Report updated Apr 2, 2026
Don't Touch The Spikes
v2.6.1Casual mobile gamers looking for quick, accessible, and addictive short-session entertainment.
What Is Don't Touch The Spikes?
Launched Jul 13, 2014
Updated Feb 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Simple tap-to-play mechanics that allow the bird to fly and change direction.
Endless arcade-style gameplay focused on surviving as long as possible without hitting spikes.
Clean, distraction-free visual aesthetic typical of the hyper-casual genre.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate core gameplay loop and nostalgia factor, but report excessive and intrusive ads and technical bugs and display issues.”
What Users Love
Don’t Touch The Spikes is simple to learn but incredibly challenging — exactly what makes it so addictive!
Gameplay is simple and fun
This is my childhood favourite game. I play this game anywhere and everywhere.
I’ve been coming back to this game for years now, I love its simplicity
Pain Points
There is an ad when you open the game, while you play, and when you lose the game.
Ads pop up in the middle of my screen killing me all the time
The game doesn’t work on the 16 pro. The spikes are cropped off.
Challenge 56 is bugged. I have collected way more than 7 crystals but it freezes on 3.
High confidence · 99 reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Massive, established user base with high brand recognition.
- Highly addictive, proven core gameplay loop.
- Minimalist design that remains timeless and accessible.
Cons
- Aggressive, intrusive ad-monetization strategy damaging user trust.
- Significant technical debt, including display issues on modern hardware.
- Broken progression systems and loss of user data.
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Modernize the UI/UX to better support high-resolution, modern smartphone displays.
- Implement a more balanced monetization strategy to replace intrusive pop-ups.
- Introduce seasonal content or social leaderboards to re-engage the nostalgic player base.
Market Threats
- Modern hyper-casual titles offering smoother, less intrusive experiences.
- Declining user sentiment leading to negative store reviews.
- Platform-level changes to privacy and ad-tracking impacting revenue models.
Who competes with Don't Touch The Spikes?
Contenders
BADLAND
HypeHype Oy
Features similar side-scrolling, physics-based obstacle avoidance with a focus on simple, intuitive controls.
Same Space
What are the key takeaways?
Don't Touch The Spikes is a frustrating games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 3.2/5 rating from 538.6K reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate core gameplay loop, though excessive and intrusive ads remains a common concern.
Best for: Casual mobile gamers looking for quick, accessible, and addictive short-session entertainment.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
The app utilizes a high-volume, ad-supported hyper-casual model typical of Ketchapp's portfolio, prioritizing mass adoption and retention over direct purchase.
iOS Version
2.6.1
Android Version
2.6.0
Release Date
Jul 13, 2014
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Ketchapp