How to run past 3,000 metres
3,000 metres means six bosses, a full lap of all four worlds, and the start of the second. It earns the Endless ninja badge and the Crimson headband. Here's how to get there.
What changes as you go
- Speed. The ninja speeds up steadily and reaches top speed at around 1,000 metres. After that it's the hazards, not the pace, that get harder.
- Archers. From about 180 metres they fire two shots, from about 700 metres three. From 350 metres, some turn round to shoot at his back.
- New enemies. Each world adds its own: scorpions, icicles, then shadow ninjas.
- Bosses every 500 metres. During a boss fight the normal hazards pause.
Upgrades to buy first
- More ink drops. More lines ready at once is the biggest single improvement for long runs.
- Lasting ink. Lines that last longer let one bridge or wall cover more.
- Longer ink. One-stroke roofs for volleys and icicles.
- Deeper focus. More slow motion while you draw, for the fast stretches after 1,000 metres.
Unlock steel for returning arrows and rubber for quick jumps; both pay for themselves quickly.
Habits that keep him alive
- Keep a drop in reserve. The run that ends is almost always the one where the pen was empty when something new appeared.
- Remove shooters, don't just block them. A returned arrow ends an archer's whole volley. Blocking three shots costs three lines; returning one costs one.
- Check the left edge. After 350 metres, glance left whenever an archer passes overhead.
- Take shields. A shield orb absorbs one hit. Steer your attention toward them when they appear.
- Don't chase high coins. Coins floating over hazards are worth a ramp early in the run, but not at 2,000 metres with an archer aiming.
Use checkpoints to practise
Every boss you get past unlocks a checkpoint. Starting from 1,500 or 2,000 metres lets you practise the late game without replaying the start. Checkpoint runs don't count for your best score, but they're the fastest way to learn the Great Hawk and the Twin Archers.
Keep going
Once per run you can spend 150 coins to continue after a fall. On a record run, save your coins for it: it clears everything in the air and gives him a moment of protection.