Terminal-first gameplay
Use commands like ls, cd, cat, grep, and more to inspect the world and solve puzzles.
A quiet ops shift. A suspicious login. Then the pager screams.
HackMeNow
–
terminal-style
hacking puzzle
game
HackMeNow is a cyber-narrative puzzle game where you solve missions through a simulated Linux-style terminal. Read logs, follow clues, avoid traps, decode secrets, and prove you can think like an operator.
social-ops@hackmenow:~
What is HackMeNow?
A hacking puzzle game built around commands, clues, and pressure.
HackMeNow drops you into a fictional Linux-like environment where every level teaches something: command-line thinking, log analysis, pattern recognition, filesystem navigation, basic security concepts, process awareness, and careful problem solving.
It is not about real-world exploitation. It is about learning how technical systems feel: noisy logs, misleading paths, hidden files, fake services, suspicious processes, and puzzles that reward patience.
Features
Built for players who like solving things properly.
Cyber-narrative structure
Each level builds a wider story about systems, watchers, sigils, hidden doors, and the cost of noisy actions.
15 levels completed
The full level set is complete, with progression from beginner-friendly terminal tasks to more advanced puzzle synthesis.
Linux-style learning
Learn by doing. Commands are part of the game, not a boring tutorial page.
Fake systems, real thinking
The environments are fictional and safe, but the thinking style feels familiar to anyone who has worked with real systems.
Replayable clues
Logs, files, hints, and hidden messages create a puzzle flow that rewards observation over button mashing.
Playable demos
Try the HackMeNow side missions.
HackMeNow Demo
Open the HackMeNow browser demo in a new window and get a quick taste of the terminal-style puzzle flow.
Open DemoPython Chaos
A separate HackMeNow web mini-game inspired by rule-based puzzle chaos and code-brained frustration.
Open Python ChaosPoker Lab
An interactive Texas Hold'em learning lab for practising hands, understanding poker rules, and building your decision-making skills.
Open Poker LabTrailer
See the terminal come alive.
Launch Giveaway · Entries Closed
Thank you to our launch giveaway sponsors: NordVPN, NordPass, Saily and Incogni.
Our HackMeNow community giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered and to NordVPN, NordPass, Saily and Incogni for supporting the promotion. Winner selection is complete; the announcement will follow after recipients have been contacted.
Six prize bundles
Six selected recipients are eligible for a prize bundle including 1-year access to NordVPN, NordPass and Incogni, plus 1GB of Saily data.
Entries now closed
The entry window has ended. Thank you for taking part! You can still follow HackMeNow and support its upcoming release by wishlisting on Steam.
Winner update coming soon
Winner selection is complete. We'll notify recipients by email first and share the public announcement after confirmation.
Prize bundle includes
- 1-year NordVPN subscription
- 1-year NordPass subscription
- 1-year Incogni subscription
- 1GB Saily data
Giveaway status
- Entry period closed
- Winner selection complete
- Recipients contacted by email
- Public announcement to follow
The completed giveaway was sponsored by NordVPN, NordPass, Saily and Incogni and was separate from Kickstarter reward tiers. No purchase was necessary. Supporting HackMeNow did not increase an entrant's chances of winning.
Sponsor Opportunity
Put your brand inside a hacking game players actually interact with.
A normal ad campaign gives you a moment. HackMeNow can give your brand a permanent place inside a terminal-style hacking puzzle game built for sysadmins, Linux fans, cybersecurity learners, IT professionals, and tech gamers.
Beyond a YouTube mention
A video sponsorship is seen once, then buried by the algorithm. In-game placement keeps working through every new player, replay, stream, screenshot, walkthrough, and future sale.
Right audience
HackMeNow speaks directly to technical people: infrastructure admins, Linux users, cybersecurity learners, developers, privacy-aware users, and gamers who already understand tools, security, and software.
Native placement
Sponsorship can appear as an in-game company, terminal message, sponsored level element, fictional tool, training partner, website placement, or campaign credit.
Traditional campaign
- Short exposure window
- Audience may skip the ad
- Visibility fades after launch
- Limited replay value
HackMeNow sponsorship
- Persistent in-game visibility
- Contextual tech and security audience
- Appears in replays and walkthroughs
- Can become part of the game world
Contact
Want to talk about HackMeNow?
Questions, feedback, press, or anything HackMeNow-related? Send a message here.