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.
User reviews:
Recent:
Very Positive (186 reviews) - 94% of the 186 user reviews in the last 30 days are positive.
Overall:
Very Positive (3,418 reviews) - 92% of the 3,418 user reviews for this game are positive.
Release Date: 12 Aug, 2015

Sign in to add this item to your wishlist, follow it, or mark it as not interested

Buy Hacknet

WEEK LONG DEAL! Offer ends 15 August

-25%
9,99€
7,49€

Packages that include this game

Buy Hacknet - Deluxe Edition

Includes 2 items: Hacknet, Hacknet Official Soundtrack

WEEK LONG DEAL! Offer ends 15 August

-25%
14,99€
11,24€
 

Recent updates View all (23)

13 June

Hacknet v4.054 Update

  • Fixed all gameplay issues with the French translation
    (Note: this fixes the [PRÉNOM] issue!)
  • Fixed several mistranslations, typos and other issues with all new languages.
  • Improved text readability of several servers when playing at a low resolution.
  • Fixed several crash on startup issues for players with unusual Audio hardware, unusual graphics drivers, and other issues.
  • Improved stability and auto-recovery systems for detecting crashes that Hacknet can automatically recover from.
  • Fixed issues with CSEC not assigning new missions in some cases.
  • General bugfixes and stability improvements

Thanks for the incredible response to the localization and sale! I'm back to work on the DLC in between support for any new issues that come up. Exciting things are coming!

50 comments Read more

7 June

Hacknet localised, 50% off to celebrate!



After a successful launch on PC, Mac and Linux, today Hacknet has released a major localisation update to release the game in German, Russian, French, Spanish and Korean. To celebrate, Hacknet is currently 50% off until June 9th on Steam.

Since the release one of the most requested features from fans was to have a localised version of the game. Hacknet has a lot of text, which meant that we had to translate thousands of files, but the end result means that more people can enjoy our terminal-based hacking game in their native language.

From June 7th - 9th fans can purchase the standard, or deluxe version of the game that includes the soundtrack at a 50% discount. This is the largest discount we have offered on the game so far, and we think this update more than warrants it.

We are also working on the DLC which will offer 3-5 hours of new single-player content, including brand new programs to hack with, new computers and servers to explore, and some interesting contracts to complete. The DLC will launch alongside a brand new free update that will introduce mod support for the game. Currently the mod tools have been built, and are now in the hands of avid Hacknet community content creators.

Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the release of the DLC later this year.

To celebrate this awesome new milestone,a bunch of the Surprise Attack Games catalogue is also on sale! Check out all the bargains, including Super Mutant Alien Assault, OTTTD and more by clicking here.

95 comments Read more

Reviews

“It’s the closest thing to a real life hacking sim I’ve ever seen”
Kotaku

“The idea itself owes a lot to the likes of Uplink. But it’s the execution that makes Hacknet great”
Rock, Paper, Shotgun

“Probably the coolest game I'll play all year. Not even kidding.”
Digital Chumps

Updated Roadmap

Here is the roadmap for the new content and updates I am working on..

Localisation

Localisation is now complete for French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Korean. We’re hoping to add more languages and if you are eager to help with translating, please let me know on matt [@] hacknet-os.com!

Expansion

I’m well under way with the expansion DLC and am super excited about the way it’s going. The expansion will be integrated into the existing game adding around 3-5 hours of gameplay, some interesting new programs, tonnes of new computers, servers, contracts, and some hidden surprises along the way. We’re planning to sell the DLC for US$5 and expect it to launch in late 2016.

Mod Support

I now have a prototype system that will allow modders to create and share Hacknet stories and custom missions easily. These tools are currently being tested by a select group of modders and game developers. We plan to launch mod support for free alongside the launch of the DLC expansion in late 2016.

Multiplayer

many people in the community have been asking for multiplayer and I’m experimenting with various models for this. I've got some pretty crazy ideas, and this is something that I will be exploring and releasing later this year as a free update.


-Matt

About This Game

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. Using old school command prompts and real hacking processes, you’ll solve the mystery with minimal hand-holding and a rich world full of secrets to explore.

Bit, a hacker responsible for creating the most invasive security system on the planet, is dead. When he fails to reconnect to his system for 14 days, his failsafe kicks in, sending instructions in automated emails to a lone user. As that user, it’s up to you to unravel the mystery and ensure that Hacknet-OS doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Exploring the volatile nature of personal privacy, the prevalence of corporate greed, and the hidden powers of hackers on the internet, Hacknet delivers a true hacking simulation, while offering a support system that allows total beginners get a grasp of the real-world applications and commands found throughout the game.

Features


Real Hacking
Based on actual UNIX commands, Hacknet focuses on real hacking, not the Hollywood-style version of it. This creates a truly immersive experience and puts players right in the thick of trying to break through the firewalls.

Unlock the mystery of Bit
A hacker is dead and the media reports don’t add up. When you are contacted by his “ghost” - an automated failsafe system - you’re drawn into the dark and murky world of underground hackers.

Full immersion
You are thrust into a persistent virtual world with no “levels” or obvious game elements to break the illusion. Follow the guidance of the emails from Bit or just dive down the rabbit hole, chasing down clues and snippets of information you find as you explore different systems.

Accessible but uncompromising
Whilst not holding your hand or dumbing down, the design of the game and the learning curve enables those with no prior terminal experience to enjoy it whilst delighting those in the know.

Killer tunes
Hack to the beat of a soundtrack featuring underground artists including Carpenter Brut (Hotline Miami) and Remi Gallego (AKA The Algorithm).
Soundtrack produced in association with The Otherworld Agency.

System Requirements

Windows
Mac OS X
SteamOS + Linux
    Minimum:
    • OS: Windows XP
    • Processor: 2.0 GHz
    • Memory: 512 MB RAM
    • Graphics: OpenGL 3.0+ (2.1 with ARB extensions acceptable)
    • Storage: 500 MB available space
    Minimum:
    • OS: OSX 13.04
    • Processor: 2.0 GHz
    • Memory: 512 MB RAM
    • Graphics: OpenGL 3.0+ (2.1 with ARB extensions acceptable)
    • Storage: 500 MB available space
    Minimum:
    • OS: Ubuntu 13.4 LTS
    • Processor: 2.0 GHz
    • Memory: 512 MB RAM
    • Graphics: OpenGL 3.0+ (2.1 with ARB extensions acceptable)
    • Storage: 500 MB available space
Customer reviews
Customer Review system updated! Learn more
Recent:
Very Positive (186 reviews)
Overall:
Very Positive (3,418 reviews)
Recently Posted
Scotsguy
( 2.1 hrs on record )
Posted: 9 August
You can change the look of the game -

by changing the X-server.

There isn't an option in the settings.

You change the X-server.

This game is pretty good.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
o355
( 5.9 hrs on record )
Posted: 8 August
actually taught me the basics of linux better than anything ive tried

10/10 would linux again
Helpful? Yes No Funny
[Commander] Sullivas
( 4.1 hrs on record )
Posted: 8 August
This game is amazing. Your heart will be racing and you will feel extreme amounts of adrenaline. You will feel overwhelmed at first at the huge amounts of things you need to know, but with some pen and paper it will get easier. The gameplay is great, the things you can do are scary considering you can do this in real life with the proper software (they warned not to hack people though).

I reccomend this game HIGHLY
Helpful? Yes No Funny
jcmsum
( 0.5 hrs on record )
Posted: 8 August
I uninstall it because it wasn't working. I tried it on my home wifi connect and the game would crash and rejected it as a risk to the computer every time. I uninstalled it with steam as well because both stopped working completely few days after. I don't count the times steam has issues with internet connection in public libraries as those public facilities having restricted wifi systems. So, would you please show me where I can reinstall Hacknet onto my computer again and if possible to play it offline? I really want to play this game as it is to me, from the advertisements and lets plays videos, a rare gem of a game to play.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Dhoomdealer
( 8.7 hrs on record )
Posted: 8 August
This game was a lot of fun to play through! Not only does it have an intriguing interface where everything is pretty much done through command prompts, there's also lots of side plots to discover if you go searching through the various computers you hack. Definitely recommended.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
k0mrad777
( 13.6 hrs on record )
Posted: 7 August
Incerdible gam. Higly immersive, plesantly stessful. A little short though. Needs DLC.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Lord_ John
( 14.5 hrs on record )
Posted: 7 August
Its almost like the real thing ;)
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Joanne Swift
( 6.7 hrs on record )
Posted: 7 August
Fantastic game. Hollywood hacking sim with an engaging story that will have you properly hooked. The best thing since Uplink.
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Papa Emeritus III
( 16.0 hrs on record )
Posted: 7 August
Awesome plot , great repetitive gameplay with GOD-LIKE Soundtrack

IF DEVELOPER/S ARE STILL READING THIS , JUST PLEASE

SPOILERS AHEAD , YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I think adding "breaking the door" and " gunshot" sound to final speech will be a good idea
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Ethan
( 8.6 hrs on record )
Posted: 7 August
You could see people's porn folder. 10/10
Helpful? Yes No Funny
Most Helpful Reviews  In the past 30 days
47 of 48 people (98%) found this review helpful
35 people found this review funny
Recommended
8.7 hrs on record
Posted: 13 July
Linux tutorial - with a plot.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
29 of 33 people (88%) found this review helpful
38 people found this review funny
Recommended
3.5 hrs on record
Posted: 27 July
Hacked a hacker that went too far
Got rid of some of the stuff he took
Got hacked by him
Sent email to the people I was helping
Got hacked
Typed in OpenCDTray
Actually opened my CD tray
Had a heart attack
10/10 would open CD tray again
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
19 of 24 people (79%) found this review helpful
12 people found this review funny
Recommended
15.1 hrs on record
Posted: 14 July
I wrote a long passionate email to the developer explaining why I loved the game... so yeah.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
11 of 11 people (100%) found this review helpful
Recommended
6.5 hrs on record
Posted: 20 July
I think of Hacknet as a spiritual successor to Uplink, it has a good blend of fresh ideas and features borrowed from Uplink. When I compare the two, I view Hacknet as the more realistic game, whereas Uplink is more Hollywood styled.

Hacknet features real Linux/UNIX commands, as well as real port numbers, Port 21 for FTP, Port 22 for SSH, 1433 for SQL etc. Now playing this won't teach you how to hack but it kind of gives you an idea of how it works, each system has a set number of ports that have to be open before you an crack it. Some of the later game systems have Proxy servers and Firewalls. Proxies can be overcome by opening a shell on 3-4 computers and telling them to spam it with junk traffic and data, meaning that it will allow unchecked traffic through, whereas Firewalls take a bit more time, you have to analyse it and doing so will reveal some characters, once you think you've got it you type SOLVE [FIREWALL SOLUTION] and it will check to see if it matches.

Some tools can be run while a Proxy is up, but not while a Firewall is active and some can't be run with a Proxy active but they work while a Firewall is up.
Each tool has it's own visual effect while it works and they're all beautifly done. My favorites being PortHack and SQL_Mem_Corrupt.

The game is a bit more linear compared to Uplink, in Hacknet you're forced into the story as soon as the game begins, whereas with Uplink the story kicks in a couple of weeks into the game after some freelance work.

Hacknet has some intresting things to search for though, certain documents such as IRC logs are pretty funny.

Overall though I'd say it's worth the buy, espiecally due to it getting a free multiplayer and some DLC content later in the year. And the soundtrack fits the game extremely well.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
11 of 12 people (92%) found this review helpful
4 people found this review funny
Recommended
18.3 hrs on record
Posted: 16 July
Immersive game with a great story and a hooking OST that knows just when to kick in (sometimes it slips in all honesty)
Great game if you're up for a little (lot of) typing and clicking around.


**HARDMODE**
If you've beaten the game and want a new challenge (that's probably impossible).
- Start new game
Immediately, In console:
>> ps
kill <tutorial id>
connect 1 #Invalid IP to connect you to yourself
cd /sys/
mv x-server.sys HARDMODE_x-server.sys
reboot -i (or execute ForkBomb, if you're edgy)
You are now in Terminal Mode. You don't get the interface! (I've done little to no testing, I doubt you can check personal emails.)
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
4 of 4 people (100%) found this review helpful
1 person found this review funny
Recommended
6.1 hrs on record
Posted: 27 July
Amazing niche game that actually fits, and plays well!

The problem with many of these "hacking games" that I've played, is that they make everything seem automatic and doable from a smartphone (*cough*watch_dogs*cough*), and this game actualy makes it seem urgent, and difficult. Which... is you know... a good thing in thise case.

I only wish some evolving or dynamic components were in the game, and harsher penalties for failure ("Game Over, load your save"). That's just me, though.

All in all, if you enjoy computers, technical crap, and awesome music, BUY THIS GAME.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful
Recommended
8.7 hrs on record
Posted: 8 August
This game was a lot of fun to play through! Not only does it have an intriguing interface where everything is pretty much done through command prompts, there's also lots of side plots to discover if you go searching through the various computers you hack. Definitely recommended.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful
1 person found this review funny
Recommended
16.0 hrs on record
Posted: 7 August
Awesome plot , great repetitive gameplay with GOD-LIKE Soundtrack

IF DEVELOPER/S ARE STILL READING THIS , JUST PLEASE

SPOILERS AHEAD , YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I think adding "breaking the door" and " gunshot" sound to final speech will be a good idea
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
4 of 6 people (67%) found this review helpful
4 people found this review funny
Recommended
14.6 hrs on record
Posted: 25 July
Alright scrubs, this is how it works. Get this game, try it out. If you enjoy it, keep it and get hyped for the DLC late 2016. If you don't like it, refund. Heck, do what I did and pirate it, just delete it when you've decided if you like it or not. And then buy it.

+ Immersive
+ Gives you 'that hacker feeling'
+ Killer tunes
+ Literally Uplink 2.0
+ Gets you arrested at airports
+ Plenty of easter eggs to find
- A 'bit' short (puns for days)
- Can get somewhat repetitive after a while
- Some bugs, nothing truly gamebreaking

Should mention, the game does contain some adult language. I'll leave it up to the reader to decide whether that's good or bad.

All in all, I've enjoyed my time with Hacknet. Every last one of my [HOURS ON PROFILE + 10] hours with the game. Thumbs up from me, for what little that's worth.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful
Recommended
10.1 hrs on record
Posted: 11 July
Cool aesthetics, interesting challenges, occasionally non-linear.
Worthy successor to Uplink!
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny