Gyromite Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer / Puzzle
Lode Runner
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1984 (originally 1983) |
| Genre | Platformer, Puzzle |
| Developer | Hudson Soft |
| Publisher | Brøderbund Software |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 8 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1984, Lode Runner is a platformer developed by Hudson Soft and published by Brøderbund Software. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1983. It blends platformer and puzzle elements.
It belongs to the NES's earliest wave of games. Other notable NES releases from 1984 include Duck Hunt, Mappy and Wild Gunman.
Lode Runner supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
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 have a friend to play against
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
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 cheats & codes
21 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | GZNGYIVG |
|---|---|
| Start With 1 Life | PASKLTIA |
| Start With 10 Lives | ZASKLTIE |
| Moonwalk! | APOIGPAL |
| Heavy Gravity | GAUGVGYA
AAKGEGGA |
| Become Invincible | GXOKIGEY
GXOGTGEY
GZNGLGEY |
Lode Runner walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Lode Runner.
If you like Lode Runner, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Donkey Kong Classic
Mappy Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Lode Runner FAQ
When did Lode Runner come out on the NES?
Lode Runner was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1984; the original game dates back to 1983.
Who made Lode Runner?
It was developed by Hudson Soft and published by Brøderbund Software.
Is Lode Runner multiplayer?
Yes. Lode Runner supports up to 2 players.
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.