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hackmud similar games & best alternatives

hackmud

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

hackmud is a retro cyberpunk RPG where you play a digital persona in a chaotic, unpredictable, and often goofy abandoned internet. Enter a 90s hacker movie filled with scripts, scams, and sabotage. Explore the world of digital secrets and forge your legacy through cunning, creativity, or disruption.

Global score

78/100

Genres

Indie, Massively Multiplayer, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • High skill and creativity in scripting
    • Strong and supportive community
    • Deep and challenging puzzles
    • Immersive cyberpunk atmosphere
    • Active developer engagement

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve for non-programmers
    • Server and chat stability issues at launch
    • Small player base limits mmo experience
    • Text-based interface may deter casual players
    • Potential frustration from pvp losses

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Exploration. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      5

      "Players have full freedom to write their own scripts, choose play styles, and direct their own actions in an open sandbox."

    • Competence
      5

      "High skill ceiling with complex puzzles, scripting challenges, and player-versus-player hacking requiring mastery and continuous learning."

    • Competition
      4

      "Strong competitive elements including PvP hacking, leaderboards, and player-driven economy with rivalries and scams."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Players report long sessions, habitual play, and deep engagement with scripting and community activities."

    • Cooperation
      3

      "Players form corporations, alliances, and collaborate on scripts and strategies, though betrayal and deception are common."

    • Creativity
      5

      "Extensive player-created content, scripts, puzzles, and tools allow for high creativity and modification."

    • Domination
      3

      "Players exert power over others through hacking, scams, and social engineering, though community cooperation also exists."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Immersive cyberpunk world and complex gameplay provide strong distraction and escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation; no evidence of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      5

      "Players constantly explore new scripts, mechanics, and strategies; the game encourages tinkering and innovation."

    • Exploration
      4

      "Players discover hidden lore, puzzles, NPCs, and secrets in a vast text-based world."

    • Expression
      4

      "Players customize scripts, create unique tools, and shape their in-game identity through code and social interaction."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Fictional cyberpunk setting with AI sentience and hacking fantasy elements."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Strong community presence, active Discord, and social channels foster a sense of belonging."

    • Growth
      5

      "Players learn programming, problem solving, and hacking skills; community helps newcomers grow."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay focused on coding and terminal interaction."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and active engagement; not suitable for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Players form friendships and collaborate, though interactions can be competitive and deceptive."

    • Leadership
      3

      "Players lead corporations, coordinate attacks, and guide scripting projects."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate in-game currency, upgrades, and scripting capabilities to advance."

    • Relaxation
      -2

      "Gameplay is challenging and mentally demanding, with tension from PvP and complex puzzles."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Enjoyment comes from intellectual stimulation and community interaction rather than sensory input."

    • Status
      3

      "Recognition through leaderboards, scripting reputation, and community standing is valued."

    • Story
      3

      "The game has lore and narrative elements, especially in the tutorial and NPC interactions."

    • Strategy
      5

      "High emphasis on planning, problem solving, and strategic thinking in hacking and social engineering."

    • Thrill
      4

      "Risk and suspense from PvP hacking, scams, and timed puzzles create excitement and tension."

    • Value
      4

      "Players perceive strong value from learning programming, community, and long-term engagement."

    • Violence
      -4

      "Gameplay focuses on hacking and scripting rather than physical violence or destruction."

    • Survival
      4

      "Players must protect assets, avoid being hacked, and manage risks to survive in the game world."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026