11 Best Programming Games to Test and Develop Your Coding Skills

Programming is fun when you are confident and know what you are doing, but acquiring programming skills is not easy. That is why, besides classes and lectures, tutorials, you should spend time playing programming games. These games not only help you relieve stress and bring joy, but you can also learn and master a lot of information through practice and experience. This article introduces you to the 11 best programming games to improve your coding skills.

1. Robocode

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Robocode is a complex programming game where you have to write code to make robot tanks fight each other. Your job is to write artificial intelligence to help your robot win using real languages ​​like Java, Scala, C# and some other languages.

The Robocode installer comes with a development environment, a built-in robot editor, and a Java compiler. With this game, you are actually writing real code. Although it was released in 2000, Robocode is still regularly updated and maintained, it is open source, and it is extremely addictive.

Download : Robocode

2. Coding game

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Codingame is a game-like web application where you have to solve puzzles and challenges by writing real code. The application supports over 25 programming languages ​​such as Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, Lua, Go, Rust and many more. Each puzzle/challenge has a theme (for example, programming a turret to shoot down spaceships that get too close), which makes the game more interesting.

Download : Codingame

3. Codecombat

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Codecombat is another web app designed with game-like puzzles and challenges that can only be solved by writing code. However, while Codingame is more entertaining, Codecombat has a major educational idea in mind with its 'Classroom Edition,' which teachers can use to help their students learn to code.

Download : Codecombat

4. Codewars

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Codewars is less of a game and more of a way to practice coding and solving algorithmic challenges. You get points for completing puzzles and the value of your points is determined by how well your solution is done. Codewars allows you to view other people's solutions so you can study and learn from them. This is probably one of the best ways to learn a new programming language.

Download : Codewars

5. Vim Adventures

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Vim Adventures is a fun, game-like guide to learning how to use Vim, the unusual but incredibly powerful text editor that many programming professionals love to use. There's a lot to learn, which is why guides like this exist. So while Vim isn't a programming language, it can help you become a more productive coder.

Download : Vim Adventures

6. TIS-100

TIS-100 is a programming game that forces you to learn and use a mock version of low-level Assembly code to solve puzzles. This programming game is not as simple as it sounds, as it is challenging and open-ended. You will play the game over and over again until you conquer the challenge without getting bored.

Download : TIS-100 ($6.99)

7. Shenzhen I/O

Shenzhen I/O has a common developer base with TIS-100 and is a puzzle-based programming game. The game requires creating basic circuits and writing simple assembly code to be successful.

The Shenzhen I/O is easier to use and more fun than the TIS-100, though they offer the same appeal and satisfaction.

Download : Shenzhen I/O (14.99 USD)

8. Human Resource Machine

In Human Resource Machine, you're an office worker who completes tasks by combining various instructions. In a sense, the game is all about solving puzzles through visual programming, even touching on concepts like logic flow and memory management - but presented in an easy-to-understand, office-themed way.

This is a great game to train the brain for programmers and can even make a good programming game for kids.

Download : Human Resource Machine (14.99 USD)

9. Screeps

Screeps (short for scripted creep) is an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) strategy game where you use JavaScript to code the behavior of in-game entities and build your own empire. This game is one of the best programming games and was released in 2017.

The base game comes with a private server for standalone play, plus 30 days of full access to the official server. After that, you can continue playing on the official server with limited capacity or get full access with a monthly subscription.

This is an ideal programming game with a constant focus on learning, especially if you want to understand the nuances of game programming.

Download : Screeps ($14.99, optional subscription available)

10. Untrusted

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Guide Dr. Eval through a continuous machine system in Untrusted to help him gain freedom. However, things are not that simple. You must use your JavaScript skills to navigate each level in this programming game.

You can use this programming game's console and play environment to write and modify JavaScript code. Untrusted gives you access to all the source code; however, to progress further, you must make changes to the source code, without which you cannot move forward.

11. Elevator Saga

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Elevator Saga is another fun for JavaScript enthusiasts who want to improve their programming skills. This programming game has various programming challenges.

As you move through the levels, you will need to apply your coding skills and optimized algorithms to reduce the waiting time for elevator riders. The most promising aspect of the game is its basic user interface; just enter your code into the input window and click Apply.

Looking for more ways to hone your programming skills? You might want to try one of these programming games and listen to some podcasts for coders and developers. However, if you've done all that and are still struggling to grasp the basics of programming, you might want to consider whether programming is right for you.

See also:

David Pac

Update 11 January 2025