Games like TIS-100

A puzzle game where players rewrite assembly code to repair a parallel computer. It features competitive optimization and sandbox creation with an 80s computer manual aesthetic.

97% positive from 2,588 · 2015 · Steam Deck Unsupported · $6.99 $3.49 -50% · Lowest ever $1.74 (2018-10-10)

Programming PuzzleIndieSimulationDifficultHacking

Six games like TIS-100

EXAPUNKS

96% positive from 1,380 reviews2018Deck Playable

Open-ended programming puzzle game where you write viruses to hack systems. Features competitive hacking and user-created puzzles.

What players likedPlayers praise EXAPUNKS as a challenging yet accessible puzzle game, comparable to Opus Magnum, that teaches programming and problem-solving.

The catchRules sit in an external manual you must alt tab to read, and tutorials barely teach.

Both are tagged Hacking, Programming and Puzzle.

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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 Hacking, Programming and Simulation.

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Quadrilateral Cowboy

92% positive from 1,002 reviews201623% finish itDeck Playable

This is a first-person cyberpunk adventure game where players hack security systems using a command-line interface to complete heists. It offers player choice in approach and features unique cybernetic tools.

What players likedPlayers praise its unique hacking puzzles and highly interactable environments, offering creative freedom akin to an immersive sim.

The catchYears old bugs break the hacking deck and crash the game, and are still unfixed.

Both are tagged Hacking, Programming and Indie.

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SHENZHEN I/O

95% positive from 2,251 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, Difficult and Puzzle.

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SpaceChem

95% positive from 1,926 reviews2011

A design-based puzzle game where players build factories to synthesize chemicals. It features complex problem-solving and strategic optimization.

What players likedPlayers describe SpaceChem as a challenging puzzle game akin to programming or Factorio, praised for its rewarding depth.

The catchThe interface is clunky and the game barely explains its own mechanics.

Both are tagged Programming, Difficult and Puzzle.

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CaseCracker

90% positive from 3,383 reviews202234% finish itDeck Playable

A detective simulation game where players actively search a database for clues to solve interconnected cases. It features a fragmented deduction system and requires thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

What players likedPlayers praise the engrossing, text-based investigations that feel like a satisfying wiki walk, where clues intertwine and logic is key.

The catchClue entry only accepts one exact phrase, so you get stuck guessing wording.

Both are tagged Hacking, Puzzle and Simulation.

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More like this: Puzzle Programming Difficult

More about TIS-100

What players liked

Players say it's like old-school programming or puzzles, and they praise its ability to teach assembly language.

The catch

There is no in game tutorial, so learning the system means reading an external manual.

Reviews: 97% positive from 2,588
Released: 2015
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Unsupported
Price: $6.99 $3.49 -50% · Lowest ever $1.74 (2018-10-10)
Play: Single-player

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 97% positive, but with 2,588 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

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