Joust Lynx box art

Atari Lynx · Platformer

Joust

Co-op

SystemAtari Lynx
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperWilliams
PublisherShadowsoft
Players1–2 players (co-op)
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 5

Developed by Williams and published by Shadowsoft, Joust arrived on the Atari Lynx as a platformer. This Lynx release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1982.

Among the 7 Lynx platformers in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.

Joust supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you want a game to beat together with a friend

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Joust is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Joust gameplay screenshot on Lynx
In-game screenshot (Lynx)

Joust walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Joust.

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Playing Lynx games today

The Lynx library is small, so it is easy to find its best games, and it remains a cult favorite among handheld collectors.

Joust FAQ

Who made Joust?

It was developed by Williams and published by Shadowsoft.

Is Joust multiplayer?

Yes. Joust supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.

How long does Joust take to play?

As a platformer, Joust typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Joust on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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