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. Like Turn-Based Strategy Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 83% Released May 12, 2015 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Klei Entertainment Publisher(s) Klei Entertainment Engine Moai
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DIGITAL
OpenCritic Rating Strong How Long To Beat 7 Hours Genre(s) Turn-Based Strategy Platform(s) Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 Powered by Expand Collapse

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

System Shock 2 Like Follow Followed Action RPG FPS Systems Released August 11, 1999 ESRB m Developer(s) Irrational Games, Looking Glass Technologies, NightDive Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts, NightDive Studios Engine dark engine, kex engine 6 Images system-shock-2-1-1.jpgsystem-shock-2-5.jpgsystem-shock-2-6.jpgsystem-shock-2-4.jpgsystem-shock-2-3.jpgsystem-shock-2-2.jpgClose
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Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise System Shock How Long To Beat 13.5 Hours Genre(s) Action RPG, FPS Platform(s) PC Metascore 92 Powered by Expand Collapse

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!

Operation Tango Like OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 65%
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OpenCritic Rating Strong How Long To Beat 7 Hours Platforms Steam, Xbox, PS4, PS5 Publishers Clever Plays Powered by Expand Collapse

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

Like simulators Indie Adventure Systems 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
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Genre(s) simulators, Indie, Adventure Platform(s) PC Powered by Expand Collapse

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 Like FPS Systems Released August 23, 2011 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Eidos Montreal Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Crystal Engine Franchise Deus Ex
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PHYSICAL
How Long To Beat 22 Hours Genre(s) FPS Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

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 Like Open-World Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 68% 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 Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine havok Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Watch Dogs
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
OpenCritic Rating Strong How Long To Beat 20 Hours Genre(s) Open-World, Action, Adventure Platform(s) PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, PC, Stadia PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand Collapse

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.

Watch Dogs 2 Like Follow Followed Open-World Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 82% Released November 15, 2016 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Ubisoft Montreal Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine havok Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer Franchise Watch Dogs
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
OpenCritic Rating Strong How Long To Beat 20 Hours Genre(s) Open-World, Action, Adventure Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 20 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 33 GB (November 2023) PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand Collapse

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

Cyberpunk 2077 Like Follow Followed RPG Action Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 65% Released December 10, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red 6 Images Close
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Engine REDengine 4 Cross-Platform Play ps, xbox, pc Cross Save yes Expansions Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Franchise Cyberpunk Number of Players Single-player Steam Deck Compatibility yes PC Release Date December 10, 2020 Xbox Series X|S Release Date February 15, 2022 PS5 Release Date February 15, 2022 Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date June 5, 2025 OpenCritic Rating Strong How Long To Beat 25 Hours Genre(s) RPG, Action Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC X|S Optimized Yes PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Wiki

Fextralife Wiki

Metascore 75 Powered by Expand Collapse

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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