Temple Run 2 is the sequel to Temple Run and because of that, it retains most of the original gameplay from the first. Despite that, it still introduces a few new features, such as new obstacles, new characters and even new powerups. In addition to that, some of the previous elements have added bonuses attached to them.
Goal
Just like its prequel, Temple Run 2 is also an endless runner, with the goal of avoiding obstacles so as to get as high a score as possible. Death happens if players fail to avoid an obstacle or are slow enough to be caught by the monkey chasing them. The controls for the game are the same as the first title and are as follows:
| Action | Control |
| Jump | Swipe upward |
| Slide | Swipe downward |
| Turn left / right | Swipe left / right |
| Move to left / right side of path | Tilt left / right |
| Activate Resurrect utility | Double-tap screen |
New Elements
 | One of the new elements is the minecart, which consists of leaning left or right, however dodging is still required to avoid death. In some areas, half the track is missing as well as options to go either left or right, where the track splits into two sections; a wrong decision leads to death of the character. Whilst in a minecart, sliding your finger down makes the character perform a duck which can be used to avoid blocks of wood that would otherwise hit the character in his/her face. |
 | The second new gameplay element is the zipline. Whilst on a zipline, players are completely safe and there is no way the character can die. Players are still able to lean either left or right which can be used to collect the coins along the zipline. |
Scoring
The basis of scoring in Temple Run 2 is almost the same as the first Temple Run, with a couple of changes. Score in the game is calculated based on the distance traveled and the percentage of total coins the player collects. The score is then multiplied according to the multiplier bonus from the in-game shop (minimum of zero, maximum of five). Apart from these, the number of completed objectives prior to the run and the number of self power ups collected also affect the score. The power ups don't have to be activated, just collected to contribute to the score.
Obstacles
Temple Run 2 involves the same theme as in the first game, which involves running for as long as possible while avoiding the obstacles. Depending on the timing of a jump, slide or turn, the character would result in either avoiding the obstacle, stumbling or death. Temple Run 2 has minecart sections as an addition and while on it, the game also brings forth some new obstacles which were not present in Temple Run.
While on foot, the obstacles in the game are as follows:
| Obstacle | Avoid | Failed Result |
| Gaps | Jump | Stumble - Landing on Edge Death - Falling |
| Path Turns | Swipe Left / Right | Death |
| Flamethrowers | Jump or slide | Death |
| Stone Structures | Slide | Death |
| Missing Path | Run on the existing path | Death - Falling |
While on minecart, the obstacles and ways to avoid them are as follows:
| Obstacle | Avoid | Failed Result |
| Closed Paths | Tilt towards open path | Death |
| Cross Beams | Swipe Down to duck | Death |
| Missing Track | Tilt towards the available track | Death |
Powerups
Power-Ups are a new addition to Temple Run 2. Collecting coins fills up the bar on the top right of the screen. Once it is full, double tapping anywhere on the screen enables the power-ups. Collecting the powerups during the run also contributes to the score. They need not be used, just collecting them is enough to affect the score.
