5 Free Online Games and Websites to Master Linux and the Command Line

Learning Linux is essential for anyone working in the IT field. Linux distros are helpful to developers, system administrators, and cloud and network engineers.

Linux is popular because of its reliability and wide range of practical applications. If you want to know more about Linux, here are five websites that will help you learn it interactively. These sites have free games and exercises based on the Linux architecture and commands.

Linux Survival makes it easy to learn and master essential Linux commands. It will teach you everything you need to learn about Linux. In module one, you will learn about the Linux directory structure. You will also learn to create directories and delete files using the command line.

You can practice listing file contents, renaming directories, and locating documents. In advanced modules, you will learn to obtain user information and manage security.

At the end of each module, there’s a practice quiz to test your knowledge. With Linux Survival, you can play around with familiar data, such as animals in a zoo.

You learn how to manipulate the data using commands on the screen. You then type the commands on the interactive shell and see the results.

The interface is simple and easy for beginners as they get instructions and an interactive shell to practice. The best part is you don’t have to sign up to use the workspace. You can start learning as soon as you land on the website. But it’s recommended that you create an account to track your progress.

Terminus is a command-line game created by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The game provides users with an interactive command-line interface to practice Linux. They provide a set of commands and instructions on how to use them.

The interface is excellent for beginners who want to learn how to interact with the command line. They provide data in files called locations that you can work with using the commands. For example, you must retrieve specific data to complete a challenge. You can also print information and change directories.

As you navigate through the directories, a picture on the terminal shows you where you are. This immerses your imagination in the game, making it fun and adventurous.

You can play Terminus without having to sign up on the website. Go ahead and explore this fun game.

Command Line Murder Mystery is a thrilling way to learn the Linux command line. With this game, you can be a police detective for a day. The game includes a fictitious police department looking to solve a murder plot. You must help them solve the murder by looking for hints and clues about the perpetrator.

In the game, you use Linux commands to navigate through folders and files, searching for clues. First, go to the project’s GitHub repository and download or clone the folder to your device.

When you open the folder labeled clmystery, you will see the files to work with. You can begin with the instructions file that guides you on how to play. They have cheat sheet files showing you Linux commands and how to use them.

If you get stuck, you can look for clues in the hint file. There’s also a solution file if you want to check whether your answer is correct. CLI Murder Mystery teaches a lot about controlling the terminal and managing its processes.

Bandit is one of the Wargames offered by the OverTheWire community. Bandit is for absolute beginners, as it helps you learn Linux by playing around with the interface.

You will learn several Linux commands while trying to solve various challenges. It helps you practice security concepts while playing fun games on the command line. As a beginner, you should start with the basics and advance to level 34.

Bandit helps you get familiar with the command line as you run the game on your device. It’s a great introduction to working with the terminal and Linux code editors and IDEs. To play, you must go to the website and obtain instructions on connecting using SSH (Secure Shell).

The game has different levels. You start at Level 0 and pass it by obtaining a password to access the next level. Each level provides instructions on what to do to finish the level. Without the passwords, you cannot access the next level of the game.

All the levels have a page on the website with commands to win the game. They also provide a detailed explanation of each command and how to use it.

Playing Bandit will ensure you have a good understanding of Linux commands and how to apply them. If you get stuck, you can reach out to their community; they are always eager to help.

With Linux Journey, you will learn everything you need to know about Linux. The site is full of resources for both beginners and advanced learners. The exercises familiarize you with terms, jargon, and phrases used in Linux distributions as well.

You start learning about the origin of Linux and its distributions. Then you explore the command line, user management processes, and Linux security.

The interface has sections with notes and instructions on how to run commands. There’s also a separate interactive shell where you can practice Linux commands. At the end of each lesson, you have a quiz to test your knowledge.

The site is free to use, and there’s no need for sign-ups. All you have to do is navigate to the site and start learning.

Why Learn Linux Using Online Games and Websites?

Linux is one of the most popular technologies used today. This is because of its versatility and numerous career opportunities in the IT field.

It introduces you to opportunities that will help you progress in your IT career. With Linux, you can contribute to open-source projects and collaborate with others. Learning Linux also introduces you to a community of Linux supporters worldwide.