Have you ever read sci-fi books that envisioned the world becoming a digital utopia around this decade? The reality isn’t quite as glamourized – however, we are getting there as machine learning and AI technology is advancing like no other. In retrospect, learning to program is the trend now, and there are tons of free coding games that make it a fun experience.
Let’s be honest – programming as a beginner can be daunting. While it’s thrilling to see your first program run successfully, many people struggle to apply programming concepts to real problems. That said, there’s an abundance of resources to learn programming on your own from scratch and challenge yourself in several ways to grow skills.
Free Coding Games for Beginners
Many believe that the best way to learn anything is to think of it as a game where you need to keep conquering quests. This was probably the mindset when people were developing these 15 free coding games to learn to program for beginners, which we talk about below.
01. Vim Adventures
Key Features
- Uses puzzles to teach users the application of Vim commands and shortcuts.
- It comes with a Zelda-like interface that makes learning fun and interesting.
- Vim key mapping feature lets users customize shortcuts to invoke frequently used actions.
- One can simply use the keyboard to play the 13-level game, with the plot building up as they get to higher levels.
02. Code Combat
Key Features
- Lets users choose the language they want to learn, such as Python, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, Lua, and more.
- Google Classroom integration lets educators around the globe connect with users in an organized way.
- Text-based coding allows beginners to experience actual coding environments for gameplay.
- Clever integration allows educators and parents to stay connected with the user’s progress for K-12 students.
03. Blockly Games
Key Features
- The game is 100% client-side, so it is highly secure and does not waste memory resources.
- It is great for beginners of any age who wish to learn the basics of JavaScript.
- One can run the game smoothly on any device and browser and log in to access their data.
- The game is highly customizable and extensible, so educators around the globe can pair it up with any curriculum.
04. CheckiO
Key Features
- Course instructors can see class progress with a single click and follow students’ work processes.
- It comes with an internal search engine for finding specific solutions if you aren’t happy with progressive hints.
- All CheckiO missions are Github-friendly, so users can customize or create their own missions starting with level 9.
- PyCharm and WebStorm integration let users dive into real problem solving, even as beginners.
05. Ruby Warrior
Key Features
- In-browser Ruby interpreter lets users run ruby commands to make the warrior carry out tasks.
- The play turn method lets users practice using ruby syntaxes with classes as you would do in a regular IDE.
- Level grades motivate users to learn better coding techniques and range from S, A to F, S being the highest and F the lowest.
- One can create golems that allow users to learn using complex logic and different classes.
06. Elevator Saga
Key Features
- Help documentation and demo program let users learn how to use JavaScript Functions and commands.
- Wiki and solutions feature provides help for users who are stuck at certain levels.
- All codes are auto-saved locally, so users never lose data if they accidentally close the browser or device.
- The ‘+/-‘ button can be used to control the elevator’s speed without coding and save time.
07. CodinGame
Key Features
- The game’s intuitive interface allows users to code and runs the game side by side to help users relate the game to its code elements.
- Logging in for the first time allows users to see an easy tutorial that sets them up for playing with ease.
- The hints section tells users how they might complete a task on their own.
- CodinGame’s forum feature allows players to discuss problems and get help from an international community of experienced programmers.
08. SQL Murder Mystery
Key Features
- You get to explore SQL database structures to help learn the syntax as beginners.
- One can use Schema diagrams to solve the mystery as the game progresses.
- The walkthrough feature helps users understand concepts such as SQL Queries and ERD.
- Wildcards help players get the exact match to functions needed to solve the task at hand.
09. RoboCode
Key Features
- The game has a built-in code editor and supports external IDEs such as Eclipse, IntelliJ, or Netbeans.
- Code Snippets provided in the RoboWiki can help users program faster while learning better.
- Virtual combat extension lets users compete with players from around the world.
- VS Code can be used to create .NET Robocode bots to assist your battles further.
10. Cyber Dojo – Coding Dojo
Key Features
- One can use their own scripts with the game to create custom exercises.
- It does not need any setup or installation to begin playing or practicing.
- Hosts are required to come up with their own solutions for configuration issues.
- The game has a minimalist editor that lets users navigate easily.
11. Swift Playgrounds
Key Features
- One can learn Swift commands, bug fixing, functions, and more using this game.
- Users can build elements using concepts they have learned and understand how real-world programming works.
- Tapping or clicking on commands lets users see what the command invokes.
- The game comes with a guide to building your own apps for beginners to get started on swift projects later on.
12. FlexBox Froggy and FLexBox Defense
Key Features
- In FLexBox Froggy, the challenges introduce users to flexbox commands and syntax.
- Clicking on the commands lets users see what it does in an easy-to-understand way.
- Flexbox Defense starts with the concept of CSS Containers that help move towers into specific positions.
- StartWave button helps users check their programs and fix any issues they might have.
13. Untrusted
Key Features
- WASD keys are used to move around the game and can enhance logical thinking.
- The API button helps users see references to how the functions work.
- It is a multiplayer game that supports upto 16 players to work together to hack their way through Dr. Eval’s mind.
- The reset feature helps users start anew where they are having trouble solving their current problem.
14. Code Monster
Key Features
- The game has a minimalist interface that anyone can navigate easily.
- People can get through the game at their own pace – there is no time limitation.
- The game progress is auto-saved by the browser, so data is not lost when a user exits the browser.
- One can go back and re-do the commands unlimited times to fully understand a code concept.
15. CSS Diner
Key Features
- Typing in the selectors instead of clicking on pre-built blocks ingrains the concepts in the player’s mind.
- It Lets the user get used to the CSS syntax and encourages them to keep trying until they can find the errors.
- Players who are stuck can look at the solutions when they cannot figure out what to do.
- Users can skip levels if they know how certain CSS elements work.
Parting Words
That was all the free coding games we wanted to talk about today. The games we mentioned were all beginner-friendly and added to their interest in learning a variety of programming languages. If you want to start your programming journey, we suggest you try it.
That said, we highly recommend coding games to start your journey because they challenge your thought process and improve critical thinking. If you liked to read this, do leave feedback as to what more you’d like in the future. Thanks!
