# Upstream Struggle — Salmon Run

> Endless salmon swimming game with enemy dodging and fish unlocks. (iPhone/iPad app by Jack LaLonde.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jack LaLonde](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499291451)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Action, Racing
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.86/5 from 9,707 App Store ratings · 328 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 37 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-09-07
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059/reviews.md

## What is Upstream Struggle?

In Upstream Struggle, you play as a salmon swimming upstream to return home (except right now it's just endless, oops).  Dodge enemies for as long as you can to unlock new fish.

## Key features

- Endless salmon run gameplay
- Dodge enemies
- Unlock new fish
- High score challenges

## What do users think of Upstream Struggle?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and fun concept
- 🚀 No forced ads
- 💡 Potential for improvements

**Cons**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🎨 Basic graphics and animations

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Getting stuck in the waterfall at the start
- Crashes and freezes, especially at higher levels
- Issues with the bird/flying obstacle

**Most requested features**

- Add more variety to levels and obstacles
- Improve controls and jumping mechanics
- Implement a leaderboard or competitive mode
- Introduce new fish skins and customization options

## Recent user reviews (10 of 328)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upstream-struggle/id1529926059/reviews.md

### 5/5 — FISH GAME

*2024-03-14, version 2.0*

I love this game!! I love the simplicity in its style, and it’s amazing gameplay. I’d love to see more!

### 5/5 — Amazing app and amazing developer

*2021-10-16, version 1.3*

Love the game just so fun and the man who made it is so kind

### 5/5 — Beast

*2021-09-24, version 1.3*

Follow my tiktok @jamesmilnerfanclub

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2021-09-22, version 1.3*

This game is so fun and chill I love it.
Keep up the good work

### 1/5 — The fish game

*2021-09-19, version 1.3*

The game is very boring and you barely get to do nothing the fish looks a Glizzy in the game makes me so mad I hate the game don’t play it

### 5/5 — S

*2021-09-16, version 1.3*

Gives Crosby road vibes, love it

### 2/5 — Upstream struggle more like STRUGGLE

*2021-08-04, version 1.3*

This game is TOO much of a struggle. You would think it’s easy but NO! Sometimes I can’t even get past the bear and I got to 7 and there were two bears in my way that I couldn’t get past. I just wanted a game that not TOO much of a struggle. Is that too much to ask for? 😡

### 2/5 — It’s not good

*2021-06-10, version 1.3*

He wasn’t lying

### 1/5 — God awful

*2021-06-05, version 1.3*

If I could give it negative stars I would. Only reason anyone plays it was from tiktok. Would never recommend. Repetitive and boring. Deleted within first 5 minutes of installing.

### 1/5 — To much

*2021-05-20, version 1.3*

I got it when it first came out was super fun. It then he ruined the game it’s just not the same anymore and he stopped putting effort into it

## Frequently asked questions about Upstream Struggle

### What is Upstream Struggle?

Upstream Struggle is an arcade-style game where you control a salmon swimming upstream. The objective is to survive for as long as possible by dodging enemies.

### How do I unlock new fish?

New fish can be unlocked by playing the game and achieving certain milestones or high scores. The description mentions unlocking new fish as a key progression element.

### Is Upstream Struggle free to play?

Yes, the game is free to play. It is supported by advertisements, and there are also in-app purchases available.

### What platforms is Upstream Struggle available on?

The provided data indicates it is a mobile application, suggesting availability on iOS and Android devices. Specific platform details are not listed.

### What is the main goal of the game?

The primary goal is to swim upstream and dodge enemies for as long as you can to achieve a high score. Unlocking new fish is also a significant objective.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0 — 2023-01-23

- Brand new movement system for the fish based on inertia
- New attack pattern for the bears
- New fish designs

### 1.3 — 2020-09-15

- Challenge System
- New skin
- New map layout
- Better controls

### 1.2 — 2020-09-10

- Collect coins as you go upstream
- Mute button
- Bug fixes
- Improved enemy AI
- New obstacle
- 2 new playable fish

### 1.1 — 2020-09-08

- Eagle model is in the game now instead of a block.
- Updated minimum ios requirements to prevent game crashing on phones running ios 12 or below.  
- Added tap to jump!

### 1.0 — 2020-09-07

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Upstream Struggle

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Hit & Run: Level Rush](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hit-and-run-level-rush/id1620473280) | 4.8 (75,030) | Free | Games |
| [سباق الازدحام ٢](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1589911400) | — | Free | Games |
| [OFFROAD RACING OUTLAWS : GAMES](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offroad-racing-outlaws-games/id1461674800) | 4.9 (380) | Free | Games |
| [Penguins Race - Battle Royale](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penguins-race-battle-royale/id1458035020) | 4.5 (2) | Free | Games |
| [Rapper Runner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rapper-runner/id1589985520) | — | Free | Games |
| [Tigerun](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tigerun/id1572568380) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Games |

## More apps by Jack LaLonde

- [Ball Hogs](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ball-hogs/id6781942317)

All apps by Jack LaLonde: https://appshunter.io/developer/1499291451

## Related topics

[upstream struggle](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/upstream-struggle) · [upstream](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/upstream) · [fish run games sia](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/fish-run-games-sia)

---

*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 2026-09-02.*
