restoHack represents a dedicated restoration of Hack, the groundbreaking roguelike that first emerged in 1984. This project is not merely a remake or reboot; it embodies a philosophy of software preservation, meticulously reestablishing the original experience with contemporary enhancements. The mission is clear: to ensure the original code compiles, executes, and facilitates thrilling dungeon crawls just as it did in the era of floppy disks.

Key Features

• Modern Build System: Utilizes CMake for seamless builds across various Unix systems, including Linux and FreeBSD.
• Authentic Gameplay: Preserves over a dozen original system designs, retaining their classic integrity.
• Complete K&R Modernization: Transitions approximately 250 functions to ANSI C, updating the entire codebase for improved compatibility.
• Unix/Linux Fixes: Eliminates hardcoded BSD paths and filesystem issues, enhancing overall functionality.
• Cross-Platform Support: Successfully tested on multiple platforms, ensuring reliability on Linux (glibc/musl) and FreeBSD environments.

Development and Recognition

restoHack has garnered recognition within the open-source community, winning the For the Love of Code category at GitHub's 2025 challenge, as featured in the GitHub Blog.

The development continues with an emphasis on bolstering safety protocols within the codebase while remaining true to the authentic 1984 gameplay experience. Recent updates include improvements to the save file system and significant security audits that have resolved over 150 vulnerabilities, ensuring a stable gaming experience.

Gameplay Experience

Players take on the role of @, navigating the perilous Mazes of Menace to recover the Amulet of Yendor. Engage with various monsters, magical items, and the risk of permadeath, all while using Vi-style controls (hjkl).

For a deeper dive into the history of this classic game, explore the Complete History of Hack or view various in-game screenshots showcasing the intriguing gameplay events.