Being a programmer isn’t a specialized skill reserved for those working in IT departments or technology-centric industries. An array of careers require some level of coding prowess to land an entry-level position.
The following free coding games target all ages and experience levels and are designed to help you get started in a number of programming languages.
All games in this list can be played on all major web browsers, except where noted.
CheckiO
Intended for beginners as well as advanced developers, CheckiO tasks you with solving challenges using Python or JavaScript. You’re given the option to sign in with an email address or use your Google, Github, or Facebook account to build a base from which you attack or ward off enemies through programming tasks.
Chrome and Firefox browser add-ons extend the feature set.
Translations are available in several languages.
Community code reviews ensure that you’re on the right track.
The user interface is a bit clunky in some places.
CodeCombat
CodeCombat’s core team joined with hundreds of open-source contributors to create an enjoyable way to learn to program while adventuring through dungeons, forests, mountains, deserts, and other cool landscapes. Learn CoffeeScript, JavaScript, or Python while your character gains experience points and loot, completing mini-quests along the way by writing code in a classic RPG setting.
Well paced, fully absorbing lessons.
Advanced users can build their own levels.
Advanced levels require payment.
In-game tutorials are a bit confusing for newbies.
As you progress, you can unlock advanced areas, ensuring that gameplay never gets tiresome. The CodeCombat classroom edition offers tools for teachers and students, allowing you to monitor progress and become a legitimate programmer even at a young age.
CodinGame
CodinGame’s mini-games are designed to take competent programmers to the next level. It’s a challenge-centric environment where you learn one of over two dozen programming languages, including the major options, as well as lesser-known digital dialects like Dart and F#.
Impressive gamification with job recruitment resources.
So engrossing that you may forget you’re meant to be learning.
We haven’t found any noteworthy cons with CodinGame.
Games include solo and multiplayer turn-based challenges, with the option to participate in leaderboards to get those competitive juices flowing. Whether shooting aliens, racing motorcycles, or trying to make your way through a treacherous maze, CodinGame’s learning methods are addictive and enjoyable.
Codewars
Offering lessons for over 20 programming languages, including PHP, Python, SQL, C++, Java, JavaScript, and Ruby, Codewars takes a unique approach to learning. Students train in a virtual dojo, practicing kata exercises as they strive towards true perfection of their code.
Can be extremely effective in the long term if you stick with it.
Subscribers can interact with others in the Codewars community.
Tough questions are sometimes presented too soon in the learning process.
Can’t create an account until you prove your basic code knowledge.
Qualified programmers can take advantage of the vast lesson library and interact with others in the Codewars community. There are costs associated with these exercises and games. We included Codewars on this list because a fully-functional free trial can be requested through the company’s website.
Elevator Saga
This game requires you to complete individual challenges with a virtual elevator bank, such as transporting 15 people in 60 seconds or less. You’re asked to code the movement of these elevators using JavaScript, employing predefined functions like goToFloor and loadFactor to achieve your goal.
If your code isn’t completely accurate, you’ll fail the challenges.
Only experienced JS coders complete the final challenge.
Not enough feedback provided for JavaScript beginners.
The interface isn’t as flashy as other options on this list.
Robocode
In Robocode, you’re tasked with creating a virtual tank in either Java or another language like C# or Scala, which you then send into real-time battle with other user-generated robots. Essentially, you play the role of an online BattleBots contestant, replacing a soldering iron and steel with identifiers and operators.
You write the artificial intelligence code for a robot and have control over how it behaves.
Must consider what potential opponents have planned for the arena.
Competitions are aimed at lower-level programmers, so seasoned coders have too much of an advantage.
Ruby Warrior
Ruby’s easy-to-read style makes it an ideal language to learn through this type of game. Your knight character ascends a tower rife with peril, including dangerous obstacles and angry enemies, all through the magic of code that you’re tasked with writing.
Accounting for your warrior’s health requires advanced coding solutions for Ruby newbies.
Teaches artificial intelligence lessons so your hero can make their way to the top level.
If you aren’t familiar with Ruby’s basic syntax, you won’t get far in this game.
Swift Playgrounds
Swift Playgrounds is a free iPad and macOS app geared towards teaching the Apple Swift language, which is used to build apps for iOS, macOS, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. Part of the Apple Everyone Can Code initiative, Swift Playgrounds begins with coding fundamentals and works its way up by presenting puzzles and other challenges that can only be solved through programming concepts.
All but eliminates the feeling of being overwhelmed, which is common among new coders.
Can be a great segue into the Apple development world.
Although intended for adults as well as children, Swift’s interface and relatively slow progression suggest otherwise.
Download For:
Tynker
Intended for children 7-years-old and up, Tynker teaches several programming languages, including HTML, JavaScript, Python, and Swift, along with block-based coding. Various code puzzles are offered, as well as fun challenges to create Minecraft skins, mods, mobs, and add-ons.
Hits the mark in kids’ games — feels more like playing than learning.
Play 20 coding games for free before reaching the paywall.
The free version includes all Minecraft skins, mods, add-ons, and access to a free private server.
Some of the help pop-ups are too verbose for the target audience.
Tynker is not as intuitive as it could be, especially considering the target demographic.
Multi-player games are also available, allowing you to pit your programming skills against other junior coders by participating in different activities. Some activities include collecting monsters and training them to win battles or casting spells against your opponents in a four-player arena.
VIM Adventures
An enhanced version of the vi text editor for Linux-based operating systems, vim’s key bindings and multiple modes make it more powerful than a standard notepad-style application or a word processor. Bearing the apt tagline, “Zelda meets text editing,” the game permits cursor key movement but strongly suggests that you use h, j, k, and l instead to simulate the true vim experience.
Nice starting point for anyone unfamiliar with vi or vim.
Used by administrators, programmers, and power users, VIM Adventures takes you through a dungeon-style maze using vim syntax.
A fee is required to learn anything past the basic controls.
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
