Lode Runner DS box art

Nintendo DS · Platformer / Puzzle

Lode Runner

SystemNintendo DS
GenrePlatformer, Puzzle
DeveloperDouglas E. Smith
PublisherSega
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 6

Developed by Douglas E. Smith and published by Sega, Lode Runner arrived on the Nintendo DS as a platformer. This DS release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1983. It blends platformer and puzzle elements.

Among the 55 DS platformers in our database, it ranks #20 by legacy score.

Lode Runner is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

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)

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Lode Runner 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.

Lode Runner gameplay screenshot on DS
In-game screenshot (DS)

Lode Runner cheats & codes

1 codes on file (Action Replay DS). Here are a few Action Replay DS codes to start with:

Lock Timer52002730 E5802064 02002730 E1A00000 D2000000 00000000

See all Lode Runner cheats

Lode Runner walkthroughs & guides

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

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Playing DS games today

Many DS games rely on the touchscreen and stylus, so they play best on original hardware, a 3DS, or an emulator with mouse or touch input such as Rec0m88. The library is enormous, which makes a recommendation engine especially handy.

Lode Runner FAQ

Who made Lode Runner?

It was developed by Douglas E. Smith and published by Sega.

Is Lode Runner multiplayer?

No. Lode Runner is a single-player game.

How long does Lode Runner take to play?

As a platformer, Lode Runner 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 Lode Runner 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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