10 Games to Learn Python for Middle School Students
If you’re in middle school and just starting out with programming, playing coding games is a great way to learn basic programming concepts. These games allow you to see immediate results, making the learning process more exciting and rewarding. They also enhance your problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity!
Apart from being able to visualize and apply foundational Python concepts, you have access to communities where you can get help and connect with others on the same learning journey! Even if you don’t plan to major in computer science, coding skills are valuable in many subjects, especially as you start researching and analyzing. Learning to code through games can solidify your foundation and showcase your passion and interests in a unique way.
With that in mind, here’s a list of 10 coding games for beginners to get you started on your Python journey!
1. CodinGame
CodinGame is a free platform offering challenge-based programming games in 25 languages. With over 1,000 coding challenges, it covers topics from basic algorithms and even advanced concepts like machine learning.
CodinGame has a ranking system, which is very useful for tracking progress and comparing skills with other users. Apart from this, you can use the community forum to ask questions, get help and collaborate with other players! These challenges also increase in difficulty, which will ensure that your learning curve remains steep.
Costs: Free, though you can pay for the additional features.
Platforms: Web browser (most commonly accessed), Desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux (Desktop clients are said to be more steady and reliable). Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android.
Languages: 25 languages are offered – but the most commonly used are Python, Java and C++.
2. CheckiO
CheckiO is a strategy-based game featuring challenges that help you learn basic and advanced coding concepts. You earn points and level up by solving challenges, and you can compete with other users to solve the most challenges or achieve the highest scores.
CheckiO supports Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript and offers challenges at various difficulty levels to suit different skill levels. It also has an active community forum for support and collaboration!
Costs: Free, but additional paid features are available
Platforms: Website
Languages: Python, TypeScript, JavaScript
Elevator Saga is a programming game where you write code to control elevators and help people reach their destinations. The game consists of multiple levels, each introducing a new challenge. As you advance, you'll learn various programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and functions.
The game is text-based, with each level described in plain English and accompanied by a set of instructions. An added bonus is that the Elevator Saga community is helpful, and the blogs and documentation offer valuable programming insights.
Costs: Free
Platforms: Website
Languages: Most commonly used are JavaScript, Python, and C++
4. CodeCombat
CodeCombat teaches coding through challenging puzzles set in a fantasy world. By solving puzzles, you earn points, level up, and can compete with others for the highest score. CodeCombat offers puzzles in various programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and Java, with difficulty levels suitable for different skills.
Although the user base is generally younger, making some social aspects less accessible for older beginners, CodeCombat's resources are still valuable for anyone starting to learn coding.
Costs: Free, with additional paid features available
Platforms: Website, Desktop clients (MacOS, Windows, Linux), Mobile Apps (iOS and Android)
Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java
5. Codewars
For those seeking competitive Python programming games, Codewars offers real coding problems in a karate-themed environment. Its community-based approach encourages collaboration, helping users improve their problem-solving and coding skills.
While Codewars includes advanced challenges, it's not just for experienced programmers. The platform provides 'kata,' or challenges, at various difficulty levels, making it also suitable for beginners.
Costs: Free
Platforms: Website,
Languages: Python
Blockly Games, created by Google, offers a visual coding experience that gradually introduces Python syntax to young learners. By turning complex coding tasks into simple, visual-based puzzles, Blockly provides a solid foundation for beginners.
It uses visual blocks to represent programming concepts, allowing children to intuitively grasp coding principles without dealing with complex syntax. These games are also self-paced, meaning you can pick up coding during your free time!
Costs: Free
Platforms: Website,
Languages: Python, Java
7. Tynker
Tynker coding is another coding resource that contains multiple levels of difficulty for children of different ages. It’s visually compelling, and you will start by learning the fundamentals of coding before moving on to complex coding languages like Python and JavaScript!
Do note that this works on a subscription basis, with the first 10 levels and the first 20 activities free for you to try!
Costs: Free
Platforms: Website
Languages: Python, Java
In the Codesters Basketball game, you will learn the basics of Python by creating your own basketball arcade game. This interactive activity introduces coding fundamentals through fun gameplay as you use Python to control the movement and actions of the player and the basketball. The game is divided into phases, each teaching specific coding concepts such as collision events, keyboard input, and scorekeeping.
As you progress, you will complete activities and challenges that build your coding skills and by the end, you will have a fully functional, customizable basketball game. This game is a great chance to learn Python in an engaging way and enhance your coding abilities!
Costs: Free, no cost
Platforms: Website
Languages: Python
9. PSA Game
The PSA Game is an engaging way for kids to learn Python while promoting social awareness and responsibility. In this game, children choose a cause they care about, such as animal protection, environmental conservation, or anti-bullying, and use Python to create sprites and animations that convey their message. This process helps kids spread awareness about their chosen cause, fostering ownership and empowerment.
Designed to be fun and accessible, the PSA Game is an excellent way for kids to develop programming skills while learning about social issues. Kids enhance their problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity by working with Python. The game serves as a valuable tool for educators and parents to introduce kids to coding and social responsibility, offering a unique opportunity for creative expression while learning important programming concepts.
Costs: Free
Platforms: Website
Languages: Python
This classic hand game is an excellent way to introduce Python programming concepts, such as user input, loops, and conditional logic. In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a rock paper scissors game in Python by taking in user input using the input() function, using a while loop to play multiple games in a row, and incorporating clean-up mechanisms with and an Enum functions to define more complex rules with a dictionary.
By the end of this tutorial, you will have a fully functional rock-paper-scissors game that you can play from the command line, making it an engaging and fun way to learn Python programming concepts!
Costs: Free
Platforms: Website
Languages: Python
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