Vex X3M 2

Summary

Vex X3M 2 takes the classic side-scrolling motorcycle obstacle formula (inspired by Moto X3M) from the original, while adding a selection of awesome new mechanics to make every level more challenging and unpredictable than the last.

You’ll probably feel like you’ve got it all figured out after the first few levels. Then, suddenly, a teleporter spits you across the screen, a kite straps itself to your handlebars, and before you know it, you’re at risk of drowning in the water that you thought you could float in.

The Vex series has been going for 15 years now, and if you’ve seen any of them on our best browser games page, you’ll soon see why. They all look super simple, but similarly to the likes of Drive Mad, every level will put both your skills and patience to the test.

If the standard levels aren’t challenging you enough, we bet you’ll soon meet your match in the Hardcore mode!

Features

• Release date – February 24, 2025
• Difficulty – Intermediate/Advanced
• Levels – 60 (30 standard + 30 Hardcore)
• Number of bikes – 24
• Vehicle customization/upgrades – Cosmetic skins only
• Multiplayer – No
• Mobile – Yes (iOS and Android)
• Developer – Azerion Casual Games

Physics

Everything runs on momentum, landing angles, and figuring out what’s going to try to end your life next.

Obviously, there’s no drifting involved, but the art of throttle control, braking, and weight distribution will undoubtedly come in useful here. Hold the throttle too long on a steep climb, and the bike tips backwards. Tilt too far forward off a ramp, and you’ll nosedive straight into whatever’s waiting below (it usually ends up being saw blades, or worse… somehow).

The flipping aspect is worth learning early. Each successful back or front flip shaves 0.5 seconds off your finishing time, so it can pave the way for the fastest (but also riskiest) way through most levels.

The throttle-tilt-crash-retry loop was pioneered by the OG Moto X3M foundation that this was built upon, while layering a huge selection of Vex-style traps, color-coded platforms, and puzzle-like level layouts on top.

It’s worth remembering each surface type (wood, ice, etc) as they each have their own rules, too. Wooden sections often fall (think timberrrr), while some platforms shatter on contact, others fall, and water slows the bike while making it float slightly (unless you go too deep, we’ll let you find out what happens then!). You’ll start recognizing what each one does after a few levels, but the game keeps throwing new ones into the mix in an attempt to catch you out.

Graphics

Again, no surprise that a Vex game retains the usual 2D stickman-style with its simple styling, and levels that couldn’t be any further from it.

You won’t exactly be pixel-peeping when you see a saw blade flying towards you, so don’t worry too much.

While the bikes all look fairly similar, each skin comes with its own design and exhaust trail.

Controls

PC/laptop/Chromebook

• W/Up arrow – Accelerate
• S/Down arrow – Brake/reverse
• A/Left arrow – Tilt bike backward
• D/Right arrow – Tilt bike forward

Mobile/tablet (iOS/Android)

• Right-side buttons for forward and reverse, left-side buttons for tilting

Its simplicity makes it perfect for mobiles, and the levels are short enough for quick phone sessions (until you have to restart a few too many times).

If you’re after more two-wheeled action on your phone, our motorcycle games section has loads more to explore, from superbike traffic racers like Traffic Road to relaxing free-roam cruisers like Slow Roads. 

How to Play Vex X3M 2

Initial Setup

Settings sit in the top-left corner of the main menu, covering music, sound effects, and language. Your coin balance is in the top-right (click to earn cash for watching ads if you wish), and the PLAY button is enticing you in on the bottom-right.

Before you head in, click the bike icon in the bottom-left to check out the skin list (basically different bike designs, but they all have the same physics).

Next to that, the medal icon lets you browse through the 20 in-game achievements beyond just completing levels (with three stars on each, of course… or not?). Some are easy enough, like activating 100 checkpoints, which you’ll probably reach without even trying. Others are a bit more surprising, like landing on your head 20 times, for example (which might unfortunately come naturally for some!).

When you’re ready to dive into the action, click ‘Play’ and you’ll see the level-selection screen. Only level 1 is unlocked to start. In the top-right corner, there’s a skull icon with ‘Off’ next to it. That’s the Hardcore toggle. I highly recommend leaving it alone for now!

Getting Started

Level 1 walks you through the basics with on-screen instructions. Accelerate, tilt, and try not to die (easy enough, huh?).

You’ll reach green-flag checkpoints as you progress through each level, and they automatically save your position. The catch is that the timer keeps running after you crash, so every epic fail eats into your final star rating.

You also need hearts in order to respawn, shown in the top-right corner. You’re occasionally gifted more as you progress through each level, but crash too many times in one spot and you’ll run out. In that case, you have two options – watch an ad or start over.

Completing each level earns between one and three stars based on your time, and one star can often feel rewarding to finally finish, but barely pays anything.

Three stars require a fast, clean run and will reward you with way more coins. After each level, a slider gives you the chance to multiply your earnings by up to 5x (but be warned that you’ll need to watch an ad to claim the bonus).

If you played the original Vex X3M, things will undoubtedly feel super familiar. The difference is pretty much everything around them.

Alongside the newly-added Water, you’ll find other new additions like Teleporters (glowing orbs, usually blue or green), which make you disappear before launching you out on an entirely new part of the course.

Jumping into the hang-glider kites, strap the wing to your bike, and it requires careful tapping to navigate around various obstacles mid-air, which is good fun.

The momentum management is similar to what you’ll find in other popular browser games like Hill Climb Racing 2, where carrying speed over uneven ground without flipping is the whole challenge. Except here, the ground (and just about everything else) is seemingly desperate to end your life!

Game Modes

There’s one mode with a harder remix on offer if you’re feeling brave. The standard mode offers 30 levels, ranging from straightforward checkpoint runs to elaborate multi-section obstacle courses. Hardcore mode (toggled on the level selection screen with a skull) revisits all 30, but with extra hazards, tighter timing, and way less room for error.

If you think the standard levels are tough, it’s worth waiting until you’re comfortable with the physics and obstacle types before switching over, as it really is a lot harder.

For themed variations of the same formula, there’s Moto X3M Spooky Land, offering a mix of Halloween courses with bone ramps, flying daggers, and a witch riding a moped as an unlockable. Or, if you fancy something a little cooler (sorry!), then we’ve also got Moto X3M 4 Winter on offer. Our arcade games lineup has plenty more similar offerings, too.

Bike List

It’s a bit confusing, but (like the original) they call the different rides “skins” rather than bikes, since all 24 are technically the same.

The difference is purely visual, though some of the bulkier designs (the jet-ski-style bike, for example) do feel a little less nimble when you’re playing, even if the actual physics are identical. Maybe the designs affect the weight, or maybe it’s just me trying to justify splashing the hard-earned cash!

There’s three pages to browse through, with prices ranging from 500 to 5,000 coins, and a few can be unlocked by watching ads instead of spending coins (look for the ‘Take’ button).

The variety is great, with a mix of MX dirt bikes, superbikes, a police bike, a pink hearts number, classic scooters, and some properly weird new designs you won’t find in the original.

It would be nice to see a bigger actual selection in a future update, though. If you feel the same way, Drive Mad is well worth checking out. Every one of its 100+ levels hands you a totally different vehicle from the last, from stretch limos to rocket-strapped trucks, and the physics to figure out change drastically with each one.

Tuning & Customization

The skins are the only “customization” on offer. If you were hoping for more, the closest obstacle bike game with actual upgrades is Stunt Bike Extreme, with 270 realistic-looking levels, 10 upgradeable bikes, and tournament knockout rounds that make the career mode feel like it goes on forever (in a good way).

Advanced Tips & Tricks

Trust the blue arrows more than your instincts

Often, the blue directional arrows are the only reliable guide in a level. When things get chaotic and you can’t tell whether to go up, down, or sideways, make sure you follow them.

The same goes for the ‘SLOW’ or ‘!’ signs. They usually mean things are about to get real, and in this game, you don’t ask questions.

Use taps rather than holding the keys (or screen) when hang-gliding

Holding the controls during hang-glider sequences (wing above your bike) sends you lurching in one direction, and you’re often being pushed around by airflow that’ll suddenly get cut off if you move the wrong way. Tapping gives you much finer control, which you’ll need when threading between saw blades and electric cables. It feels weird at first and might take a few attempts to get it right.

You can put your newfound tapping skills to good use in Super Mario Wheelie afterward. You need to lift Mario’s front wheel (well, Temu Mario) and try not to touch the ground with the wrong end over 10 short obstacle levels.

Keep your eye on the remaining lives in the top right

Dying repeatedly at the same obstacle will force you to restart the level (unless you want to watch an ad). Running out of respawns when you’re nearly done on the level is super frustrating, so try to be mindful not to waste them early on.

Squeeze flips into big jumps for three-star runs

On levels where you’re likely to need to play catch-up to reach the three-star target, a couple of well-placed flips during big jumps can close the gap. The trick is picking the jumps with enough airtime to complete the full rotation and land cleanly (a half-rotation into spikes won’t be an improvement!).

Consider having another shot at the tougher levels once you’ve figured them out

Once you finally figure out what was requiring you to keep restarting on a level, it’s often worth replaying to bag the three stars. You’ll get a bigger payout, and you might even find yourself securing three on each level. I dare you to try and do the same in the Hardcore mode after!

When you need a break from sawblades and spikes, Bike Xtreme swaps them for calm (until you go flying over the handlebars) rolling mountain bike trails with ever-changing weather and time of day (including storms and sunsets). 

Or, if you want even more flips, hazards, and wipeouts after this, our stunts and crash games section has no shortage of choice on offer.

Vex X3M 2 FAQ