Games like Screeps: World

86% positive from 2,081 reviewsReleased 2016Steam Deck Unsupported

What it is

MMO strategy sandbox where players code JavaScript AI to control persistent units for resource management and territorial conquest. It offers a strategic, automated gameplay experience for programmers.

What players liked

It's like a strategy game where you win by coding, praised for its deep, free-form system maintenance.

The catch

The native client carried a code execution exploit the devs dismissed for years.

Why it is here

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 86% positive, but with 2,081 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Screeps: World on Steam

More like this: Sandbox Massively Multiplayer Programming Open World

Six games like Screeps: World

Grey Hack

90% positive from 1,837 reviews2017Deck Playable

Multiplayer hacking simulator with a persistent world. Players use real UNIX commands and exploits to explore and manipulate procedurally generated networks.

What players likedPlayers praise Grey Hack as a realistic hacking sandbox, unlike puzzle games, that teaches systems thinking and red teaming.

The catchSteep learning curve; assumes coding and Linux knowledge

Both are tagged Programming, Massively Multiplayer and Simulation.

Games like Grey Hack →

Desynced

80% positive from 1,989 reviews20260% finish itDeck Playable

Desynced is an automation strategy game where you build and manage drone logistics to survive on an alien planet. It features deep customization and scripting for a unique automation experience.

What players likedPlayers praise its unique automation programming and puzzle-solving, comparing it to RTS games and dynamic puzzle scripts.

The catchThe tutorial and documentation explain almost nothing about the core scripting systems.

Both are tagged Programming, Sandbox and Strategy.

Games like Desynced →

The Farmer Was Replaced

95% positive from 3,951 reviews20251% finish itDeck Playable

A programming simulation game where you automate farming with Python-like code. The core loop involves writing scripts to manage resources and unlock technology.

What players likedPlayers praise it as a fun, satisfying, and addictive programming puzzle game, akin to learning Python fundamentals with visual feedback.

The catchquickly turns into an idle waiting game

Both are tagged Programming, Logic and Strategy.

Games like The Farmer Was Replaced →

Infinifactory

95% positive from 1,789 reviews20152% finish itDeck Playable

A 3D first-person factory building sandbox puzzle game. Players design and optimize assembly lines for alien overlords.

The catchLater puzzles grow long and tedious rather than cleverer

Both are tagged Programming, Sandbox and Simulation.

Games like Infinifactory →

Opus Magnum

97% positive from 3,557 reviews201714% finish itDeck Playable

Opus Magnum is an open-ended puzzle game where players design alchemical machines. It features a core loop of programming arms and tracks to transmute elements, offering a challenging and creative experience.

What players likedPlayers praise this Zachtronics game as a programming-like puzzle experience with endless optimization and high replayability.

The catchThe editor lacks copy-paste and step-by-step rewind, making solutions tedious to debug.

Both are tagged Programming, Logic and Simulation.

Games like Opus Magnum →

SHENZHEN I/O

95% positive from 2,229 reviews20162% finish itDeck Playable

A circuit design and assembly programming puzzle game. Players build and code devices with a challenging, technical feel.

What players likedPlayers praise the challenging, satisfying puzzles and the engaging solitaire minigame, reminiscent of real-world engineering.

The catchThere is no in-game tutorial, just a 47 page PDF manual you must read first.

Both are tagged Programming, Logic and Simulation.

Games like SHENZHEN I/O →

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