Hacknet Analysis on Niklas Notes

Hacknet

Game

(released 9 years ago)

Team Fractal Alligator

Fellow Traveller

TL;DR

It is a terminal-based hacking simulator that immerses players in the world of hacking through real UNIX commands. Players unravel a mystery surrounding a deceased hacker while navigating a persistent virtual environment. In the Labyrinths expansion, players join a team of elite hackers for new heists and tools.

View on Steam

Genres:

Crime

Detective

Education

Tags:

Indie

Sci-fi

Education

Adventure

Simulation

Detective

Crime

Hacking

Singleplayer

Choices Matter

Atmospheric

Cyberpunk

Story Rich

Logic

Great Soundtrack

Difficult

Dystopian

Programming

Typing

Likely Inspirations:

Deus Ex

Hackers

System Shock

Uplink

Watch Dogs

Steam Review Analysis – Total (updated Mar 19, 2025, 4:13 PM)

Disclaimer: This analysis is independently conducted and is not affiliated with Valve or Steam.

Review Summary - 24,959

93%

Very Positive

23369

1590

0% Primarily Play on Deck

Playtime Statistics

Playtime Overview

Estimated Playthrough Time

12.07 hrs

Min Playtime

0.08 hrs

15th Percentile

3.73 hrs

Median Playtime

11.18 hrs

85th Percentile

28.20 hrs

Max Playtime

946.40 hrs

Conclusion

Overall, players highly appreciate Hacknet for its engaging gameplay, great soundtrack, and user-friendly learning curve, while some express concerns about technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and the lack of realism in its hacking simulation. The game successfully immerses players in a fun hacking experience, though it may not satisfy those seeking a realistic portrayal of hacking. Additionally, the intriguing storyline and visual style contribute positively to the overall player experience.

Strongly Positive

Engaging Gameplay

Players find the gameplay to be immersive and enjoyable, simulating the experience of hacking effectively.

~53%

Great Soundtrack

The game's soundtrack is frequently praised for enhancing the overall experience.

~3%

Positive

User-Friendly Learning Curve

The game is noted for its accessible learning curve, making it suitable for both newcomers and experienced players.

~4%

Intriguing Storyline

Players appreciate the engaging narrative that accompanies the gameplay.

~3%

Fun Hacking Experience

The game provides a fun and entertaining take on hacking, appealing to a wide audience.

~2%

Complexity and Depth

Players appreciate the game's complexity, which adds depth to the hacking experience.

~2%

Replayability

Many players mention the game's high replay value, encouraging them to return for more.

~1%

Visual Style

The game's visual presentation is often described as stylish and appealing.

~1%

Neutral / Mixed Opinions

Negative

Technical Issues

Some players report technical problems, such as bugs and performance issues, affecting their experience.

~3%

Lack of Realism

Critics mention that the game does not accurately represent real-world hacking, which may disappoint some players.

~2%

Repetitive Gameplay

Some players express concerns about the repetitive nature of certain tasks in the game.

~1%

Confusing Guidance

Players mention that the game's instructions can sometimes be unclear, leading to frustration.

~1%

Strongly Negative

This analysis is powered by OpenAI’s language models and may occasionally contain inaccuracies. For the most precise details, please consult the reviews directly on the official Steam store page.

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Game	Impact	Score	Reviews	Type	Age
Hacknet				Game	9Y
Hacknet - Labyrinths				DLC	8Y