Joust
Joust is a 1982 arcade game developed by Williams Electronics. Players control a knight mounted on a flying ostrich, repeatedly tapping a flap button to gain and hold altitude, and defeat enemy knights riding buzzards by colliding with them from a higher position, after which the rider becomes an egg that must be collected before it hatches into a tougher foe.
Its unusual momentum-based flapping-flight mechanic, physics-driven movement, hazards like the lava troll and a pterodactyl on later waves, and beloved simultaneous two-player mode, which could be cooperative or competitive, made Joust a distinctive and enduring arcade favorite. The quirky premise, precise control, and emergent player rivalries gave it a charm that has never faded.
Joust remains a fondly remembered classic available in many arcade compilations, spawned a sequel, and its inventive flight mechanics and memorable design keep it a recognizable piece of arcade history.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Joust, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Killer Queen Black Indie
FreeA team arcade game built on Joust's flapping flight and altitude duels, straight from the arcade cabinet.
Killer Queen Black runs on PC, Mac, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
Duck Game Indie
€ 12,99Chaotic single-screen local multiplayer where one hit kills, in the same party-brawl tradition.
Duck Game runs on PC, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Rooftop Renegade Indie
€ 12,99An indie momentum-based arcade platformer with the frantic reflex demands of classic Joust.
Rooftop Renegade runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Untested.
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