Single-player games like Mainlining
Below are 12 single-player Steam games similar to Mainlining, ranked by player overlap. Every pick carries Steam's Single-player category, so multiplayer-only titles or always-online games don't sneak in. imho.run pulls the category data from Steam directly — Single-player here matches what the store labels.
Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like Mainlining page.
Ranked picks
- 1
HackMeNow
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Adventure with Mainlining.
A terminal-style hacking puzzle game where every command matters. Investigate logs, decode secrets, avoid traps, and uncover the rogue system watching from behind the screen.
- 2
EmuDevz
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
A game about building emulators! Implement your own NEEES core in JavaScript, get instant feedback with unit/video tests, build the graphics unit in real time, learn 6502 assembly, debug test ROMs, and have fun with the included homebrew games!
- 3
HELLO HACKER - Project Daybreak
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
A story-rich hacking sim played inside a real Linux desktop. Recon networks, break web apps, crack crypto, and extract hidden data with tools that behave like the real thing, while an autonomous AI watches the network, learns, and hacks back. The commands are real. So are the consequences.
- 4
Hacker The Dark Shadow
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
Become a young programmer diving into the dangerous world of cybercrime. When the elite hacking collective Dark Shadows challenges you with a series of ruthless trials, you must push your genius to the limit. Will you prove your worth or become another digital casualty?
- 5
Blackdoor
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
You're a hacker with a terminal and four terrible scripts. Rewrite them. Hack servers by writing actual code in a custom scripting language - probe ports, crack passwords, steal data, and get out before the trace completes. Better code = better hacker.
- 6
HACKING INTO EREBUS
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
Hacking Into Erebus is a terminal-based sci-fi hacking game where you remotely hack systems, manipulate the crew and uncover their secrets. Use every tool to your advantage. Extract what you need, complete the missions and uncover what’s in the Compartment Zero. Will you succeed ?
- 7
Void Future: Hacking Protocol
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
In Void Future: Hacking Protocol, you play as a hacker in a cyberpunk world ruled by corporations. Hack, solve puzzles, and uncover a global conspiracy. Hunted by a system that never sleeps, you’ll need to stay hidden, outsmart surveillance, and fight to survive.
- 8
Hacknet
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Simulation with Mainlining.
Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.
- 9
Papers, Please
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Adventure with Mainlining.
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
- 10
Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Adventure with Mainlining.
Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.
- 11
NITE Team 4 - Military Hacking Division
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Indie and Adventure with Mainlining.
NITE Team 4 is a military hacking simulation game that explores the world of cyberwarfare and features realistic mission scenarios.
- 12
Hypnospace Outlaw
Single-player alternative to Mainlining — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Simulation with Mainlining.
Greetings Enforcer, and thank you for enlisting in the Hypnospace Patrol Department! As the world falls into its slumber, Hypnospace becomes a bustling global village. These virtual streets aren't going to police themselves!