Alto's Odyssey
A calm, good-looking endless sandboarding game with one-touch tricks and a no-score Zen mode
by Snowman · listed Nov 14, 2026
Quick verdict
Worth installing if you like relaxed, stylish arcade games; the one-touch tricks and Zen Mode make it easy to return to again and again.
Best for People who want a beautiful, low-stress game they can play in short bursts with one finger
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 13, 2026. How we review
Alto's Odyssey review
Alto's Odyssey is an endless runner where you sandboard across a desert of dunes, canyons and old temples. It is the sequel to Alto's Adventure, but it stands on its own, so you can start here. It suits anyone who wants a short, low-stress game to dip into, from casual players to people chasing high scores and trick combos.
You control everything with a single tap: tap to jump, hold to backflip, and string tricks together for speed and points. Along the way you grind on vines, bounce off hot air balloons, ride rock walls and dodge lemurs, while the lighting and weather shift around you. A list of 180 goals gives each run a purpose, and you can unlock six characters with different handling. Zen Mode drops scores and failure altogether and pairs the ride with its own soundtrack, which makes it a good wind-down game.
Why we picked it: It won an Apple Design Award in 2018, and the simple controls, art and music still hold up as one of the most relaxing games on mobile.
Watch out for: Pricing depends on the store. It is a paid download on iOS, while the Android version is free to install with in-app purchases.
What we like
- One-touch controls that are easy to pick up but leave room for skilled combos
- Zen Mode with no scores or failure, made for relaxing
- Changing lighting and weather that keep the scenery fresh
- 180 goals and six unlockable characters add long-term structure
- Works as a standalone game, no need to have played the first one
What could be better
- Upfront cost on iOS
- Endless-runner loop can feel repetitive in long sessions
- Android version relies on in-app purchases instead of a one-time price
Questions about Alto's Odyssey
How much does Alto's Odyssey cost?
On the App Store it is a paid download listed at 4.99 USD. On Google Play it is free to install and offers in-app purchases.
Is it available on Android and iPhone?
Yes. It is on the App Store from Snowman and on Google Play, where it is published by Noodlecake.
Do I need to play Alto's Adventure first?
No. The two games are separate, and Odyssey makes sense without the first one.
Is it suitable for kids?
It is rated 4+ on the App Store and Everyone on Google Play, and it has no violence beyond wiping out on your board.
What is Zen Mode?
It is an optional mode with no scores, goals or game-over screens, set to its own calm soundtrack.
From the developer: how Alto's Odyssey describes itself
Just beyond the horizon sits a majestic desert, vast and unexplored.
“Apple Design Award Winner, 2018” – Apple
“The art of the perfect sequel” – The Verge
“A true joy” – TechCrunch
“Dramatic and driving” – Kotaku
“A beautiful labor of love” – The Next Web
“Vibrant and poetic” – MacStories
“Gorgeous” – Engadget
“Incredibly beautiful” – TouchArcade
“Dazzling” – Macworld
“A relaxing experience” – Ars Technica
Join Alto and his friends and set off on an endless sandboarding journey to discover its secrets.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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