Learn Coding Games – Beginner’s Guide to Learning Coding By Playing Games
There are several ways to learn how to code, but one of the easiest, which many previous learners recommend, is using coding games. With these games, you will learn how to code while having fun playing the actual game, making the whole learning process much more exciting and engaging.
Fortunately, there are so many coding games that you can use to learn this valuable skill. This guide will explore the best games you can try out if you’re new to coding. Most of the games we will share have different levels, making them suitable for anyone new to coding, including kids. Let’s jump right in!
Related: Best 17 Coding Games for Kids This Year
Scratch
Scratch is an open-source platform created by MIT to help kids and adults learn how to code. This platform aims to provide programming opportunities for anyone to create games and interactive stories.
It teaches learners valuable problem-solving skills, project design, and the importance of creativity and self-expression.
MIT also developed ScratchJr, a platform specifically designed for children aged 5-7. If you have a child within this age bracket, using ScratchJr instead of the main platform is recommended.
As children progress to middle and high school, they can transition to Scratch, created by the same team. Fortunately, this platform is free and available in over 12 languages.
7 Billion Humans
7 Billion Humans is a highly-rated (9/10 stars) coding game available on Steam, developed by the creators of Human Resource Machine. In this game, players automate not just one office worker but swarms of them. The main objective is to solve puzzles by creating efficient automation systems.
With over 60 levels of programming puzzles, 7 Billion Humans offers a challenging experience for players. If you enjoyed Human Resource Machine, you will likely enjoy this game, as they share many similarities.
Codewars
Codewars is a free coding platform that helps beginners sharpen their coding skills through small exercises called “kata.” These exercises are created by developers and learners within the Codewars community, providing opportunities to fine-tune programming skills.
Whether you want to master a specific programming language or learn multiple languages, Codewars offers a wide range of options, with over 55 languages available.
In addition to being a game, Codewars fosters a community of over 3 million developers, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment. This large community also assists whenever challenges arise while using the platform.
Grid Garden
Grid Garden is a popular coding game that teaches learners CSS Grid, a layout system used in web development. The game consists of 28 levels where players learn CSS Grid by solving challenges.
While some familiarity with CSS Grid is encouraged, Grid Garden accommodates beginners and provides a gradual learning curve.
Each challenge in the game describes CSS Grid properties, enabling learners to understand and apply them effectively. As players progress through the levels, the challenges become increasingly complex, offering a hands-on and engaging approach to learning CSS Grid.
CodeCombat
With a community of over 20 million learners, CodeCombat stands out as one of the leading platforms for coding games. This platform suits beginners of all ages, including kids and adults.
Users can begin their coding journey with a free account, which allows them to learn essential programming concepts such as functions, conditionals, loops, and variables.
One of the most exciting features of CodeCombat is the ability to choose between programming languages. It supports Python and JavaScript, two widely used languages in the programming community.
Start with the free version to familiarize yourself with the platform before deciding whether to invest in the $9.99 monthly premium subscription.
CheckiO
CheckiO is another popular coding game designed to help users learn TypeScript or Python through various challenges. By creating a free account, you can access beginner-level challenges and progress to more advanced ones as you enhance your coding skills.
Like other games on this list, CheckiO offers an interactive and gamified learning experience that allows users to apply their programming knowledge in practical contexts.
By completing challenges, you can level up and compete with other players in the CheckiO community, fostering engagement and a sense of achievement.
Tynker
Tynker is a comprehensive coding platform designed for kids and teens, providing opportunities to build projects and play games using various programming languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Java.
The platform targets users aged 5 to 18 and offers various projects, algorithms, and data structure challenges to promote creativity and problem-solving skills.
With Tynker’s user-friendly interface and extensive resources, young coders can use the online editor to create and share their projects within the Tynker community, fostering collaboration and inspiring one another. It is a valuable tool for introducing kids to the exciting world of coding.
Final Thoughts
Here are some of the best coding games you can utilize to kick-start your journey of learning how to code. Some games are free, while others require a small one-time or monthly fee.
The free options suit most people, but the paid versions often offer additional services, such as access to coding teachers. Additionally, paid games are typically better built and more intuitive than free ones. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these factors when making your choice.
