What Are Power-Ups in Subway Surfers? Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting Scores

Subway Surfers is a fast-paced, endless runner game that millions of players enjoy. It’s famous for its vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay, and the thrill of escaping from a grumpy inspector and his dog. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is its power-ups. Power-ups are special items that give your character boosts, helping you run farther, collect more coins, and avoid obstacles. In this blog, we'll delve into the various power-ups in Subway Surfers, how they work, and tips to use them effectively.

Understanding Power-Ups in Subway Surfers

Power-ups are temporary boosts or abilities that give players an advantage while running. These can be found throughout the game and are essential for improving your score. Power-ups appear randomly as you play, and their effects only last for a short time. However, they can be the difference between hitting a new high score and getting caught by the inspector.

Subway Surfers has a variety of power-ups, each designed to help in specific ways. Let’s break down the main power-ups in the game and explore how each one works.

Free Power-Ups

First, let’s unlock the potential of your Subway Surfers runs with Free Power-Ups: 

1. Jetpack

The Jetpack is one of the most iconic power-ups in Subway Surfers. Once you collect it, your character gets strapped into a jetpack and flies above the ground for a few seconds. While using the jetpack, you’re safe from all obstacles and trains, allowing you to focus solely on collecting coins. It’s an excellent way to rack up coins without worrying about the inspector catching up or dodging trains. Try to collect as many Jetpacks as possible in your run.

How to use it:

• When you see the Jetpack power-up, grab it immediately.
• As you fly, move left and right to collect as many coins as possible.
• Use the time to plan your next moves when the power-up ends.

2. Super Sneakers

Super Sneakers allow your character to jump much higher than usual. With this power-up, you can easily jump over trains, barriers, and other obstacles that would normally require you to dodge. The Super Sneakers give you a unique perspective of the game, allowing you to spot power-ups, coins, and paths you might miss otherwise. Super Sneakers are perfect for when the screen is cluttered with obstacles. However, be cautious, as it can be easy to misjudge jumps with the added height.

How to use it:

• Grab the Super Sneakers to activate the high-jumping ability.
• Time your jumps carefully to avoid jumping into obstacles like low-hanging barriers.
• Use it to collect items that are positioned above the regular running level.

3. Coin Magnet

The Coin Magnet is another highly useful power-up among the power-ups in Subway Surfers. When activated, it draws all nearby coins to your character, even if you’re not directly in their path. This makes it much easier to collect coins while focusing on avoiding obstacles. The Coin Magnet is a great way to quickly boost your coin total, especially when combined with other power-ups.

How to use it:

• When you see the Coin Magnet, prioritize collecting it.
• Focus on dodging obstacles, as the magnet will handle the coins for you.
• Use it in combination with other power-ups, like the Jetpack, for maximum coin collection.

4. 2x Multiplier

The 2x Multiplier is a powerful tool for boosting your score. When activated, it doubles your current score multiplier, meaning every point you earn is worth twice as much. This power-up can help you reach higher scores faster, especially if you’ve already built up a good score multiplier by completing missions.

How to use it:

• Collect the 2x Multiplier to instantly double your score multiplier.
• Try to combine it with other score-boosting items, like the Score Booster.
• Focus on avoiding obstacles and staying alive to maximize your score during this period.

5. Pogo Stick

The Pogo Stick is a unique power-up in Subway Surfers that offers a fun and effective way to avoid obstacles. When activated, the Pogo Stick sends your character bouncing high into the air. This allows you to leap over obstacles and collect coins that are positioned above the tracks. Although it’s not upgradeable, the Pogo Stick is a valuable tool for clearing challenging sections of the game.

How to use it:

• Collect the Pogo Stick while running to activate it.
• Once activated, your character will start bouncing high, letting you jump over obstacles and gather airborne coins.
• Use it strategically when you approach a dense cluster of obstacles or when there are many high-value coins in the air.

6. Super Mysterizer

The Super Mysterizer is a special power-up available during Mystery Monday events in Subway Surfers. It transforms into a random item, adding an element of surprise to your run. The Super Mysterizer can be especially useful for getting a power-up you might need in a particular situation. Although it’s not upgradeable, its random nature can offer a diverse range of benefits during gameplay.

How to use it:

• Collect the Super Mysterizer while running during a Mystery Monday event.
• The item will automatically transform into a random power-up, providing you with a temporary boost.
• Keep an eye out for it during these special events to take advantage of its unpredictable benefits.

Paid Power-Ups in Subway Surfers

Next, let’s elevate your Subway Surfers experience with Paid Power-Ups in Subway Surfers!

1. Hoverboard

Though not technically a traditional power-up, the Hoverboard is one of the most essential items in Subway Surfers. When you activate a Hoverboard, it gives you a shield that protects you from a single crash. If you hit an obstacle while riding a Hoverboard, you’ll lose the board but can keep running. 

Hoverboards can be activated at any time during the game, making them a key tool for extending your runs. Use Hoverboards strategically when you know a tough section of the map is coming up. They can save you from getting caught and allow you to keep running.

How to use it:

• Double-tap the screen to activate the Hoverboard.
• Use it when the game gets fast or when the screen becomes crowded with obstacles.
• You can also activate the Hoverboard in tricky situations to avoid losing the run.

2. Headstart

The Headstart is a paid power-up in Subway Surfers that gives you an immediate advantage at the start of your run. When activated, it propels your character into the sky, starting your run from a farther distance. This can be particularly helpful for covering more ground quickly and getting ahead of the game from the outset. Use the Headstart when you want to maximize your initial distance and gain an advantage right from the beginning of your run.

How to use it:

• Tap the Headstart icon on the screen before starting your run.
• Your character will be launched into the sky, giving you a head start and allowing you to begin your run from a higher position.
• It costs 2,000 coins to purchase and use.

3. Score Booster

The Score Booster is an optional power-up that you can activate before starting a run. It increases your score multiplier by a set amount, giving you an edge in the game. This power-up is especially useful if you’re aiming for high scores and want to get a head start. Make sure to use it wisely, as it only lasts for one run.

How to use it:

• Purchase or unlock the Score Booster before you start a run.
• Combine it with other power-ups, like the 2x Multiplier, for massive score boosts.
• Focus on surviving as long as possible to maximize its effect.
• It costs 3000 coins and must be activated before you start running. 

Upgrading Power-Ups in Subway Surfers

In Subway Surfers, you can upgrade most power-ups using coins. Upgrading power-ups in Subway Surfers can increase their duration, allowing you to enjoy their benefits for longer periods. For example, upgrading the Jetpack will allow you to fly for more time, and upgrading the Coin Magnet will let you collect coins for a longer duration.

You should prioritize upgrading the power-ups that benefit your playstyle the most. If you like collecting coins, focus on upgrading the Coin Magnet. If you prefer avoiding obstacles, upgrade to the Jetpack or Super Sneakers.

How to upgrade:

• Go to the ‘Shop’ menu from the main screen.
• Select the power-up you want to upgrade.
• Use your collected coins to purchase upgrades.

Combining Power-Ups for Maximum Effect

One of the best ways to improve your performance in Subway Surfers is by combining power-ups. For example, collecting a Jetpack and a Coin Magnet at the same time allows you to fly above the ground while automatically collecting all nearby coins. Similarly, using a 2x Multiplier with the Score Booster can drastically increase your score in a short amount of time.

Best Combinations of Power-ups in Subway Surfers:

• Jetpack + Coin Magnet: Fly above the obstacles and collect all the coins without any effort.
• 2x Multiplier + Score Booster: Maximize your score multiplier for a massive point boost.
• Hoverboard + Super Sneakers: Use the Hoverboard to protect yourself while jumping high with the Super Sneakers.

Conclusion

Power-ups in Subway Surfers are essential for success in Subway Surfers. They help you collect more coins, avoid obstacles, and boost your score. By understanding how each power-up works and using them strategically, you can improve your performance and enjoy the game even more. Whether you're flying high with the Jetpack or jumping over trains with Super Sneakers, power-ups are your key to becoming a Subway Surfers master.