In recent years, a significant trend in fitness apps has been the gamification of workouts, making exercise more engaging and fun. The latest app to embrace this trend is Run the Realm, a fantasy-themed fitness app designed to transform your morning jog into an epic adventure. Newly re-released on Google Play and the iOS App Store, Run the Realm immerses you in a world where you play as a survivor of an otherworldly attack, compelled to run to reclaim your life.
In Run the Realm, you step into the shoes of a fantasy warrior, much like in a game of Dungeons & Dragons. Your fitness activities—be it jogging, running, or cycling—help you advance through the story and complete quests. You can choose from three distinct character classes: a mage, a knight, or a thief. As you progress, you'll earn points to enhance your character's abilities. With your home city destroyed and a disgraced knight as your only ally, your journey is one of resilience and determination.
Run the Realm offers several unique features to keep you motivated. One standout is the bardic radio, which provides a soundtrack to your workouts, accompanied by narrative segments that advance the quest between your own musical selections. However, the app does use AI-generated art, which can appear somewhat muddy upon closer inspection. While this might detract from the visual experience, the core purpose of a fitness app is to help you get fit, and Run the Realm does just that by combining an engaging storyline with effective workout tracking.
If you're looking to explore more innovative fitness and gaming apps, be sure to check out our regular feature on the top five new mobile games to try this week.
