[Bastille]

Hi guys,

I wanted to share a collection of hacking simulators (and other) video games. I don't recommend using them as a primary learning tool; most of them use real Linux command lines and concepts, but sometimes it's kind of "fantasy." Instead, I would recommend Tryhackme or Hackthebox, However, some of you who aren't into hacking might still enjoy playing these games, or you might have kids, nephews, or others who know you're into hacking but are too young to start.

That said, there are some games (which I’ll note in the title) that are actually interesting for learning.

1. Hacknet

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.

2. Grey Hack

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

Grey Hack is a massively multiplayer hacking simulator game.

You're a hacker with full freedom to act as you wish on a vast network of procedurally generated computers.

File Explorer, Terminal and Text Editor are some of the programs that will be available from the start of the game. As you improve your skills you will find new utilities that you may install and use.

3. Hack Mud

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

hackmud is a text-based multiplayer hacking simulator for keyboard-compatible personal home computers. Crack protected systems and solve puzzles as you explore the abandoned internet of the future. Write scripts to protect your winnings and trick other players. Lose everything. Get it back.

4. Turing Complete 💯 (The game is based on real computer science principles and takes a very practical, hands-on approach to teaching these concepts)

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

Everything in a computer can be constructed from a basic component called a NAND gate. You will be challenged through a series of puzzles, to discover the path from NAND gates to arithmetic, memory and all the way to full CPU architectures. If you complete this game, you will have a deep understanding of how assembly, CPU instruction sets and basic components are related. And you will understand how programming concepts like if statements, loops and functions actually work in assembly and hardware.

5. Hacker Simulator (Not only terminal-based video game like the others)

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

Become a hacker and build your online reputation to the top by discovering a simplified and enjoyable version of real-life hacking methods. Complete contracts, buy new programs, upgrade your computer, crack wifi networks and infiltrate peoples or companies online systems.

6. Virtual Circuit Board (Just like Turing Complete it seems to be a great game to learn)

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

Virtual Circuit Board is the sandbox drawing-based logic simulator where you can build, program, decorate, and simulate anything from simple monochrome circuits to complex and colorful computers. Play with digital logic in this sandbox-only experience.

7. Bitburner (Requires JavaScript skills)

Available on : Steam
Reviews : Very Positive ★★★★★
Description :

Bitburner is a programming-based incremental game. Write scripts in JavaScript to automate gameplay, learn skills, play minigames, solve puzzles, and more in this cyberpunk text-based incremental RPG.

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I might update this thread in time, I'll probably give a try to Complete Turing as I've started learning more about electronic and I also want to learn more about Assembly language.

As usual, if you want to learn hacking I highly recommend the following instead of these video games :
- Overthewire
- Root-me
- Tryhackme
- Hackthebox

[ahw9n2io8wd9h]

I've tried hacknet and hacker simulator.
Hacknet was amazing, I'd recommend everyone to play it. As for Hacker simulator, it was disappointing unfortunately..

Will try out the rest, even if they're not a good learning material they're kinda really fun puzzle like games.

I'd add in Bitburner and microcorruption.
Bitburner is a "hacking" game but it's good for learning automation. Unfortunately it uses javascript, so you'll have to get familiar with that.
Microcorruption is a browser based game that somewhat simulates MSP430 ABI for locks and you'll have to reverse engineer the lock to find password or unlock it. I really enjoyed this one.

Thanks for the list, was looking for more games like Hacknet.

Edit: Def trying out Virtual Circuit board and Turing complete I recall searching for games like these a few years back, couldn't find them..

[Epic]

This is great stuff, thanks for sharing!

I've recently gotten started on tryhackme and hackthebox, trying to figure out which one I like better for now.

I didn't know these games were out there, most of them look fun. Thanks again.

[Justin]

This is such a cool share. Thank you for the effort of putting this list together

[Bastille]

I've tried hacknet and hacker simulator.
Hacknet was amazing, I'd recommend everyone to play it. As for Hacker simulator, it was disappointing unfortunately..

Will try out the rest, even if they're not a good learning material they're kinda really fun puzzle like games.

I'd add in Bitburner and microcorruption.
Bitburner is a "hacking" game but it's good for learning automation. Unfortunately it uses javascript, so you'll have to get familiar with that.
Microcorruption is a browser based game that somewhat simulates MSP430 ABI for locks and you'll have to reverse engineer the lock to find password or unlock it. I really enjoyed this one.

Thanks for the list, was looking for more games like Hacknet.

Edit: Def trying out Virtual Circuit board and Turing complete I recall searching for games like these a few years back, couldn't find them..

Thanks for your feedback, and thanks for those 2 video games I'll add them to the thread :)

This is great stuff, thanks for sharing!

I've recently gotten started on tryhackme and hackthebox, trying to figure out which one I like better for now.

I didn't know these games were out there, most of them look fun. Thanks again.

Yeah they are more fun and interactive than HTB and THM, however if you're learning I said that I don't recommend to rely 100% on it, most of them use real linux commands, sometimes also real hacking tools, however they more not be 100% realistic, so if you learn things that do not exist in the real life it could be confusing ^^'

This is such a cool share. Thank you for the effort of putting this list together

You're welcome, buddy ! I've also made another thread with a collection of movies and series about hacking. Feel free to check it out; it might give you some ideas for Friday nights at home :)

https://hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=6270079