EXAPUNKS similar games & best alternatives
EXAPUNKS
2018
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Quick resume
The year is 1997. You used to be a hacker, but now you have the phage. You made a deal: one hack, one dose. There’s nothing left to lose… except your life.
Global score
95/100
Genres
Indie, Simulator, Puzzle
Pros
- Deep and challenging programming puzzles
- Immersive cyberpunk story and atmosphere
- High replayability with optimization and multiplayer
- Well-designed tutorial and documentation
- Strong community and user-generated content support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-programmers
- Limited social and cooperative gameplay
- Can be frustrating due to difficulty
- Requires focused attention, not casual play
- Some players find story and dialog limited
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players have high freedom to design their own code solutions and approaches to puzzles, with multiple ways to solve each problem."
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Competence5
"The game challenges players with complex programming puzzles requiring skill, optimization, and problem-solving, providing strong feedback and a sense of mastery."
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Competition3
"Includes leaderboards and asynchronous multiplayer hacker battles encouraging comparison and competition with others."
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Continuation4
"High replayability with optimization challenges, bonus puzzles, and user-generated content encourage long-term engagement."
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Cooperation-3
"Gameplay primarily focuses on individual puzzle solving and programming; multiplayer is asynchronous and competitive rather than cooperative."
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Creativity5
"Players create custom code solutions with open-ended design space and can even program mini-games on an in-game device."
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Domination-4
"Interactions emphasize personal skill and competition without evidence of trash talk or exerting authority over others."
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Escapism4
"Immersive cyberpunk setting and story provide a strong escape from real life through engaging narrative and atmosphere."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment of programming puzzles and cyberpunk themes."
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Experimenting5
"Encourages exploration of programming mechanics, optimization strategies, and creative problem solving."
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Exploration3
"Players explore new puzzle challenges, story elements, and in-game environments, including hidden secrets and lore."
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Expression3
"Customization mainly through code solutions and some cosmetic elements like printable zines and in-game chat, but limited avatar personalization."
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Fantasy4
"Strong cyberpunk fiction setting with dystopian narrative and hacker culture immersion."
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Fellowship-2
"Limited social interaction focused on asynchronous competition rather than community or cooperative play."
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Growth5
"Players learn programming concepts, improve coding skills, and develop problem-solving abilities."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-4
"Requires focused attention and active problem solving; not suited for casual or background play."
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Intimacy-4
"Social interactions are surface-level and limited to chat and asynchronous competition without close relationships."
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Leadership-3
"No evidence of leading others; players act independently or compete without managing groups."
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Progression3
"Progression through unlocking new puzzles, story chapters, and features like multiplayer and sandbox programming."
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Relaxation-2
"Challenging puzzles can cause frustration and sustained mental effort rather than relaxation or flow."
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Sensation3
"Enjoyable retro-style visuals, music, and sound design provide moderate sensory stimulation."
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Status3
"Leaderboards and rankings provide social recognition and status among players."
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Story4
"Engaging cyberpunk narrative with voice acting, cutscenes, and immersive world-building."
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Strategy5
"Requires logical thinking, planning, and optimization to solve complex programming puzzles."
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Thrill1
"Some suspense in solving puzzles and competing, but overall controlled and predictable gameplay."
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Value4
"High perceived value due to extensive content, replayability, and educational benefits."
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Violence-4
"Gameplay focuses on programming and puzzle solving rather than combat or destruction."
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Survival-3
"No survival mechanics; gameplay occurs in stable, low-risk environments."
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Last update: 06/03/2026