Hack

Delve deep, retrieve the Amulet of Yendor, and die gloriously.

gameRoguelike / Roguelite shooter role-playing fantasy

Visit Website

Our Verdict

Best for

Fans of classic ASCII roguelikes seeking deep strategic replay

Skip if

Gamers who prefer modern graphics or easy onboarding

What is Hack?

Hack is a classic single‑player roguelike where you explore a procedurally generated dungeon, battling monsters and managing scarce resources. Your goal is to recover the Amulet of Yendor and amass as many points as possible before you inevitably perish. The game features a variety of character classes, a rich inventory of weapons, armor, potions, scrolls, rings, and wands, and a host of monsters ranging from bats to dragons. Food, weight limits, and traps add constant pressure, while special rooms like shops, vaults, and crypts provide strategic opportunities.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

developerJay Fenlason

age ratingPEGI 3, ESRB E

multiplayerSingle player

release date1984-01-17

Key Features of Hack

Turn‑based combat lets you plan each move against a wide range of monsters.

Each dungeon level is generated anew, ensuring a unique experience every run.

Food scarcity and weight limits force careful inventory management.

Gold and gems you carry at death increase your final score but add encumbrance.

A large assortment of items—scrolls, wands, rings, potions—interact in complex ways.

Special rooms such as shops, vaults, and crypts provide strategic choices.

The ultimate quest is to retrieve the Amulet of Yendor from the depths of Hell.

Scoring is based on experience, treasure, and the manner of your demise.

Use Cases for Hack

High‑Score Runs

Compete for the highest score by optimizing treasure and death timing.

Class Experimentation

Try different starting classes like Wizard or Cavewoman to discover varied playstyles.

Item Synergy Exploration

Experiment with scrolls, wands, and rings to uncover powerful combinations.

Survival Challenge

Focus on food and weight management to survive as long as possible.

Pros & Cons of Hack

Pros

Deep strategic depth despite simple graphics
Endless replayability via procedural generation
Rich variety of monsters and items
High score system rewards creative deaths

Cons

Steep learning curve for new players
ASCII interface may deter modern gamers
Limited accessibility features

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hack still actively developed?

No, Hack is a historic game released in 1984 and is maintained only by the community.

What platforms can I play Hack on?

Hack runs on PC, Linux, and macOS systems that support its original Unix code.

Do I need an internet connection?

No, Hack is a fully offline single‑player experience.

Can I save my game?

Yes, the game allows you to save and restore progress at any point.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a Review See all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Games

View all alternatives & similar games→

Delver

AI-suggested

Delver puts you in the shoes of a lone adventurer diving into dark, randomly generated dungeons. Fight monsters, collect loot, and chase the mysterious Yithidian Orb while the pixel‑art world swarms with danger. Each run offers fresh layouts, enemies, and treasure, making every descent a new challenge. The game blends fast first‑person combat with classic hack‑and‑slash action for a tight, replayable experience.

Compare with Hack

Amulet of Yendor

AI-suggested

Amulet of Yendor is a pioneering turn‑based roguelike released in 1985. Players explore randomly generated dungeons, battle monsters, and collect items in a quest to retrieve the fabled Amulet of Yendor. The game’s simple ASCII graphics and deep strategic gameplay have made it a lasting favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its open‑source nature allows endless community‑driven enhancements while preserving the original challenge and charm.

Compare with Hack

NetHack

AI-suggested

NetHack is a single-player roguelike video game first released in 1987 with iconic ASCII graphics. It challenges players to explore randomly generated dungeons, battling monsters and solving puzzles. Choose from a variety of races and classes, manage a deep inventory system, and strive to retrieve the legendary Amulet of Yendor. Its turn‑based gameplay and permadeath create a demanding yet rewarding experience for fans of classic fantasy adventures.

Compare with Hack

Dungeon Repeater

AI-suggested

Dungeon Repeater is a game where you explore dungeons and repeat the process to progress. The game features procedurally generated dungeons, offering a unique experience each time you play.

Compare with Hack