You can learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages not only through courses or by studying countless internet sources and books. The learning process can be fun with games.

Existing games allow you not only to have fun but also to level up your programming skills, and some games even teach you from scratch.

Grid critters

One of the most popular browser games for practicing table layout skills using CSS Grid. The game helps you understand and master this technology fully.

The storyline begins on the planet Grideros, where your task is to save aliens from extinction.

You will control your spaceship using CSS Grid by writing code. You experiment, manipulate, and see how your actions affect the planet. As you progress, your spaceship improves, and so do your skills.

Access to the game is paid and costs $179.

Flexbox Zombie

A browser game from the creators of Grid Critters to practice layout using Flexbox.

Flexbox is a powerful yet somewhat difficult-to-master technology. Many web developers rely on cheat sheets when working with it. Learning Flexbox in a fun game format allows you to create layouts easily and quickly.

Flexbox Zombie has 12 sections, each gradually introducing you to Flexbox features. The game is about fighting zombies. You shoot them with a crossbow that you control using code.

Access to the game is paid and costs $179.

Flexbox Defense

Another game for learning Flexbox. Here, you also fight enemies, but by building towers — naturally, using code.

The game has 12 levels. Before each level, you read about certain Flexbox properties.

CSS Diner

A great visual game to refresh basic layout rules and learn how to use CSS selectors. Your goal is to place items like food and plates on the table using correct selectors.

The game has 32 levels, with selectors becoming progressively more complex. It starts with basic tag and class selectors and ends with advanced structural and combined selectors.

Grid Garden

A game in which even a child can learn CSS Grid thanks to clear instructions at each step. There are 28 levels. You grow carrots, water them, and clear weeds using code. With each level, you get hints about which grid properties to use.

Flexbox Froggy

In this game, you don’t fight anyone. Instead, you help a little frog reach a lily pad by writing CSS code.

The game has 24 levels. On each level, you receive instructions about flexbox properties and learn how to position items using Flexbox.

Hex Invaders

A browser arcade game suitable for those just starting to learn the RGB color palette.

Your goal is to save Earth from alien invasion using a big cannon. But to defeat the alien, you need to decode the color code shown on the screen and shoot the matching color.

Pixactly

Pixel Perfect layout means the final HTML matches the PSD mockup down to the pixel. Pixactly helps you hone this skill.

The game tests your sense of proportion. You're asked to draw a shape based on given dimensions. There are 5 rounds. The closer your result, the more points you earn.

Code Monkey

A game where even children can start learning to code. No prior skills are required.

You'll write code in CoffeeScript, which you can later use to build HTML5 games.

The game includes multiple levels. A funny monkey introduces you to coding features.

There’s a free trial and an option to purchase the full version.

Vim Adventures

An adventure game where you walk through mazes and get familiar with Vim. Characters in the game give you hints, and it gets harder with each level.

It’s suitable both for beginners and those familiar with Vim who want a fun way to improve.

Lightbot

A puzzle game based on fundamental programming concepts. You control a little robot who performs actions based on conditions and lights up tiles.

This fun game is great for both kids and adults and requires no prior coding knowledge.

The game can be downloaded on tablets or phones for 169 rubles.

CeeBot

A game where you control characters using C++.

The game has 4 blocks, each with tasks from easy to hard. You populate an unknown planet, starting with basic robotics and advancing to function commands.

Besides solo mode, there's an “Arena” where you can compete with other programmers and show what you've learned in C++.

Piktomir

One of the most popular and successful Russian games for learning programming basics.

Available on desktop and mobile, it’s user-friendly and created in the native language.

You control a robot that paints the field and gives hints, guiding you through learning algorithms.

Code Combat

A browser game where you conquer land and defeat enemies while learning to code. Suitable for kids and adults with zero experience.

In the game, your code becomes spells and actions for the wizard or warrior you control.

You can choose which language to learn — Python or JavaScript. The goal is to grasp general programming principles. You can also play in a team.

The game follows a typical course structure, with increasing difficulty. It integrates easily into school curricula.

Every user has access to 80 levels — enough to learn programming basics. Teachers can request access to extra levels and training videos.

Screeps

A game for those with programming experience. You control a virtual world using JavaScript.

Screeps is a classic strategy game where you don’t actively manage your colony — you write code and check in periodically to monitor progress.

The creators state the goal is not to teach, but to let you demonstrate and improve your JavaScript skills.

CodinGame

Not just a game — it’s a whole platform for learning programming through games.

From destroying enemy ships to building complex functions, it suits both beginners and experienced coders. You can choose from JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and more.

Each game comes with potential issues and test case examples.

Thousands of programmers worldwide use the platform. Competitions are often held where you can showcase skills and win prizes.

Elevator Saga

A puzzle game where you control the elevator system in a building. Use JavaScript and knowledge of algorithms and arrays to get people to their floors quickly.

The game gets harder with each level, with more floors and people. It only looks like a simple kids’ game.

CheckIO

A game aimed at improving programming skills in JavaScript and Python by solving tasks of varying difficulty. A great way to practice after a short theoretical course.

The gameplay involves exploring islands. Each player starts with two islands and gets hints. One island has basic tasks to understand functions and variables. The other has more complex tasks.

Web designers will also appreciate the game’s beautiful design.

You also exchange experience — after solving a task, you can see others' solutions and discuss past levels.

Dungeons & Developers

Not a game, but a site where you can build your own skill tree in programming.

It all starts with HTML and continues from basics to advanced specializations. But the tree allows for a "superhuman" who knows nearly everything.

So, to gain practical skills in coding and layout, you don’t need to sit in front of a blue screen writing monotonous code. You can do it through exciting games. There are plenty of browser games, some suitable even for kids and complete beginners.