Hacknet Thumbnail

Hacknet similar games & best alternatives

Hacknet

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2015

Related articles

Quick resume

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.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Immersive and realistic hacking simulation
    • Engaging story with mystery and twists
    • Well-designed ui with command line and gui options
    • Excellent soundtrack enhancing atmosphere
    • Good replay value with dlc and community content

    Cons

    • Some bugs and save issues reported
    • Repetitive gameplay in mid to late stages
    • Limited customization and no multiplayer
    • Requires some english and technical knowledge
    • Story can feel linear and predictable

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fellowship, Cooperation, Leadership, Violence. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Progression.

    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
      4

      "Players have freedom to choose commands, explore systems, and solve puzzles with open-ended approaches."

    • Competence
      4

      "Game requires learning and applying command line skills, logical thinking, and timed challenges to succeed."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Singleplayer game focused on personal progress and story without player-vs-player competition."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report addictive gameplay and replay value with multiple storylines and DLC."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely singleplayer experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players experiment with commands and explore different hacking approaches and easter eggs."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are solo and story-driven."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Immersive hacking fantasy provides a strong escape from real life stress and routine."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and curiosity, not obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Encourages trying new commands, exploring systems, and uncovering secrets."

    • Exploration
      4

      "Open exploration of networks, files, and hidden content is a key gameplay element."

    • Expression
      2

      "Some UI themes and minor customization exist but limited overall."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Simulates a stylized hacker fantasy with some realistic elements but simplified for gameplay."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Focus on solo play with minimal social interaction or community integration in-game."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players learn command line skills and hacking concepts progressively."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention and active command input during gameplay."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "No close social relationships formed in-game; solitary experience."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles present."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players gain new hacking tools and unlock story content as they progress."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Some tension from timed hacks but overall balanced with immersive flow."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Engaging UI, music, and command feedback provide stimulating sensory experience."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social status or recognition mechanics in the game."

    • Story
      4

      "Strong narrative with mystery, character interaction, and multiple endings."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Requires planning command sequences and managing limited resources like memory."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Timed trace counters and risk of failure create suspense and excitement."

    • Value
      4

      "Highly praised for content, story, and replay value relative to price."

    • Violence
      -4

      "Focus on hacking and exploration rather than combat or destruction."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players must avoid detection and failure, adding survival-like tension."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026