of the way the path can change and take a new shape right in front of you. You might be running along grabbing coins and speeding up as you hit a nice rhythm, and BAM a tree root pops up. Don't let the tree roots get you. Everyone who's played Temple Run knows you can swipe to the left or right once to slow yourself down, right? Use that tactic to maintain your speed and continue pushing for the high score. Debris can also crumble to alter the path.
The same is true of the swooping enemies. They'll dive at you from no where, and running at a slower pace will make it easier to slide underneath their reach. Instincts are great, but you need to get some high scores under your belt before you can rely on instincts at Oz speeds.
Treat Yourself
… to an upgrade! Take those hard earned coins and gems to the store where you can buy new abilities and power ups. The magnet ability attracts all coins to you, even coins down paths you didn't take. Coming up to a split and see coins both ways? The magnet will grab both for you, all without any input. Coins can also buy 1,000m and 2,500m boosts at the start of a run.
Feel like getting a jump on the competition? Drop the dough on a boost and take off ahead of your friends. You collect the coins all the time, why not spend them? If you keep chasing the high score, Temple Run: Oz will provide the yellow brick road to Game Center domination. The same goes for the coin-meter power ups. As soon as you see the bar fill up, use the ability by double tapping the screen. Don't sit around on the cash you earn or the power ups you gain as you play. Use them!
