12 Free Coding Games to Learn Programming for Beginners (2024)

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12 Free Coding Games to Learn Programming for Beginners (1)
Jessica Wilkins
12 Free Coding Games to Learn Programming for Beginners (2)

A lot of beginners can become intimidated when they're learning how to code. But learning through coding games can be fun and educational.

According to True Education Partnerships,

Gamification in learning involves using game-based elements such as point scoring, peer competition, team work, and score tables to drive engagement, help students assimilate new information and test their knowledge.

I have curated a list of 12 coding games for beginners.

Here is the complete list. Once you find a website that interests you, click that link and it will jump you down to a more detailed description of that website.

  1. CodinGame
  2. CSS Diner
  3. Flexbox Froggy
  4. Flexbox Defense
  5. Grid Garden
  6. CodeCombat
  7. Scratch
  8. Tynker
  9. SQL Murder Mystery
  10. Untrusted
  11. Elevator Saga
  12. CheckiO

CodinGame

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CodinGame is a site that helps you work on problem solving skills and learn programming basics through a turn-based game.

This platform supports over 25 different programming languages and gives players the opportunity to practice, learn, and compete in coding contests.

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Once you create an account, you can get started with the beginner level onboarding section. You will be introduced to standard programming concepts and solve mini challenges.

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CSS Diner

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In CSS Diner, you can practice the basics of CSS through a series of 32 challenges. This is a good way to get more familiar with the language and have fun learning it.

The first few challenges are short and focus on working with classes and ids. But as you progress through the levels, you will be introduced to Pseudo-selectors, First of Type Selector, Last of Type Selector, and the Universal Selector.

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Flexbox Froggy

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In Flexbox Froggy, you will learn CSS Flexbox by placing the frogs on the correct lillypads. By the time you finish level 24, you should feel comfortable using Flexbox in your next project.

Each challenge provides a description on the Flexbox properties. The first few challenges start off easy but as you progress in the game things get more complicated.

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Flexbox Defense

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Flexbox Defense is a tower defense game that helps you strengthen your CSS skills. Position the towers to keep out your enemies using CSS Flexbox.

The challenges will provide you with definitions of the Flexbox properties. Once you write your code, press the Start Wave button and see if you were successful in stopping your enemies.

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Grid Garden

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Learn CSS Grid by going through 28 levels of Grid Garden. Some familiarity with CSS Grid is encouraged but not required for getting started with the game.

Each challenge provides a description on the CSS Grid properties. The first few challenges start off easy but as you progress in the game things get more complicated.

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CodeCombat

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CodeCombat works well for both kids and adult learners. You can create a free account and learn the fundamentals of programming like loops, functions, conditionals, and variables.

You can choose which programming language to start with and work your way through the games.

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You also have the option to upgrade to the premium account if you are interested in having access to more levels.

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Scratch

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MIT's Scratch is a block based programming language where you can learn about events, conditionals, variables, and more by building your own games and animations.

Choose from dozens of sprites, sounds and backgrounds to code your own creations and start understanding programming basics.

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Scratch is also used during the first week of Harvard's CS50: Introduction to Computer Science course.

Tynker

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Tynker is a site where you can build projects and play games using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Java. They have an extensive list of projects, algorithms and data structure challenges.

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You can build these projects in the online editor and share your creations within the community. This site is aimed at kids between the ages of 5-18.

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SQL Murder Mystery

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SQL Murder Mystery is great for both beginners and experienced SQL developers. Strengthen your SQL and problem solving skills by trying to track down the killer in this murder mystery.

The game uses SQLite and you will first have to get acquainted with the database structure before starting the game.

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If you are new to SQL, there is a detailed walk through for beginners. Otherwise, if you are an experienced SQL user then you can dive straight into the game.

Untrusted

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Untrusted is an adventure game where you can test your JavaScript and problem solving skills. Help guide Dr. Eval through a series of levels by solving JavaScript challenges.

If you are brand new to JavaScript then this game might be a little advanced for you. But if you have spent some time programming in JavaScript then the challenges will be doable.

Elevator Saga

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Elevator Saga is a JavaScript game where you will go through a series of challenges trying to transport people in elevators in the most efficient way possible within the time given.

Once you modify the code, you can test the efficiency of your solution by clicking the start button in the top right hand corner. When the program is running, you can check the stats to see if you passed the challenge or not.

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CheckiO

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CheckiO is a strategy game where you can learn TypeScript or Python through a series of challenges. Once you create a free account, you will start off with the beginner challenges and work your way through to the advanced ones.

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The game will give you access to hints and other players' solutions if you need help. You will solve each of the challenges in the online editor and move onto the next mission when the task is solved.

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12 Free Coding Games to Learn Programming for Beginners (30)
Jessica Wilkins

I am a musician and a programmer.

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12 Free Coding Games to Learn Programming for Beginners (2024)

FAQs

What is the best free coding game? ›

15 Free Coding Games to Improve and Level Up Your Coding Skills
  • Flexbox Defense. ...
  • CodeCombat. ...
  • Untrusted. ...
  • Code Hunt. ...
  • CheckIO and Empire of Code. ...
  • Cyber Dojo. ...
  • Elevator Saga. ...
  • Code Wars. Code Wars helps you improve your skills by training in challenges with others.

Is there a game that teaches you how to code? ›

CodinGame

What is this? CodinGame offers up games to learn more than 25 programming languages, including JavaScript, Ruby, and PHP. One of the great things about this one is that you can play with friends or colleagues, and also enter international coding competitions.

Is 12 a good age to start coding? ›

If you're thinking about introducing your 12-year-to coding but wonder if it's possible, we are here to tell you that it is! Coding is a wonderful tool for kids to have at all ages. Whether they're learning it at age 7 or age 12, the important thing is that they're learning.

Which coding platform is best for beginners for free? ›

The Best Free Online Coding Classes and Programs to Learn to Code for Free
  1. Codecademy. ...
  2. freeCodeCamp. ...
  3. Skillcrush's Coding Camp. ...
  4. Web Fundamentals by Google. ...
  5. w3schools. ...
  6. Khan Academy. ...
  7. Udemy. ...
  8. Code.org.

Is there a free way to learn coding? ›

Every aspect of freeCodeCamp, including advanced courses, projects, and certifications, is completely free. Thousands of freeCodeCamp learners have successfully transitioned into software developer roles, making this online learning platform an excellent choice for anyone aspiring to code.

How to learn game coding for beginners? ›

Fundamental steps to get started with video game coding
  1. Step 1: Acquire basic programming skills. ...
  2. Step 2: Choose a game engine. ...
  3. Step 3: Learn the chosen game engine. ...
  4. Step 4: Develop a basic game prototype. ...
  5. Step 5: Participate in game jams. ...
  6. Step 6: Seek feedback and iterate. ...
  7. Step 7: Network and collaborate.
May 24, 2023

What is the easiest code to learn for games? ›

Programming Languages: Easiest to Hardest Ranked in Order

HTML, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and Ruby are considered the easiest programming languages to learn. They have relatively simple syntax and have readymade functions or libraries.

Can I really teach myself to code? ›

Yes, it is possible to learn to code by yourself. There are millions of resources available both online and physically. Depending on your learning style, you might choose whether a structured course is best for you or not, but there are available options for everybody.

Is 40 too old to start coding? ›

It's never too late to learn a programming language. Some job seekers who are older may initially doubt their ability to learn coding because of a lack of experience or fear of employment bias. But, the reality is that learning a new skill takes time and dedication, no matter your age.

How old is the average coder? ›

The average age of software developers is between 25 and 34 years old. According to the latest State of JS report, 36.5% of all respondents were in this age range, 14.9% were between 19 and 24 years old and 16.5% were between 35 and 44 years old. Only 5% are over 44 years old.

Which age is perfect for coding? ›

There is no specific age to start coding. Experts say that a child can begin coding even at the age of 5 years. You can start with logical games so that they will first develop an interest in coding. Kids can then move to tricky exercises.

Which app is best for learning coding free for beginners? ›

Best Beginner Coding Apps
  • Encode. ...
  • Enki. ...
  • Grasshopper. ...
  • Khan Academy. ...
  • Mimo. ...
  • Programming Hero. ...
  • Programming Hub. Programming Hub offers a fun coding education in a game-like learning environment. ...
  • Sololearn. Beginners can learn to code with the Sololearn app, which offers one of the biggest collections of free programming courses.

What is the best place to learn coding for beginners? ›

Compiled by our experts, the following are some of the best classes and tutorials to learn coding for beginners.
  • BitDegree. ...
  • Udemy. ...
  • Sololearn. ...
  • Coursera. ...
  • Khan Academy. ...
  • edX. ...
  • GeeksforGeeks. ...
  • MIT OpenCourseWare.
Jul 5, 2024

What is the best computer code to learn first? ›

Python. Python is always recommended if you're looking for an easy and even fun programming language to learn first. Rather than having to jump into strict syntax rules, Python reads like English and is simple to understand for someone who's new to programming.

What is the best free coding app? ›

Best Beginner Coding Apps
  • Codecademy Go. The Codecademy Go app offers free beginner-level courses. ...
  • CodeGym. CodeGym is an app that teaches beginners Java programming code. ...
  • Code. Hub. ...
  • Codemurai. ...
  • Encode. ...
  • Enki. ...
  • Grasshopper. ...
  • Khan Academy.

Which free coding course is best? ›

11 of the Best Free Coding Classes: How to Make the Right Choice
  • MongoDB University.
  • Skillshare.
  • Codecademy Java for Beginners.
  • University of Toronto Learn to Program.
  • Project-Based Learning Resources on GitHub.
  • SheCodes Express.
  • Google's Python Class.
  • AI Prompt Engineering for Developers.
Nov 14, 2023

Can a 12 year old learn Python? ›

The answer is yes, they can – it is perfect for beginners. In fact, our two Python courses below are ideal for 12 years olds: Python Coder (ages 10 to 16) Python Game Developer (ages 11 to 16)

Where can I code a game for free? ›

Game Lab is a programming environment where you can make simple animations and games with objects and characters that interact with each other. Design an animation or game, code with blocks or JavaScript to make it work, then share your app in seconds.

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