Are you a beginner coder looking for free online coding games to hone your skills? Look no further! In this article, we will share our top 15 free online coding games for beginners in 2023.
From puzzles and problem-solving activities to coding adventures and simulations, these free online coding games for kids, teens, and adults provide hours of fun while honing your programming knowledge in all different programming languages. So let’s get started!
1. CodinGame
Languages: 25 different languages including JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, etc.
CodinGame is a free online coding game that offers dozens of puzzle and world-building challenges. It also features a virtual environment to test your code. With over 25 coding languages, CodinGame is a fun and free way to learn the basics of coding.
In the game, you get to write code in the visual IDE with different hints, using which you complete and improve different games and tasks. CodinGame’s learning techniques are not only enthralling but also incredibly immersive, giving you the chance to shoot aliens, race motorcycles, and try your luck navigating complicated mazes.
You can play alone or with your classmates or colleagues. There are many competitions, as well as a leaderboard with international ratings. Also, CodinGame boasts a friendly and helpful community that is always ready to answer questions.
2. CodeWars
Languages: 20+ languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, etc.
CodeWars is one of the most popular free online coding games for beginners. It’s designed to help you improve in coding by solving different coding challenges called “kata”. Here, you can play with friends or solo. You are free to choose which language to code in and challenge yourself at different levels.
CodeWars is free, though you can pay for the premium version to get access to extra challenges and engaging activities. You can take part in tournaments and also compete with other programmers from around the world. It’s a great way to learn coding, and you can track your progress with leaderboard ratings.
3. Code Combat
Languages: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more.
CodeCombat is a free online coding game that teaches coding in an interactive and fun way. It’s designed to help beginners learn the basics of coding through problem-solving and strategic gameplay. It features levels that increase in difficulty, so you can challenge yourself as you progress. You can also create custom levels for yourself or others.
CodeCombat’s core team, in tandem with hundreds of open-source contributors, has generated an exciting and stimulating approach to learning programming while voyaging through dungeons, forests, mountainsides, deserts, and other captivating terrains.
You can choose from a variety of different programming languages, and you’ll get to write code in the in-game IDE. CodeCombat also has a community of over 10 million players, so you can learn from others in the game or join forces with them to solve coding challenges.
4. Robocode
Languages: Scala, Java, C#, and more.
Robocode is a free online coding game for beginners in which you code virtual robots and battle them against other players. It’s designed to help beginners understand the basics of coding and game development. You can program your robot tanks with artificial intelligence using Java or .NET programming language, and then you get to watch battles between the robots.
Robocode is free and open-source, with over 100 different programming challenges to choose from. It’s a great way to learn coding, and you can use the leaderboard rankings to track your progress. You can also join a community of over 100K users who are passionate about coding.
Despite the fact that Robocode was launched in 2000, it is updated frequently and well-maintained to this day.
5. Edabit
Languages: C#, C++. Java, JavaScript, Python, Swift, and more.
Edabit is a free online coding game that helps beginners learn coding through a series of interactive challenges. It features over 200 levels with increasing difficulty, so you can challenge yourself as you progress. You can choose from a wide range of languages, including C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, and more.
Playing Edabit is a fairly straightforward process. Memorize coding syntax, solve the various problems that come up, and create code as you progress through the game. What makes Edabit so beneficial is its use of teaching specific coding concepts to resolve particular issues in the game – making memorization far less tedious due to instant gratification when solved correctly!
Overall, EdaBit provides an entertaining and enjoyable way to learn coding. It’s free, and the challenging levels make it a great choice for beginners who are looking to hone their coding skills.
6. Cyber Dojo
Languages: Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, Python, and more.
Cyber Dojo is a free online coding game designed to help beginners learn coding by providing interactive tutorials and challenges. It’s a great way to practice coding in a variety of programming languages, including JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Python, and more. You’ll get to code your own cyber ninja and compete against other players in interactive coding challenges.
Cyber Dojo also provides resources for coding newbies, such as helpful tutorials and access to a supportive community. You can even compete against yourself by using the challenge mode and aim for a higher score each time.
The free version of Cyber Dojo offers a great way to learn coding, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to get started in coding. With its interactive challenges and resources, it’s a great way to get started with coding and hone your skills in the process. So if
7. CheckiO
Languages: TypeScript, Python
CheckiO is an engaging strategy game where you can acquire much-needed knowledge on Python or TypeScript by solving increasingly complex challenges. To commence your journey, simply create a free account and start with the beginner tasks! As soon as you conquer those, continue onto tougher ones until you become an expert in either language.
You won’t be alone in the game; you’ll have access to helpful hints and other players’ solutions if ever needed. Every challenge can be solved within the online editor, allowing for progression onto the next mission when completed.
CheckiO is free to play, and the community-driven aspect makes it a great way to learn coding in an entertaining environment. The online editor also helps you get into the coding game without having to install any software. It’s a great way to practice coding and hone your skills.
8. Tynker
Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Java.
Tynker is a free coding game that teaches coding to kids, teens, and adults in an interactive and fun way. With the help of puzzles, drag-and-drop coding blocks, and step-by-step tutorials, coding becomes a fun and rewarding experience.
Tynker offers free online coding courses for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Java. It caters to all age groups and levels of coding experience. For the younger audience, Tynker offers free coding games, game design projects, and creative activities that encourage problem-solving and creativity.
Tynker is a great choice for those looking to learn coding in a fun and engaging way. It’s free to use, and the tutorials and challenges are perfect for coding newbies.
9. Scratch
Languages: Scratch
Scratch is a free coding game designed to help kids and teens learn coding in a fun, interactive environment. Developed by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch allows users to create stories, games, and animations using blocks of code. It’s great for those just starting out with coding as it helps them understand basic concepts while having fun building their own projects.
Scratch offers plenty of tutorials and challenges to help users learn coding fundamentals, such as variables, loops, and conditionals. It also provides online coding courses for those who want to go deeper into coding concepts. The community-driven aspect helps make learning more enjoyable as users can share their work and get feedback from other users.
Scratch is free to use, and it’s perfect for those looking to learn coding in an entertaining way. It’s a great choice for coding newbies as well as those who want to hone their skills further.
10. Elevator Saga
Languages: JavaScript
Elevator Saga is an online coding game that teaches users JavaScript in a fun, interactive way. The goal of the game is to create an elevator algorithm and test it against other players. Players get points based on how well their algorithm performs, and the aim is to reach the highest score possible.
Players can choose from beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of coding, making it suitable for everyone from coding newbies to professionals. It provides tutorials and challenges to help players learn coding concepts such as loops, functions, and conditionals.
Elevator Saga is free to play, and a great choice for those looking to learn coding while having fun in the process.
11. Untrusted
Languages: JavaScript
Test your problem-solving and JavaScript prowess in Untrusted, an adventure game that will have you hooked. Guide Dr. Eval on a thrilling journey as you use your coding skills to overcome challenging levels!
If you’re just starting to learn JavaScript, then this game might be a bit overwhelming. Yet if you’ve already invested time in learning the language, the challenges will become manageable!
Untrusted is free to play, so it’s perfect for those looking for free online coding games to advance their coding skills.
12. SQL Murder Mystery
Languages: SQL
SQL Murder Mystery is a free online coding game that teaches players the basics of SQL in an engaging way. Players take on the role of detective and solve puzzles, find clues, and uncover secrets to help them figure out who committed the murder.
The game provides tutorials and challenges to teach players core concepts such as queries and indexes and provides an entertaining way to learn SQL.
SQL Murder Mystery is free to play, and a great choice for those looking to learn coding while having fun.
13. CSS Diner
Languages: CSS
CSS Diner is a free online coding game designed to teach players the basics of CSS in a fun and interactive way. Players must order food items based on their CSS selectors and learn how to use them effectively.
The game is suitable for all learning coders and provides an easy way to learn coding concepts. It’s free to play, so it’s perfect for those looking for free online coding games that teach CSS.
CSS Diner is a great choice for those looking to learn coding while having fun in the process. It’s free, interactive, and helps users master the fundamentals of CSS.
14. Flexbox Froggy
Languages: CSS
Flexbox Froggy is an online coding game designed to teach players the basics of Flexbox in a fun and interactive way. Players must solve puzzles to help the frogs reach their lily pads, and in the process learn how to use Flexbox.
Flexbox Froggy is an exciting way to sharpen your CSS coding skills. You can choose to play solo or with other players, and you’ll soon discover the subtleties of Flexbox and how it helps keep page elements in line. This game is deceptively simple but provides a great learning experience for all ages!
Flexbox can be a tricky concept to master, however with the 24 progressive levels on offer you’ll soon gain the necessary confidence and proficiency to utilize this tool in your upcoming projects.
15. Flexbox Defense
Languages: CSS
Flexbox Defense is a free online coding game designed to teach players the basics of Flexbox in an engaging way. Players must use their coding skills to build a defensive line and protect their base from waves of enemies.
You’ll be tested with definitions of Flexbox properties. Once you’ve written down your code, hit the Start Wave button to observe if you were able to fend off your foes!
Flexbox Defense is a great coding game for beginners who want to get started with CSS and Flexbox. The game is free to play online, so why not give it a try?
Why Use Coding Games to Learn Programming?
Coding games are a great way to learn programming because they can provide an entertaining and engaging learning experience. They help break up the monotony of studying coding from a book and let you practice what you’ve learned in an interactive way.
There are 4 main reasons coding games are an excellent tool for learning how to code.
1. They are fun
Coding games are designed to be fun, which helps to keep users engaged for longer. This is important in the early stages of learning to code, as you’re more likely to stick with it if you’re having fun.
2. They are free
Many online coding games are free to play, which makes them accessible to everyone. You don’t have to worry about spending money on expensive coding courses, you can simply find free coding games online and get started.
3. They are interactive
Coding games provide an interactive learning experience which is more enjoyable than reading a book or watching a tutorial. You can apply your coding knowledge in real-time and experience the rewards of each challenge you complete.
4. They are incremental in difficulty
Most coding games start out with simple challenges and then gradually increase in difficulty as you progress. This helps to ensure that the learning curve is gradual, making it easier for learners to progress.
These four qualities make coding games an ideal tool for learning programming. So why not give one a try today and get coding!
Will Coding Games Teach Me Everything I Need to Know?
Unfortunately, coding games are not a substitute for a coding course or a university degree. While they can be great resources to help you understand key concepts, they don’t go into the same level of detail as a full coding course.
That said, coding games can be a great place to start your coding journey. You can learn the basics of coding and then move on to more advanced topics. Just remember that coding games are designed to be fun, not comprehensive.
If you’re serious about learning programming, coding games can be a great tool to supplement your learning. They provide an entertaining and enjoyable way to practice your coding skills, helping you become a better programmer in the long run.
How to Best Use Coding Games to Learn Coding
When using coding games to learn coding, it’s important to understand that they are not a comprehensive resource. You should use them as part of your coding education, but not as a primary source of information.
Here are some tips for using coding games to learn coding:
- Start with basic games: Start with free coding games for beginners to help you get used to the concepts and syntax of coding.
- Play regularly: Regular practice is key for becoming an expert coder, so try to play coding games at least once a week if possible.
- Don’t skip tutorials: It can be tempting to jump right into the game, but make sure you take the time to read through the tutorials and understand how the game works.
- Take notes: Make sure you take notes as you play, so you can retain the key concepts you learn from each coding game.
- Ask for help: If you’re stuck on a challenge, don’t be afraid to ask for help online or within the gaming community.
By following these tips, you can use free coding games to supplement your learning and become a better coder.
Conclusion
Learning to code doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the free online coding games we outlined in this post, you can get the basics of coding fundamentals down in no time.
There’s no shortage of free online coding games for beginners, including kids, teens, and adults, with many providing tutorials and challenges that will help give you the skills needed for your coding career.
Whether you’re looking for a game to sharpen your coding skills or just looking for an enjoyable way to pass the time, you are sure to find something that matches your needs in our list.
So if you’re ready to start coding, pick a free online coding game and get started! Good luck and have fun!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.