Hacker Evolution is a hacking simulation game, featuring unparalleled graphics and features. You play the role of a former intelligence agent, specializing in computer security. When a chain of events sets off worldwide, leaving critical service disabled, you assume the role a computer hacker to find out what happened and attempt to stop...
User reviews: Mostly Positive (210 reviews)
Release Date: Sep 14, 2010
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Includes 4 items: Hacker Evolution, Hacker Evolution Duality, Hacker Evolution Duality: Inception Part 1 DLC, Hacker Evolution: Untold

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Recommended By Curators

"Do you want a little more command line typing in your hacker simulation? If that's your bag, you will certainly get your fill with Hacker Evolution."
Read the full review here.

Recent updates View all (4)

July 14

Steam Trading Cards now available for Hacker Evolution

Steam Trading Cards now available for Hacker Evolution.
Have fun using them :)

4 comments Read more

July 10

Hardcore Package Part 2 / New DLC available for Hacker Evolution

Hello everyone,

We have just released a new DLC which brings new levels to Hacker Evolution.


Hardcore Package Part 2 in the STEAM store

0 comments Read more

About This Game




Key features:
  • Modding capability to allow the creation of custom levels
  • Multiple interface skins
  • Complex levels and gameplay to guarantee the best experience
  • Optional freelance jobs to offer more variety
  • Complex command console with over 20 commands and tools

    System Requirements

    Mac OS X
    SteamOS + Linux
      • Processor: 1 Ghz
      • Memory: 512 MB
      • Graphics: DirectX compatible video card
      • DirectX®: DirectX 8.0
      • Hard Drive: 200 MB
      • Sound: DirectX compatible sound card
      Processor: 1 GHz processor or faster
      Memory: 1Gb RAM
      Hard Disk Space: 200Mb free disk space
      Video Card: 32Mb video card
      Processor: 1Ghz CPU
      Memory: 1Gb RAM
      Hard Disk Space: Hard Disk Space: 100 Mb
      Note: Requires the libSDL2, libSDL2_mixer and libSDL2)_image packages
    Helpful customer reviews
    39 of 54 people (72%) found this review helpful
    1.5 hrs on record
    Posted: October 31
    The tutorial was unclear .
    Hacked The Pentagon.
    Got a job as a hacker.
    Atm hacking Iraq military and trying to find out where they hid their bio wepons.
    3000 Dollars / month
    1337/10 would hack Pentagon again.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    35 of 49 people (71%) found this review helpful
    6.1 hrs on record
    Posted: October 28
    If only it was this simple.
    /decrypt Microsoft.com
    /crack Microsoft.com
    /connect Microsoft.com
    /delete Xbox

    still , quite enjoyable.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    29 of 39 people (74%) found this review helpful
    2.3 hrs on record
    Posted: October 11
    This can be used as a prop when having a "hacking scene" in a movie/show.

    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    19 of 22 people (86%) found this review helpful
    4.8 hrs on record
    Posted: October 19
    Hacker evolution is NOT a hacking game, but more something like: You must dig into the servers to find new servers, clues and other things that will help you. Something between exploration and detective. This game is more about thinking ahead and everything you have will transport to next level, so if you finish a level with 99% trace, it will be the same in next level. For people who like to play easy games is something frustrating, but for those which like challenge this is a perfect game.

    + Great Soundtrack
    + Good Concept
    + Great UI (BUT it will not fit everyone)
    + Lots of fun if you like challenges
    + Great Story

    - Hardcore for some players (you have to restart whole game if you screw something up)
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    7 of 8 people (88%) found this review helpful
    23.2 hrs on record
    Posted: August 20
    Hacker Evolution is a hacking sim, too few of these in the world, with puzzle solving mechanics. It does what it does very well. Unlike uplink, with its infernal clicking, you actually feel in the role of a hacker. Typing Linux commands into a terminal to look for clues and hack bank accounts. Its only like nine levels, but a good nine levels. Also it is replayable as there are several solutions/ tactics, and hidden parts of the plot you might have missed because you didn't hack or find a particular server etc. If this sounds interesting and you can type commands and like puzzles then I hope you enjoy this gem as I have.
    A recommendation, try not to look up solutions. If you need it there is a good guide on game faqs that doesn't give everything away. Also does a good job explaining the leveling mechanic ie. buying parts.The game tries to show you a bit about this, but I feel it should have explained what the different upgrades do.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    5 of 6 people (83%) found this review helpful
    2.9 hrs on record
    Posted: September 11
    There are a lot of negative reviews about this game which I think is unfair. It's a misunderstood game, I wouldn't call it puzzle because that's misleading, but it is supposed to be a hacker simulator and nothing more than that.
    My idea of a hacker simulator (before I decided to play any, that is) is something which can be periodically frustrating as you figure out (for yourself!) what to do next. It should require thinking skills, not just point and click with a hand-holding guide. A clear set of objectives and a list of commands so you know what to type and when, and when you finally do input the right code after trying time and time again, there should be a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

    Hacker Evolution does not let me down on my expectations of a hacker simulator, it is exactly what ti should be. It is unforgiving if you don't do things perfectly, but because the levels themselves would actually be quite SMALL if it weren't for all the try/fail/try/fail/try/succeed that goes into it, it is supposed to be difficult! So that you're not just breezing through it, because that would be completely unrealistic. I'm not saying that it is so amazing that it is like a hacker's version of say... Microsoft Flight Simulator where all the controls that would be in an actual aircraft are available to you. Because that would mean you would have to actually learn a programming language in order to play the game. It can't be 100% realistic because no one would play it, because the only people who could actually play it would be out hacking/ cracking real computers.

    In saying that, it is an exciting game with a very simple, user friendly interface. The tutorial gives you enough information to learn the mere basics, it's not there to hold your hand and coddle you when you get frustrated and tell you that it loves you like in a lot of games. As far as I can see so far there's no ability to save your progress, you just have to start the level over from scratch, which isn't that big of a deal because you can generally remember what you need to do, and when you do things right in this game, it doesn't take very long to complete the levels.

    Overall I'm very glad I didn't listen to a lot of these reviews which almost made me not buy the game (which is currently $2.99 on bundlestars for the ENTIRE Hackers Evolution games!). My actual point is, if you can't be bothered thinking for yourself, or feel you will have to resort to walkthroughs, then avoid this game like the plague because you won't find it very fun, because the AIM and the FUN of the game is to actually think for yourself!

    8.5/10 - Gameplay; fun, simple to use once you get the jist of it. Helpful tutorial, but not too helpful so that it makes the game too easy.
    7/10 - Music; the techno music is a bit of a stereotype, but it works well in the game and intensifies at just the right points which adds some nice suspense.
    7/10 - Graphics; this game isn't about graphics, but they look fancier than what I imagine real hackers/ crackers work with.
    Kind of like a CTU interface from 24.
    7.5/10 - Overall rating.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    6 of 8 people (75%) found this review helpful
    9.7 hrs on record
    Posted: August 12
    Of course anyone, who knows Uplink (a great game from Introversion) will compare this game to it, but they are different games by playstyle. Whereas Uplink requires speed and good mouse skills, this game wants you to think ahead and search around for clues at your own pace.
    You mostly use your keyboard to control your computer (mouse only required to work on the map). By issuing commands you can bypass security layers and access data that you require.

    It may not be as impressive as Uplink, but it is still an enjoyable game.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful
    3.1 hrs on record
    Posted: October 3
    Whoa command prompt elite with some background music and hack typer storyline. Hack into companies, steal info, avoid being traced. This ain't no simple toy game. This is the real deal. You cannot save.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    5 of 7 people (71%) found this review helpful
    1.5 hrs on record
    Posted: October 13
    If you don't mind staring at a plain, Unix-type interface and entering keyboard commands -- and you want to learn how to hack computers and steal things -- then this game might be for you.

    Personally, I tired of it fairly quickly. Didn't make it past the tutorial. Not exactly 'edge-of-your-seat' entertainment...

    (Note: Acquired via a bundle)
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful
    10.4 hrs on record
    Posted: November 7
    Although it's nothing like real life cracking, Hacker Evolution is pretty fun. It's definitly not for everyone, but anyone who's comfortable with Linux and likes solving puzzles will love this game.

    9/10 Soundtrack

    7/10 Visual (Display resolutions are hardcoded.)

    8/10 Gameplay (Difficulty ramps up fast.)
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful
    23.1 hrs on record
    Posted: October 28
    Been playing the game since it was bshacker. Best hacking game ever. Would recommend this to anyone who loves word base gaming. 10/10
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    3 of 5 people (60%) found this review helpful
    5.0 hrs on record
    Posted: November 1
    Overall, this is a fascinating experience! The Hacker Evolution series is a serious treat for the geekiest gamers. What makes it unique and positively special is that it's essentially played by in-game console commands! There are no other games I can name that utilize this as a core game mechanic. In fact, I wish Watch_Dogs played less like Grand Theft Auto and more like this.

    My only complaint is that there are a number of points within levels that feel like "Guide Dang It!" Either my brain is not up to snuff, or the levels barely give a clue (if at all) on how to complete the objectives (such as figuring out the names of all the servers for each level). Fortunately, it is ridiculously easy to add content and your own levels with provided mod tools. This gets even better, because the main game levels are treated the same way, meaning they can be opened up and used as an answer key or even changed to the players' liking.

    The overall scope of the game is small and simple, but it definitely uses that scale to the best measures possible. A 10-dollar price tag may be a bit iffy for some, but if it were for 5 dollars, it's a must-buy!
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    1 of 2 people (50%) found this review helpful
    3.2 hrs on record
    Posted: September 9
    This game feels so ♥♥♥♥ing real! it's really awesome :)
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    1 of 2 people (50%) found this review helpful
    1.7 hrs on record
    Posted: November 3
    For those who like hacking, this is the game for you. This game is a hacking simulator which has a good story line and also a great soundtrack.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    190 of 197 people (96%) found this review helpful
    9.9 hrs on record
    Posted: November 26, 2013
    You won't be hacking the mainframes when you finish this game, but overall it is a decent puzzle game involving the concepts of network intrusions and data gathering. The whole game is presented in an Amiga amber color with a mostly command line interface and some point and clicking. You are presented with missions by invading companies, extracting data, and breaking computer securities by use of proxies and other tools you. With a pretty chill electronic music sound track to go with it, I had an overall good time with this game pretending to be a hacker. I hope you like typing. For a couple of bucks, it's not bad.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    127 of 153 people (83%) found this review helpful
    4.3 hrs on record
    Posted: April 24
    Hacker Evolution is more of a typing game, then a hacking simulator. I like the concept of hacker games. The sense of online omnipotence has a huge appeal. HOWEVER, this game actively punishes exploration. A lot of the game is trial and error. If you do not do things in order, you will have to restart. Restart the level? No, the entire game. Your penalties from previous levels carry over to the next.

    If you ever feel the need to check out things off the developers predetermined path, they slap you with in game monetary penalties. ex: You see that a website called dot-hackers.net. Seems cool, right, so you go to check it out. You are penalized for looking up the website. Yes, they penalize you for LOOKING UP WEBSITES! Then they penalize you for logging on, and then they penalize you for downloading files. The only way to take away your penalties is too pay in game money. They penalize you when you make money. Every. Single. Time. So if you get the game, go ahead and save yourself some headaches and use the money cheat (xmoney) to give yourself all the money you will ever need.

    The good thing about the game is that it had somewhat of a vision, but if you want a hacking game that makes you feel powerful, go with UPLINK.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    68 of 76 people (89%) found this review helpful
    9.3 hrs on record
    Posted: November 28, 2013
    Hacker Evolution is a fun game. I't shows somewhat believable "movie" style hacking in a nice game package. Awesome idea, and clever execution. Much better than the game "Uplink" as in the typing aspect really gives you a sense of "I'm a hacker". Just don't play this on a laptop in D.C. on a tour of the White House.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    50 of 62 people (81%) found this review helpful
    0.4 hrs on record
    Posted: November 26, 2013
    I'm glad Steam has great sales, otherwise I might have never seen this game or played it. This is only $2 right now and I think it's worth every penny and more! Hacker Evolution let's you be that hacker you always see in the movies trying to hack into something. "I only need one more minute. Just give me a minute." I played about 30 minutes so far and just think it's really cool. The whole game as far as I can tell is just typing commands into a console and it is very satisfying. Their are mods and different skins for your console too. The music is pretty decent and feels like good music to hack to. Anyone who ever thought of being a spy or just a hacker, should play this.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    36 of 46 people (78%) found this review helpful
    0.1 hrs on record
    Posted: February 21, 2013
    For me, Hacker Evolution turned out to be a rather frustrating experience. There is a trace meter that tracks your trace level and when it gets to 100, you lose. The biggest problem is that you get penalized for successful cracks and decryptions which means the trace level increases even when you are doing things the right way. And the only way to decrease your trace level is through money, but they are pretty stingy on making that readily available. Not to mention they dangle a bunch of system upgrades that aren't cheap which gives a false impression that there is a lot of cash to be obtained in the game. So if you spend money on these upgrades, you end up with no money left to decrease your trace level and ultimately get stuck because you can't reduce your trace level. The manual even states, "Important: Don't rush to upgrade your hardware as soon as you have money. Having the best hardware is not the main objective of the game. Carefully make your decision, and only upgrade your hardware when necessary. Money is not abundant in the game, and its main purpose is to reduce your trace time." That key piece of information is not found anywhere in the game; you have to read it from the manual. Now why they decided to design a game that revolves around money, yet not make it abundant is not clear to me.

    They don't even grant you rewards for completing missions (a little money would be nice). Instead they give you a score (why?). But the real kicker is your trace level carries over from the previous mission, so if it was high and you don't have any money, you're ♥♥♥♥ed on the next mission. What this ultimately means is you must follow a very specific path on the early missions to be able to survive the later missions. So after I figured this out, the game quickly lost any open world feel of being able to solve missions in different ways. Plus you never really know if you didn't do something right until you are stuck on a later mission with no money.

    I did like the graphical interface, although the actual command execution was a bit oversimplified. It was fun for a few hours, but ultimately it was the lack of a proper reward system that really turned me away from progressing further with this game. If the simulated world of Hacker Evolution sounds interesting to you, go buy Uplink. It offers a much better gaming experience.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No
    23 of 26 people (88%) found this review helpful
    19.1 hrs on record
    Posted: November 27, 2013
    If you were a fan of the old text based games, along with puzzle's and brain benders, then you will like this game.
    Was this review helpful? Yes No