Uplink review

Uplink is the classic that many later hacking games cite, including Bitburner. You work as a freelance hacker taking contracts from corporations: break into secure systems, steal data, sabotage rivals and frame others for crimes. The Steam page says success depends on tools such as password crackers and log modifiers and on bouncing connections and erasing tracks so you are not traced. Credits from contracts buy faster CPUs and better software, and you can side with rival corporations or stay neutral, which changes how the story ends. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and 89% of 1,771 Steam user reviews are positive. We could not confirm a stable US price because the store showed a sale while we checked, so pricing is pending. It ranks sixth because its 2006 interface looks dated beside newer picks.

Who it is for

Fans of classic hacking sims and corporate espionage

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Freelance contracts to break into systems, steal data and sabotage rivals
• Password crackers and log modifiers
• Bounce connections and erase tracks to avoid detection
• Spend credits on faster CPUs and better software
• Side with rival corporations or stay neutral, with different outcomes

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 89% of 1,771 Steam user reviews are positive
• Strength: Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
• Strength: Choices lead to different outcomes for replay
• Weakness: Released in 2006, the oldest game on this list
• Weakness: English only
• Weakness: Single-player only

Key facts

• Developer: Introversion Software
• Publisher: Introversion Software
• Released on Steam: August 23, 2006
• Minimum RAM: Not published
• Steam user reviews: 89% positive of 1,771

Where it ranks

Uplink is No. 6 in our Best Hacker Games verdict.