A walking game that works without GPS reads your step count from your phone (Apple Health on iPhone, Health Connect on Android) instead of tracking your location. Monster Walk works this way: your daily steps clear the fog, save monsters and unlock new regions whether you walk outside, pace your apartment or walk on a treadmill.
GPS walking games vs step-powered walking games
| GPS / location-based | Step-powered (like Monster Walk) | |
|---|---|---|
| What counts | Where you go on a map | How many steps you take |
| Location permission | Needed | Not needed |
| Indoors and treadmills | Usually doesn't count | Counts |
| Steps taken with the app closed | Depends on the game | Counted from Apple Health or Health Connect |
How Monster Walk works without GPS
Monster Walk is a free walking RPG for iPhone and Android. The Monster Walk FAQ puts it simply: you don't need to be walking or to enable GPS to play, but the game needs access to the native step tracking on your phone. As you walk, you clear the fog, save new monsters and unlock new regions; monsters you meet join your team, and if a fight is hard you can use real-world steps to chase monsters instead.
Players walked more than 1 billion steps in the game's first two weeks, and Monster Walk is a 2026 Unity for Humanity grant winner.
Setting up step tracking
- iPhone: allow the game to read Steps in Apple Health, and allow Motion permissions.
- Android: install Health Connect and Google Fit and give the game permission to read steps.
The Monster Walk FAQ has screenshots for each step.
FAQ
Can I play a walking game indoors?
Yes, with a step-powered game. Monster Walk counts steps from Apple Health or Health Connect, so walking around your home or on a treadmill counts.
Does Monster Walk use GPS or my location?
No. Monster Walk does not need GPS or the camera. It reads your step count from Apple Health on iPhone or Health Connect on Android.
Is Monster Walk free?
Yes. Monster Walk is free to download and free to play, with optional in-game purchases. You never need to spend money to progress.
Related guides
- Games like Pokémon Go: walking games to try next
- Monster Walk vs Pokémon Go: which walking game is right for you?
- How to stay motivated to walk every day
Talofa Games is a games-for-good company that makes fitness games: Monster Walk, Run Legends and Pulse Match. See key facts and sources.