Hacknet

The main pros of the game

• Immersive Experience: Players feel like real hackers due to the terminal-based gameplay and realistic command-line interface, which enhances the immersion.
• Engaging Story: The narrative is captivating, with many players expressing emotional connections to the plot and characters, particularly the mystery surrounding the deceased hacker, Bit.
• Accessibility: The game is designed to be friendly for newcomers to hacking, requiring no prior knowledge of cybersecurity or programming. Tutorials are effective in guiding players.
• Replay Value: The game offers a variety of Easter eggs, hidden quests, and community-created extensions, providing additional content and replayability.
• Good Soundtrack: The music, including contributions from notable artists, is well-received and adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.

The main cons of the game

• Repetitive Gameplay: Many players noted that the core gameplay loop can become monotonous, as it often involves executing similar commands repeatedly across missions.
• Limited Challenge: Some users felt the game lacked challenging puzzles, making it less engaging for those seeking a more complex experience.
• Performance Issues on Mac: Players with Macs, especially those with M chips, reported frequent crashes and performance problems, leading to disappointment.
• Cluttered Navigation: The in-game netMap can become cluttered and difficult to manage as players progress, which can hinder gameplay.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Advanced Hacking Mechanics: Some players wished for more depth in hacking mechanics, such as mini-games or varied exploits to enhance engagement.
• Improved UI for NetMap: Users expressed a desire for a more organized and manageable netMap to keep track of connections more easily.
• Multiple Save States: The ability to have multiple save states or checkpoints would help prevent players from losing progress or having to restart the game due to mistakes.
• Updates on Hacking Techniques: Some players suggested that the game could benefit from modernizing its hacking tools and techniques to reflect current cybersecurity practices.

Summary

• Overall, Hacknet is praised for its unique approach to the hacking genre, providing an engaging and immersive experience, albeit with some gameplay limitations and technical issues for certain users.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025