Summary
- Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to develop hacking skills in an adventurous RPG setting in Night City.
- Invisible, Inc. is a strategy game where you make crucial decisions and hack to accomplish missions.
- Operation Tango offers an interactive multiplayer experience where you can hack as a team to combat cybercrime.
Games are portals to wild, fictional worlds — sometimes you play as mighty wizards, sometimes as a goat (yes, really), or even a bouncing slime. But not every game has to be pure fantasy. Real-life simulation games are also hugely popular. And then there are games where you step into the shoes of a hacker.
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Some games are all about hacking, while others sprinkle in hacking skills during certain missions. In a few, you might not start out as a hacker, but you can level up and become one. If you’re wondering which games truly let you live your best pro hacker life, you’re in the right place!
Hacking in real life without permission is illegal and unethical. Always keep your skills inside the game!
10
HackBot
Hack Your Way To Victory
If you’re looking for a free hacker game that you can play on mobile, this might be the one for you. Set in 2051, this cyber simulation game has an interesting twist – you control cyber-organic beings called HackBots, and your goal is to crack your opponents’ passwords and uncover hidden information.
The game features modes like Quick Match and Ranked Match, and as you progress, you’ll face increasingly difficult challenges, solve puzzles, crack codes, and reveal secret secrets. It’s user-friendly, so even beginners can navigate it easily. Just be warned – advertisements might interrupt your hacking flow!
9
Invisible, Inc.
Every Decision Counts
Invisible, Inc.
- Released
-
August 19, 2014
- ESRB
-
T For Teen // Blood, Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
-
Klei Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
-
Klei Entertainment
- Engine
-
Moai
Invisible, Inc. is a tactical strategy game set in 2074 that blends stealth and strategy, but fair warning – it’s tough! Every decision counts, or you risk losing valuable agents. The game features ten different agents, each with unique abilities, some of whom are hackers. Hacking and stealth are equally important in this game.
The story kicks off with the espionage agency “Invisible, Inc.” being attacked, leaving only you and the AI system, Incognitia, alive. To keep Incognitia running, you need to find a powerful computer system – and you have just 72 hours to do so! Hacking by your agents becomes crucial, from hijacking cameras to disabling drones. Good luck – it’s not going to be easy!
8
System Shock 2
Escape SHODAN’s Digital Nightmare
- Released
-
August 11, 1999
- ESRB
-
m
- Engine
-
dark engine, kex engine
- Multiplayer
-
Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
-
System Shock
System Shock 2 is a classic sci-fi horror game released in 1999. You wake up as a super soldier aboard the starship Von Braun, but things are far from peaceful. The ship is under the control of an AI named SHODAN, and the crew is now her mindless minions.
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While you’re not exactly a pro hacker at first, as the game progresses, you’ll need to hack into the ship’s systems to fight back against SHODAN. Use your skills to manipulate the ship’s systems, disable security, and try to survive. And for those nostalgic for the chaos, the 25th Anniversary Remaster drops on June 25, 2025. Get ready to hack and panic!
7
Operation Tango
One Game, Two Roles, Endless Teamwork!
If you’re a professional hacker looking to play a game and share the experience with a friend, Operation Tango is the game for you. But here’s the twist: only one of you gets to be the hacker, and the other plays as the agent. The best part? Your friend doesn’t even need to buy the game – just one person purchasing it is enough.
The game is packed with visual and digital puzzles that rely entirely on teamwork to solve. Your mission? To take down a global cybercrime syndicate. It’s like hacking, but with a buddy and way less jail time!
6
Bitburner
A Hacker’s Paradise
If you’re looking for a free hacking game, you can play Bitburner for free on Steam. In the game, you take on the role of a hacker in a dark, dystopian universe. Knowing basic programming makes the game more fun, but it’s not a must. You’ll write scripts, hack network servers, and solve real programming challenges.
You’ll infiltrate networks, bypass firewalls, and gain economic power by hacking computer systems. This game makes you a real pro hacker, as you apply actual hacking techniques to level up. But it’s not just a hacking game – it teaches you how to automate tasks with code and when to use automation. A true hacker’s playground!
5
Hacknet
Dive Into Hacking, Uncover The Truth.
Hacknet
- Released
-
August 12, 2015
- ESRB
-
everyone e10+
- Developer(s)
-
Fellow Traveller
- Publisher(s)
-
Fellow Traveller
- Engine
-
Microsoft XNA, FNA / Microsoft XNA Game Studio
- Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer
Hacknet is a terminal-based hacking simulator that sucks you into the world of hacking. You follow the instructions of Bit, a hacker who mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances, as you try to uncover the truth behind the “accident.” Unlike Hollywood hacking, the game uses UNIX commands, so it feels much more like real-world hacking.
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If you’ve never used a terminal, you’ll still have fun, but if you’re experienced, get ready for a real challenge. The tasks get tougher, offering a surprisingly engaging experience. Being a hacker in this game doesn’t make you a pro, but how you solve tasks will definitely make you feel like one!
4
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Not Just A Security Chief…
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
- Released
-
August 23, 2011
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
-
Eidos Montreal
- Engine
-
Crystal Engine
In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, you play as Adam Jensen, the security chief at a biotech company. Your job is to protect the company’s secrets, but when terrorists storm the place and kidnap scientists, Adam is severely injured and transformed with biomechanical enhancements to survive. Now, you’re on a mission to uncover the forces behind the attack.
While Adam isn’t a hacker by trade, you’ll get to hack computers, bypass security systems, and disable cameras thanks to your upgrades. Just remember, this isn’t a full-on hacking game! If you’re into cyberpunk themes and love deep philosophical questions, this one’s for you.
3
Watch Dogs
When The City’s Your Weapon, No One’s Safe.
Watch Dogs
- Released
-
May 26, 2014
- ESRB
-
M For Mature // Blood, Game Experience May Change During Online Play, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
-
Ubisoft Montreal
- Engine
-
havok
- Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer
When you think of being a pro hacker in a game, the Watch Dogs series immediately comes to mind. While the first game may not be brand new, it’s far from bad. Set in Chicago, you play as Aiden Pearce, a highly skilled hacker who can access the CTOS system, controlling every corner of the city.
But Aiden’s not using his skills just for fun – he’s investigating the mystery behind the death of his niece. As you hunt down those responsible, you can manipulate everything connected to the city’s network, from security cameras to personal data. Heck, you can even control traffic lights. In this game, the city itself becomes your weapon!
2
Watch Dogs 2
San Francisco’s Your Playground – Hack It All.
- Released
-
November 15, 2016
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
-
Ubisoft Montreal
- Engine
-
havok
- Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Watch Dogs Legion might not be as loved as the first two games, but Watch Dogs 2 was a fan favorite. Unlike the first game, this time you play as Marcus Holloway, and the setting shifts to San Francisco. Marcus isn’t flying solo; he’s part of a hacker group called DedSec. Your mission? Expose Blume, a tech company misusing people’s private data.
The game offers a dynamic open world, and just like in the first game, you can take control of the city’s infrastructure. With remote-controlled cars, drones, and 3D-printed weapons, you’ll prove what hackers can really do – all while having a blast!
1
Cyberpunk 2077
From Zero To Cyber Hero
- Released
-
December 10, 2020
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Engine
-
REDengine 4
If you’re looking for an adventure RPG and haven’t played Cyberpunk 2077 yet, stop wasting time! The game takes place in 2077 in Night City, a city controlled by corporations where people live side by side with technology. Your character, V, isn’t a pro hacker at first, but you can unlock some serious hacking skills as you play.
If you go down the Netrunner path, you’ll be able to manipulate enemies with cyber attacks, hack systems, and control your environment. Your playstyle will become more strategic and stealth-focused. With Quickhacking, you can enhance your skills and turn Night City into your personal playground. You might not be born a hacker, but your choices and abilities will get you there!
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