# Populus Run — The sugar-free running game

> Control a crowd of people in a sugar-free running game with unique obstacles and boss battles. (iPhone/iPad app by FIFTYTWO.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id1376509945 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [FIFTYTWO](https://appshunter.io/developer/853087985)
- Category: Games, Action
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 4,387 App Store ratings · 51 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 476 MB
- Languages: Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and 4 more
- Released: 2021-01-29
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id1376509945/reviews.md

## What is Populus Run?

Populus Run is the unconventional running game where you control a crowd of people.

• Dodge giant fast food
• Slide down pipes like at a waterpark
• Battle rapper bosses, including Macaron, Donut, and Burger
• Test yourself in Hardcore mode
• Collect all the secret characters who are hidden in the levels
• Show your respect for the upbeat original soundtrack with its choral singing

## Key features

- Control a crowd of people
- Dodge giant fast food
- Slide down pipes
- Battle rapper bosses
- Collect secret characters
- Hardcore mode

## What do users think of Populus Run?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎨 Lovely art style and music
- 🕹️ Unique and fun gameplay concept
- 👍 Addictive and challenging
- 🕹️ Satisfying to collect characters

**Cons**

- 🐛 Inconsistent and unresponsive controls
- 🔥 Performance issues and lag
- 🤯 Extremely difficult and frustrating at times
- 🤔 Random obstacle placement can lead to unavoidable deaths

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Permanent bugs that prevent progression
- Losing progress and unlocks due to bugs
- Inconsistent behavior of characters and obstacles

**Most requested features**

- More level variety and content updates
- Improved control scheme and responsiveness
- Ability to adjust control sensitivity
- Option to play in portrait mode

## Recent user reviews (10 of 51)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id1376509945/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Good Game, But Some Bugs That Ruin It

*2023-05-13*

Okay, so I love Populus Run, but there are some PERMANENT bugs that I want to share with you. For example, here’s one: Okay, so let’s just begin with the fact that this is one game bug. There is more, but this is one I am going to share with you. Okay, okay. I’m gonna get to it right now. So there was this game that was called Hotdog Party. It was normal for the first seconds, and the intro showed. Do I like the intros? Uh, yeah. But this one wasn’t normal. When running time started, the title didn’t go away. And it kept like this for the WHOLE GAME. I could barely see the people who I had control with who were running. I will admit that I finished the game, but it was still distracting, because the title was still there even AFTER THE GAME. I was steamed. This was the first time I had a bug, and that ruined Populus Run PERMANENTLY for me. There are some more, but THAT’LL take me like an hour to type. 
I hope Populus company can fix this, and make it playable again. Thanks!

### 5/5 — Yes, this game is as cool as it gets!

*2023-02-26, version 1.3*

This game is so amazing. I just want to pull my nipples off!  I've never been into runner games, but this one is truly fun and amazing! You have to try it to know what I mean, so just stop reading this and go play it. It's an instant love affair to pay this game... So what more are you needing to hear?

### 3/5 — Fun game but hate the controls

*2023-01-08, version 1.3*

I would say play this game so much more if the controls weren’t so awkward. I wish they were smoother than pushing a button over and over again on either side. It would help if it was controlled more like a video game or Roblox. The current controls have a higher learning curve and adjustment. I’m already to the point of just deleting the app. But the concept is really fun.

### 5/5 — I love this game

*2022-05-28, version 1.3*

This game is amazing, it’s a runner game with, an amazing style, I can’t recommend it enough. Basically you run around dogging unhealthy food trying to get as many people as possible. I highly recommend it, if I had to rate the difficulty on a scale from 1 to 10 I’d rate it a 6.

### 5/5 — Totally recommend! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

*2022-04-13, version 1.3*

I love this game! this is amazing because its so fun and if you lose you don't get mad unlike other games because this game is so satisfying that you collect characters and you can adjust the controls so your are more satisfied while you play! This game is for any age as long as you know how to play and my 5 year old son LOVES it so i tried it out!

### 5/5 — Rare bug

*2022-01-07, version 1.3*

In level 6 I found a BUG! This bug is rare so don’t worry :) so the bug is basically freezing the screen and make you start all over again NOT start over the game but start over the level otherwise the games pretty good

### 4/5 — So awesome

*2021-09-01, version 1.3*

I love the music and the characters and level design and overall style of the game. The controls are just a little finicky though and it makes a game that requires precision more frustrating than it should be. That’s why it’s only 4 stars in my rating. If they could find a more intuitive control scheme for my iPad it might be perfect.

### 4/5 — LOVE LOVE LOVE

*2021-08-31, version 1.3*

This game is amazing and so cute! I love the music and I find myself dancing in my chair before I even start the game! Only thing I’d say is sometimes the level becomes too difficult to where you loose people regardless of how you are moving around objects which is frustrating. Also the controls are a little off…. but this game is new so I know there will be updates. Keep up the great work and thanks for a great game!

### 5/5 — This is a FUN game to play on my M1 Mac Mini!

*2021-08-07, version 1.3*

It's a bit difficult to play with the arrow buttons, but it's addictive!  I'd prefer if I could control the crowd with the mouse and jump with the left mouse button.  I think the side-to-side response would also improve, if it was tied to mouse control.  Trying to interpret analog joypad control to arrow buttons which are purely digital generates alot of over-correction, which can kill lots of people in your "group run".

### 3/5 — Why update the app without adding new levels

*2021-07-19, version 1.3*

Yes the controls needed a tweak or two but this game has been out long enough to add new levels plus this game is on Apple Arcade if I’m am paying a monthly price for access what is the point of still having this game downloaded and taking up storage if when an update comes out there are no new levels added. I can download free apps that will have more levels then this

## Frequently asked questions about Populus Run

### What is Populus Run?

Populus Run is an unconventional running game where players control a crowd of people. The objective is to navigate through levels, avoiding obstacles and engaging in unique challenges.

### What are the main features of Populus Run?

Key features include controlling a crowd, dodging giant fast food items, sliding down pipes, battling rapper bosses like Macaron and Donut, collecting secret characters, and testing skills in Hardcore mode.

### Is Populus Run free to play?

Yes, the application is free to download and play. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

### What kind of challenges can I expect in Populus Run?

You will encounter challenges such as dodging oversized fast food, sliding down pipe structures similar to waterpark rides, and engaging in boss battles against unique rapper characters.

### Who is Populus Run designed for?

This game is designed for players who enjoy runner games but are looking for a fresh and unconventional experience. It appeals to those who appreciate quirky humor, unique gameplay mechanics, and challenging boss encounters.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 2.0 — 2023-09-14

We have significantly improved the gameplay. Now, when colliding with obstacles, not all runners fall, but only a part of them. Fewer frustrating mistakes, more reason to collect and save the runners!

• Numerous gamepad bugs fixed, especially on macOS
• Support for Nintendo Switch gamepads
• Fixed a bug with texts hanging after completing levels
• Enhanced game performance on new devices
• Full support for the Siri Remote (3rd generation) on Apple TV, including the touch-enabled clickpad; playing on it has become much more convenient

### 1.3 — 2021-07-15

In this update, we've reworked the controls and the tutorial. We've also laid the foundation for a new game mode. It's going to be epic! This new mode to come in the next update!

• A completely new tutorial level
• The first two levels of chapter 1 have been completely redesigned
• Improved controls
• Advanced crowd movement (runners now stick to their lanes)
• Arabic character connections
• Background music support
• Lots of important bug fixes

## Apps similar to Populus Run

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rayman Mini](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rayman-mini/id1469537876) | 4.8 (7,906) | Free | Games |
| [Fruit Ninja Classic+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fruit-ninja-classic-plus/id1552127102) | 4.6 (33,131) | Free | Games |
| [Jetpack Joyride+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jetpack-joyride-plus/id1550866882) | 4.5 (2,253) | Free | Games |
| [Temple Run+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/temple-run-plus/id1633285841) | 4.5 (5,643) | Free | Games |
| [Hill Climb Racing+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hill-climb-racing-plus/id6444795419) | 4.6 (14,343) | Free | Games |
| [Sonic Dash+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonic-dash-plus/id1608888053) | 4.6 (11,484) | Free | Games |

## More apps by FIFTYTWO

- [JELLIES!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jellies/id853087982)
- [Kenshō](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kensho/id1033471974)
- [Populus Run](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id6470197867)

All apps by FIFTYTWO: https://appshunter.io/developer/853087985

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*
