Players take control of a young graffiti artist in the video game Subway Surfers. After getting caught in the act of graffiti, the protagonist is forced to flee from a grumpy inspector and his dog through the subway system. A subway station serves as the setting for this game, and players are tasked with navigating their way along the tracks while avoiding obstacles and gathering coins and power-ups along the way. In order to avoid getting caught by the inspector, the purpose is to run as far as possible to its destination.

One of the most notable aspects of Subway Surfers is the fact that its gameplay is both straightforward and engrossing. Players are able to make their character jump, slide, or avoid obstacles by just swiping up, down, left, or right. The controls are easy to understand and simple to learn. Because the physics engine of the game allows for realistic movements and interactions, each run seems like it is different and presents a new challenge.