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Stephano Kambeta
Stephano Kambeta

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How to Play Classic Text Games on Termux

#gamedev #termux #tutorial #beginners

Sometimes you just want a break from coding or command-line work and dive into something fun — without leaving the terminal. Termux isn’t just for hacking tools, servers, and automation scripts. It can also run classic text-based games that have entertained generations of programmers. In this guide, I’ll show you how to install and play these games right inside Termux.

Text-based games aren’t just nostalgic; they’re lightweight, offline-friendly, and perfect for when you’re stuck without an internet connection. Just like small Termux projects, they’re easy to set up and can run on almost any device.

Why Play Text Games in Termux?

While modern mobile games eat up battery and storage, classic text games have unique advantages:

  • Lightweight — some are just a few KB in size.
  • No internet needed.
  • Runs on nearly any Android phone.
  • Great for learning command-line basics while having fun.
  • Perfect for retro computing fans.

Think of it like learning SQL or Python in Termux — you can have fun while picking up useful terminal skills. Even cybersecurity learners who read about planning for security sometimes need a break.

Installing Classic Text Games in Termux

First, make sure Termux is installed. If not, follow this installation guide.

Update and Upgrade Packages 

pkg update && pkg upgrade -y
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Install the BSD Games Package 

pkg install bsdgames
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The bsdgames package comes with a variety of old-school text games, including wump, snake, tetris, and phantasia.

Examples of Classic Games You Can Play

1. Snake 

snake
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Control the snake using arrow keys (or h, j, k, l for vi-style movement) and try to eat the dots without hitting the walls or yourself.

2. Tetris 

tetris-bsd
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A terminal-based Tetris game. Rotate and move blocks to fill lines and score points.

3. Adventure 

adventure
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The original text-based adventure game where you explore a mysterious cave, collect treasures, and avoid hazards.

4. Wumpus 

wump
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A logic game where you hunt the "Wumpus" without falling into pits or getting caught.

5. Arithmetic 

arithmetic
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A math challenge game — great for sharpening your brain between coding sessions.

Installing Additional Text Games

If you want more than what bsdgames offers, you can install other packages:

pkg install moon-buggy
pkg install ninvaders
pkg install nethack
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Moon-buggy is a fun side-scroller where you jump over craters, nInvaders is a terminal version of Space Invaders, and NetHack is one of the most famous roguelike dungeon crawlers ever created.

Tips for Better Gameplay

  • Use a Bluetooth keyboard for more comfortable controls.
  • Play in landscape mode for better visibility.
  • If using public Wi-Fi, use a VPN like Surfshark to keep your connection private while downloading packages.
  • Store your high scores in a backup just like securing important data in network security.

Why This is More Than Just Fun

Playing these games in Termux teaches you navigation, key commands, and package management. You’ll naturally become more comfortable with the command line, which helps when setting up things like web servers or network tools.

Final Thoughts

Classic text games on Termux are lightweight, nostalgic, and surprisingly addictive. Whether you’re killing time, learning Linux commands, or just taking a break from more serious work like cyber threat analysis, they’re a perfect way to enjoy the terminal.

And the best part? You don’t need expensive hardware or gigabytes of storage. Just your phone, Termux, and a few simple commands.

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