A Trip Down the Tracks: Remembering Subway Surfers Version 1.7.3

In the fast-paced world of mobile gaming, few titles have achieved the longevity and iconic status of Subway Surfers. While the game is currently in its twilight years with massive file sizes and crossovers that span the entire globe, there is a certain magic to be found in its earlier iterations.

Subway Surfers Version 1.7.3 represents a specific, beloved era of the game. Released in late 2013, this version captures the title during its transition from a simple endless runner into a global phenomenon. For many players, loading up version 1.7.3 is like opening a time capsule—a return to a simpler time before the influx of dozens of characters, complex hoverboards, and high-resolution graphical overhauls.

5. Upgrades (via the upgrade menu)

• Multiplier – max 4x (not 30x or 50x like today)
• Jetpack duration
• Magnet duration
• Sneakers duration

Upgrade Magnet first → then Jetpack → then Multiplier.

Final Verdict

Subway Surfers 1.7.3 is a time capsule of mobile gaming’s early 2010s. It’s lean, fast, and fun – no battle passes, no stamina bars, no loot boxes. Just you, a subway train, and an endless track. For anyone who remembers swiping away on an iPod touch or budget Android phone during a school bus ride, this version is pure nostalgia.

Rating (Retrospective): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Deducting one star for lack of content variety, but awarding full points for simplicity and polish.

Subway Surfers version 1.7.3, released on January 31, 2013, is a landmark early update from the game's first year of release. This specific version marked the second stop of the iconic World Tour series, taking the crew to London. Key Features of Version 1.7.3

Location: The game shifted from the default New York setting to the festive streets of London.

Characters: It introduced Jamie, the quirky photographer who became the limited-edition character for the London leg of the tour.

New Hoverboards: The update added the Snowflake board, fitting the winter theme of the January release.

Holiday Spirit: The London update featured global celebrations with iconic English streets and festive decorations as the backdrop for your run.

Technical Specs: This version was relatively lightweight at roughly 22.78 MB and was designed to run on older devices, supporting Android versions as early as 2.3.3 (Gingerbread). Gameplay Mechanics in the 1.7.x Era

During this period, many of the foundational strategies that players still use today were solidified:

Multiplier Building: The primary way to achieve high scores remained increasing the multiplier by completing Mission Sets.

Power-Up Upgrades: Players focused heavily on upgrading the Coin Magnet, Jetpack, and 2X Multiplier to maximize run efficiency.

Mystery Boxes: The 1.7 era utilized Mystery Boxes as the main source for high-value coin drops (up to 100,000) and character tokens. Historical Context

Version 1.7.3 represents a "simpler" time in the game's history. While modern versions of the game now feature over 480 characters and complex events like "Trials" or "Secret Stars," the 1.7.3 update was part of the very first World Tour cycle. It helped establish the pattern of monthly city-themed updates that has kept the game relevant for over a decade.

Watch how the character roster has evolved from the early days of version 1.7.3 all the way to the present: Subway Surfers - All 480 Characters 2012-2025 Full Unlocked Subway Surfers Ricardito YouTube• 23 Oct 2025