Coding is about using the tools available to you to solve problems (and then, of course, solving the problems that result from solving the previous ones). This is also the core idea behind most video games, so the two blend naturally. These coding games cover a wide range of languages, age groups, and skill levels, so whether you're a complete beginner or looking for something on the next level, there's a game out there to help you learn coding in the best way: by doing it. Here are coding games to help you build your coding chops.
For more learning, check out our list of free programming sites.
1. Code Combat
Designed Code Combat Code Combat is a medieval RPG-themed programming lesson for beginners and kids. It's a compelling concept: guide your hero through levels by programming their actions. The game starts with simple concepts and provides plenty of guidance. While it manages to keep the basics fairly fun, the gameplay isn't much to write home about: you can't skip levels, and there's some dichotomy between the skills you learn here and real-world applications. Play Code Combat with Python, CoffeeScript, Lua, Javascript, HTML, CSS, C++, and Java.
Positives
- High production value in terms of graphics and sound
- The guided content is great for learning basic programming concepts.
Negatives
- Some features and languages are only available with a subscription.
2. Ruby Warrior
Ruby may not be the most relevant language to learn anymore, but this programming game might be worth a try anyway! Ruby Warrior It's a 2D text-based game that lets you control your character using Ruby and general programming logic. It's aimed at intermediate and expert programmers and takes you straight to the point where you've started reading and writing files in your text editor. Like classic text adventures, the game itself evokes a sense of adventure and relies on your imagination. Whether you need to learn Ruby or not, the game is quite fun and may make you want to keep improving your solutions!
Positives
- Available offline as a downloadable command line game.
- The game's open source code allows you to learn from it or modify it.
Negatives
- Last updated in 2012
3. CodinGame
CodinGame It's essentially a puzzle game with a focus on algorithms and problem-solving using code. There's definitely a fun/gaming aspect to it (it's fun watching your laser take out swarms of enemy ships), but your brain might start to overheat as you work your way through some of these challenges. They can get pretty rigorous and require some complex thinking and programming experience to master, making the game suitable for intermediate to advanced programmers. It supports several different languages, including C, C#, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python3, Bash, C#, Go, Ruby, Rust, Swift, and PHP.
Positives
- Multiplayer games are available.
- Support for multiple programming languages
- All content is free.
Negatives
- Puzzles require a lot of thinking.
4. CodeGym
Prepare CodeGym It's more of a course than a game, but there's a seriously serious story element involved. The goal is to transform you from a novice to a fledgling Java developer using story-based challenges and projects in the IntelliJ IDE (Integrated Development Environment), which is a great introduction to the programming tools you'll later use. There's fun cartoon artwork throughout the story component, making this course feel fun and whimsical. While you do have to pay for some parts of CodeGym, the free content gives you a good taste of whether the course will fit your Java journey.
Positives
- Learn through a fictional story or educational materials.
- Content can be skipped based on skill level.
Negatives
- Completed exercises cannot be repeated with different solutions.
Helpful hint: Learn Python with this guide..
5. CheckiO
CheckiO It's a collection of robust programming challenges that are great for beginner programmers starting out in Python or Javascript. The "game" part of this is actually a thin layer over the challenges and documentation, and you may find yourself wondering, "Wait, when does the game start?" after you start playing it. For example, the page where you solve the puzzles doesn't include any text that connects back to the story (which is barely hinted at on the level selection page). However, navigating through the different programming islands brings some color to the experience.
Positives
- Hints are available if you get stuck.
- Other players' solutions can be viewed.
Negatives
- The UI design is a bit clunky and distracting with ads.
6. Elevator Saga
If you already know your way around JavaScript Looking for some interesting problems to solve to keep your skills sharp, a program might be a good fit. Elevator Saga Fun. The idea is pretty simple: give the elevator rules for traveling to different floors, picking people up, and dropping them off. However, it gets complicated quickly, so you may find yourself quitting and coming back to it several times. When you get the hang of it, watching your elevator system run like a well-oiled machine is incredibly satisfying. Check out Elevator Saga if you're an intermediate or advanced Javascript coding enthusiast.
Positives
- Allows you to be creative and constantly improve your solutions.
- Speed can be increased to overcome challenges faster.
Negatives
- Documents must be read on a separate page to apply.
7. Untrusted
Written for JavaScript ES5, Untrusted It's a great way to practice the ins and outs of Javascript. It's a text adventure where the plot revolves around you hacking your way out of a sticky situation by changing the code your captors are using against you. It's a fun device that makes the code feel like a natural part of the story. The different soundtracks (there's new music in each level) make you feel like a hacker straight out of a Hollywood movie. It's not for beginners, and even experienced coders may have a hard time figuring out the solution the game wants you to use. While Untrusted may not teach you the most useful or modern Javascript, it's still a fun challenge!
Positives
- The gameplay is unique and forces you to think outside the box.
- Solutions are automatically saved to the cloud as a GitHub repository.
Negatives
- There isn't a lot of practical programming to learn.
Other resources
Some sites didn't make this list because they weren't game-like enough, didn't teach programming, cost money, were focused on younger learners, or were specifically aimed at very advanced programmers, but they're worth mentioning nonetheless!
- Screeps
- Code Wars
- Edabit
- CSS For Javascript Developers
- LeetCode
- hacker Rank
- Schemaverse
- robocode
- VIM Adventures
- cryptozombies
- CodeMonkey
- TUES-100
- Hack 'n' Slash
- Cyber-Dojo
- Flexbox Froggy
All of these programming games help you practice. Ultimately, being a programmer means building your own things. Using sites like CodinGame and Codewars can help you keep sharpening and developing your skills, but once you've learned the basic structure, gradually building larger projects is the best way to continue learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What programming language should I start learning first?
answer. In general, it's a good idea to choose a widely used language. The list of the most popular programming languages typically includes JavaScript, Python, Java, and C-based languages, so these are all safe bets.
You should also consider using specific languages for specific use cases. For example, Java or Koitlin are used for developing native Android apps, while Objective-C or Swift are used for native iOS apps.
Q2. Can playing these games help me get a job as a software developer?
answer. You can! If you're a beginner, learning to code in a fun game format can help you stick with it long enough to get a job instead of quitting.
If you're more advanced, check out games that incorporate coding and computational thinking. These are more challenging and may help you develop a problem-solving mindset that's helpful for passing programming job interview questions.
Q3. What is the best way to learn programming?
answer. There's no one way to learn how to code. Some people learn successfully with a traditional four-year computer science degree. Others prefer to learn from things like online resources, bootcamps, or coding games like the ones mentioned in this article.
It's important to know yourself. Find out how you like to learn: Do you like reading, communicating face-to-face, or learning by doing? Also, do you have strong interests or passions that you can intertwine with your programming? For example, if you love games, you might try programming a game.
