CodeCombat
A fantasy role-playing game where kids type real Python or JavaScript to move their hero, with CodeCombat Junior for K–5, the Ozaria story game, AI HackStack and competitive AI League arenas.
What is CodeCombat?
CodeCombat is a coding game made by CodeCombat Inc. in San Francisco. Four founders launched it in 2013 and later open-sourced the software. Kids control a hero in a fantasy world, but instead of clicking, they type real Python or JavaScript to move, attack and solve puzzles.
The company also makes Ozaria, a story-driven coding adventure released in 2019, and CodeCombat Junior for younger kids.
How it works
Each level is a small challenge with a goal, like reaching a gem without touching a trap. Kids type a few commands, run them, and watch the hero act them out. When the hero fails, the error shows what went wrong. New commands unlock as kids progress, along with gear, pets and heroes.
Kids can play on their own. The basic home plan does not include the full teacher curriculum, so parents who want lesson plans need a school-style license.
What it covers
| Track | Grades | What kids do |
|---|---|---|
| CodeCombat Junior | K–5 | 173 structured levels, no-typing and no-reading options |
| CodeCombat | About 4–12 | Typed Python or JavaScript, loops, functions, logic |
| Web development levels | Middle and high school | HTML, CSS and web scripting |
| AI HackStack | Middle and high school | AI learning scenarios; home Premium includes 50 prompts a month |
| AI League | Teens | Competitive coding arenas |
Who it's best for
CodeCombat suits kids around ages 9 to 16 who enjoy role-playing games and are ready to type. It is a good next step after block coding in Scratch or Code.org.
Children who can't type yet should start with CodeCombat Junior or a block app. Kids who want to design their own games may find the set levels limiting.
Pricing at a glance
The opening levels are free. CodeCombat's help center lists Premium at $9.99 a month or $99 a year in the U.S. The lifetime plan ended in 2020.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Possibly. Some ESA and scholarship programs allow coding curriculum or online courses, but each program decides. Browse our scholarships hub or state pages like Arizona scholarships. Save CodeCombat to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
CodeMonkey also gets kids typing early, with CoffeeScript and Python. Tynker covers younger kids and Minecraft modding. Code.org has free self-paced JavaScript and Python labs. Kids who want a live teacher often look at CodaKid. See more coding programs for kids and middle school coding.
Who CodeCombat is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Kids ages 9–16 who like role-playing games and are ready to type
- Students who want real Python or JavaScript, not blocks
- Competitive kids drawn to AI League tournaments
Look elsewhere if
- Young children who can't type yet (start with CodeCombat Junior or Kodable)
- Families who want lesson plans with a basic home plan
- Kids who would rather build their own games freely
CodeCombat pros and cons
Pros
- Real typed Python and JavaScript from day one
- Free levels to try before paying
- Inexpensive home plan compared with live classes
- Open-source roots and a long track record since 2013
- Junior track extends to K–5
Cons
- Home plan lacks the full teacher curriculum and resources
- Game rewards like pets and gear can distract some kids
- Needs a keyboard; tablets are a poor fit for typed levels
- Official home pricing page is hard to find and prices vary by country
What’s included
- Typed Python and JavaScript from the first level
- 530+ levels with premium home access, per CodeCombat
- CodeCombat Junior for K–5 with no-typing and no-reading options
- AI HackStack scenarios for middle and high school
- AI League competitive coding arenas
- Ozaria, a story-driven intro to computer science
How much does CodeCombat cost?
CodeCombat's help center lists Premium at $9.99 a month in the U.S., with an annual option at $99 a year; international prices vary. Premium unlocks all games and projects with one subscription, including CodeCombat Junior, AI HackStack, CodeCombat Worlds and AI League extras. CodeCombat discontinued its lifetime plan in 2020. Live online classes are a separate, much more expensive product.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium monthly | $9.99/mo | Monthly | $9.99/mo |
| Premium yearly | $99/yr | Yearly | $8.25/mo |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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CodeCombat FAQs
Is CodeCombat free?
The first levels are free to play. Premium unlocks all levels, CodeCombat Junior, AI HackStack and extras like pets and heroes. Schools can also buy class licenses.
How much does CodeCombat cost?
CodeCombat's help center lists Premium at $9.99 a month in the U.S. and an annual plan at $99 a year. International pricing varies, and live online classes cost much more.
What age is CodeCombat for?
CodeCombat is commonly recommended for ages 9 to 16, roughly grades 4–12. CodeCombat Junior was designed for K–5 learners and has no-typing and no-reading options.
What programming languages does CodeCombat teach?
Kids type Python or JavaScript in the main game. Web development levels also cover HTML and CSS.
Does CodeCombat have a lifetime plan?
Not anymore. CodeCombat announced the discontinuation of lifetime Premium in November 2020, and the long-term option is now the annual plan.
Is CodeCombat good for homeschool?
Yes, especially for grades 4–12. Homeschool Buyers Club sells a one-year license with teacher guides, pacing guides, lesson plans and a teacher dashboard for one teacher and one student, which gives parents more structure than the basic home plan.
What is Ozaria?
Ozaria is CodeCombat's story-driven coding adventure, released in August 2019. It teaches the basics of computer science and is included in school and Homeschool Buyers Club licenses.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: