VGSources / Games / Zachtronics
adventure video game
Exapunks
By Zachtronics, released 1 Jan 2018
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- macOS
- programming game
What it is
EXAPUNKS is an open-ended programming puzzle game from Zachtronics, released in 2018 for Windows, macOS and Linux. Players write programs for EXAs, or Execution Agents, to move through networks and carry out tasks such as copying themselves, deleting files and dealing with other agents. The game frames these puzzles around hacking targets ranging from banks and factories to game consoles and highway signs. An in-game magazine provides tutorials, tips and story material. Beyond its puzzles, players can compete by running programs against friends, play in-world games, or create networks of their own and share them through Steam Workshop. The Steam listing also includes a level editor, achievements, leaderboards, Steam Cloud and Family Sharing. EXAPUNKS is listed as single-player, though its program battles provide a competitive option involving friends.
What players like, and what they don't
- Program EXAs to solve network challenges
- Includes tutorials through an in-game magazine
- Create and share networks on Steam Workshop
- Program battles let friends compete
- Listed for Windows, macOS and Linux only
- No price is listed
Who it suits
It suits players who enjoy programming puzzles and building solutions for network-based challenges. The editor, Workshop sharing and program battles may interest players who want to create puzzles or compare programs.
EXAPUNKS combines programming puzzles with tools for making and sharing networks. Players can also run programs against friends, alongside its listed single-player play.
