Best Programming Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated programming games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free programming games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Auto Rogue
A roguelike where you automate combat. Combine skills and conditions to find your own optimal solution! No complicated controls at all!! Sit back with a coffee and watch the beautiful battles you've crafted unfold! Utilize a variety of skills, conditions, and relics to craft the ultimate build!
JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
Use real Python code to automate machines, robots, drones and more: Program self-driving vehicles; crack passwords; apply machine learning; automate logistics; use image processing to guide missiles. Gain real coding skills and solve exciting bite-sized programming challenges.
Talented
Slay waves of spooky enemies for 20 nights to survive 'The Demonic Conveyor Belt'. Talented is an arcade roguelite with randomly generated skill trees. Choose your upgrades and abilities wisely and you might just make it out alive. Are you truly Talented?
Bioweaver
Bioweaver is an RPG game with the main content of treasure hunting and character building. You can use basic programming logic to deeply customize your skill sets, and you can also create organs with different attributes and functions with the special crafting system.
14 Minesweeper Variants 2
Minesweeper but the rules are changing, again.
Arctic Eggs
Eggs: perfection in two parts. The simple whites. The sublime yolk. Each the lesser without its partner. Chorus and verse. A symphony of flavor. The catchy tune reminding us of warm baths and late-night movies. The elevator music to whatever lies beyond.
Braid, Anniversary Edition
Control the flow of time to solve puzzles in this new version of the indie classic, featuring fully repainted artwork, a new world of puzzles, and seriously in-depth commentary.
Rogue Voltage
The engineering roguelike. Construct your combos by wiring circuits. Build crazy machines to zap the monsters and trigger satisfying chain reactions.
Anonymous Hacker Simulator
Step into the shoes of a skilled Anonymous hacker and embark on a mission to unveil the truth hidden behind a sinister organization's plans to monitor civilian data and enforce mass surveillance.
Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
You land on a frozen planet in a tiny rocket with a robot inside. Harvest and combine materials to discover new ones. Use visual programming to make the robot do the tiresome work for you. Slowly build a gang of self-sustaining robot workers and watch them terraform the planet.
TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements.
Resonite
Enter a novel digital universe with infinite possibilities. Whether you resonate with people around the world in a casual conversation, playing games and socializing or you riff off each other when creating anything from art to programming complex games, you'll find your place here.
Desynced
Desynced is a sci-fi strategy game with fully customizable units and behaviors. Gather, build, research, and explore the unknown. Alone or with friends, unveil the mystery of an AI on the edge of self-awareness and uncover the hidden truth in this blend of strategy, automation, and exploration.
Word Factori
Word Factori is a word-building game where your only resource is the letter "i". Build a chain of factories to bend, rotate, reflect, and merge "i" into more complex letters. Discover secret letter recipes, unlock hidden word art, and optimize your factory chains for high scores.
Stone Story RPG
An auto-RPG with strategic combat, deep crafting and programming elements, animated entirely in ASCII-art. In a realm of perpetual darkness, a single stone could change everything...
Mad Games Tycoon 2
Start your own game development studio in 1976. Build your own offices, production facilities and server rooms. Develop the games of your dreams and produce the next next-gen console. Rise from a small garage company to a huge corporation.
The Farmer Was Replaced
Program and optimize a drone to automate a farm and watch it do the work for you. Collect resources to unlock better technology and become the most efficient farmer in the world. Improve your problem solving and coding skills.
Juno: New Origins
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode.
Retro Gadgets
Retro Gadgets is a sandbox where you build, code, and customize gadgets inspired by old-school electronics.
CRUMB Circuit Simulator
Powerful Realtime 3D Electronic Circuit Simulator
Most played programming games on Steam
Take a look at the top programming games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of July 12th 2025.
1. Bitburner
Bitburner is a programming-based incremental game. Write scripts in JavaScript to automate gameplay, learn skills, play minigames, solve puzzles, and more in this cyberpunk text-based incremental RPG. Bitburner is a programming, idler and automation game developed by Fulcrum Games, Hydroflame and over 250 github contributors and published by Fulcrum Games. Released on December 10th 2021 has received 6,661 reviews of which 6,337 were positive and 324 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played programming game, thanks to its 398 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
6,337
324
398
players
2. Turing Complete
Learn CPU architecture with puzzles Turing Complete is a programming, logic and education game developed and published by LevelHead. Released on October 02nd 2021 has received 4,011 reviews of which 3,862 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played programming games.
9.3
3,862
149
97
players
3. Auto Rogue
A roguelike where you automate combat. Combine skills and conditions to find your own optimal solution! No complicated controls at all!! Sit back with a coffee and watch the beautiful battles you've crafted unfold! Utilize a variety of skills, conditions, and relics to craft the ultimate build! Auto Rogue is a rogue-like, programming and automation game developed and published by 定期的な宝物. Released on May 23rd 2025 has received 339 reviews of which 318 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played programming games.
8.6
318
21
91
players
4. Autonauts
In Autonauts you must build, create, and automate. Start by establishing a colony, crafting bots and teaching them via Scratch-style programming to build an ever evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment. Autonauts is a simulation, programming and automation game developed by Denki and published by Curve Games. Released on October 17th 2019 has received 4,785 reviews of which 4,283 were positive and 502 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played programming games.
8.6
4,283
502
62
players
5. Opus Magnum
Opus Magnum is the latest open-ended puzzle game from Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem, Infinifactory, and SHENZHEN I/O. Design and build machines that assemble potions, poisons, and more using the alchemical engineer’s most advanced tool: the transmutation engine! Opus Magnum is a puzzle, programming and automation game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on December 07th 2017 has received 6,001 reviews of which 5,848 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played programming games.
9.4
5,848
153
61
players
6. SHENZHEN I/O
BUILD CIRCUITS. WRITE CODE. RTFM. SHENZHEN I/O is a programming, automation and puzzle game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on November 17th 2016 has received 4,163 reviews of which 3,958 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played programming games.
9.1
3,958
205
58
players
7. Stone Story RPG
An auto-RPG with strategic combat, deep crafting and programming elements, animated entirely in ASCII-art. In a realm of perpetual darkness, a single stone could change everything... Stone Story RPG is a rpg, adventure and casual game developed by Martian Rex and standardcombo and published by Martian Rex and indienova. Released on July 26th 2023 has received 930 reviews of which 850 were positive and 80 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played programming games.
8.6
850
80
57
players
8. Hacknet
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. Hacknet is a hacking, simulation and programming game developed by Team Fractal Alligator and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on August 12th 2015 has received 25,115 reviews of which 23,511 were positive and 1,604 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played programming games.
9.2
23,511
1,604
55
players
9. Juno: New Origins
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode. Juno: New Origins is a building, science and space sim game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 3,118 reviews of which 2,807 were positive and 311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played programming games.
8.7
2,807
311
54
players
10. The Farmer Was Replaced
Program and optimize a drone to automate a farm and watch it do the work for you. Collect resources to unlock better technology and become the most efficient farmer in the world. Improve your problem solving and coding skills. The Farmer Was Replaced is a programming, automation and idler game developed and published by Timon Herzog. Released on February 10th 2023 has received 1,543 reviews of which 1,496 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played programming games.
9.2
1,496
47
49
players
Best deals on programming games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of programming games available on Steam right now, updated on July 12th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted programming games.
1. Juno: New Origins
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode. Juno: New Origins is a building, science and space sim game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 3,118 reviews of which 2,807 were positive and 311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for programming category.
8.7
2,807
311
-98%
19.50€
0.58€
2. Autonauts
In Autonauts you must build, create, and automate. Start by establishing a colony, crafting bots and teaching them via Scratch-style programming to build an ever evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment. Autonauts is a simulation, programming and automation game developed by Denki and published by Curve Games. Released on October 17th 2019 has received 4,785 reviews of which 4,283 were positive and 502 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in programming games.
8.6
4,283
502
-98%
19.99€
0.45€
3. Hacknet
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. Hacknet is a hacking, simulation and programming game developed by Team Fractal Alligator and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on August 12th 2015 has received 25,115 reviews of which 23,511 were positive and 1,604 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in programming games.
9.2
23,511
1,604
-96%
9.75€
0.48€
4. EXAPUNKS
The year is 1997. You used to be a hacker, but now you have the phage. You made a deal: one hack, one dose. There’s nothing left to lose… except your life. EXAPUNKS is a programming, puzzle and hacking game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on October 22nd 2018 has received 1,766 reviews of which 1,676 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for programming games.
9.0
1,676
90
-96%
19.50€
0.95€
5. Human Resource Machine
Program little office workers to solve puzzles. Be a good employee! The machines are coming... for your job. From the creators of World of Goo and Little Inferno. Human Resource Machine is a programming, puzzle and indie game developed and published by Tomorrow Corporation. Released on October 15th 2015 has received 4,408 reviews of which 4,137 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for programming games.
9.0
4,137
271
-95%
14.79€
0.81€
6. TIS-100
TIS-100 is an open-ended programming game by Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem and Infinifactory, in which you rewrite corrupted code segments to repair the TIS-100 and unlock its secrets. It’s the assembly language programming game you never asked for! TIS-100 is a programming, puzzle and indie game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on July 20th 2015 has received 3,876 reviews of which 3,750 were positive and 126 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for programming games.
9.3
3,750
126
-88%
6.89€
0.89€
7. 7 Billion Humans
Automate swarms of office workers to solve puzzles inside your very own parallel computer made of people. A thrilling followup to the award winning Human Resource Machine. Now with more humans! 7 Billion Humans is a programming, puzzle and indie game developed and published by Tomorrow Corporation. Released on August 23rd 2018 has received 1,952 reviews of which 1,829 were positive and 123 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for programming games.
8.9
1,829
123
-86%
14.79€
2.08€
8. MOLEK-SYNTEZ
Use the MOLEK-SYNTEZ to create small molecules with various pharmacological effects from the comfort of your small Romanian apartment. MOLEK-SYNTEZ is a simulation, puzzle and programming game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on November 19th 2019 has received 642 reviews of which 570 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for programming games.
8.3
570
72
-81%
9.75€
1.86€
9. SpaceChem
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products! SpaceChem is a puzzle, difficult and programming game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on March 02nd 2011 has received 4,992 reviews of which 4,605 were positive and 387 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 78% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for programming games.
8.9
4,605
387
-78%
9.75€
2.19€
10. Opus Magnum
Opus Magnum is the latest open-ended puzzle game from Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem, Infinifactory, and SHENZHEN I/O. Design and build machines that assemble potions, poisons, and more using the alchemical engineer’s most advanced tool: the transmutation engine! Opus Magnum is a puzzle, programming and automation game developed and published by Zachtronics. Released on December 07th 2017 has received 6,001 reviews of which 5,848 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 71% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for programming games.
9.4
5,848
153
-71%
19.50€
5.70€
Free programming games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play programming games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on July 12th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play programming games.
1. Bitburner
Bitburner is a programming-based incremental game. Write scripts in JavaScript to automate gameplay, learn skills, play minigames, solve puzzles, and more in this cyberpunk text-based incremental RPG. Bitburner is a programming, idler and automation game developed by Fulcrum Games, Hydroflame and over 250 github contributors and published by Fulcrum Games. Released on December 10th 2021 has received 6,661 reviews of which 6,337 were positive and 324 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 398 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free programming games on Steam.
9.2
6,337
324
398
players
2. Space Travel Idle
If you ever dreamed of exploring space at a relaxed pace, here's a journey designed for you. Space Travel Idle is a early access, card battler and programming game developed by Ayatsuji_San and published by Spaceive. Released on September 22nd 2020 has received 529 reviews of which 335 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free programming games on Steam.
6.1
335
194
32
players
3. Glitchspace
Glitchspace is about reprogramming the game to solve puzzles. Trapped in an abstract cyberspace world, your way forward uses visual programming to edit environmental geometry, whilst unlocking key programming concepts along the way. Glitchspace is a programming, indie and puzzle game developed and published by Space Budgie. Released on May 05th 2016 has received 366 reviews of which 267 were positive and 99 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free programming games on Steam.
6.9
267
99
1
players