As roguelikes go, NetHack stands as a testament to the genre’s enduring legacy. This iconic game, which first graced screens in the same year that Lethal Weapon premiered, has now found its place in the Museum of Modern Art, sharing space with other celebrated titles like SimCity 2000 and Portal. Its influence on the gaming landscape is undeniable, and as of yesterday, it has been revitalized with the release of version 5.0.0.
Despite its nearly 40-year history, NetHack remains an active open-source project, continuously nurtured by a dedicated community known as the DevTeam. This latest update introduces a staggering 3,100 fixes and changes, inviting both veterans and newcomers to embark on a fresh adventure. However, players should note that old saves and “bones files”—which preserve dungeon floors upon death—will not be compatible with this new version, making it an opportune moment to start anew.
New Features and Community Engagement
The main menu of the NetHack website now features download links for various platforms, including Windows, DOS, and Amiga. The game’s GitHub page is also brimming with updates, showcasing the intricate details that define its gameplay. For instance, one amusing note mentions that “pets avoid eating shapeshifter corpses unless starving or nearly feral,” while another states, “Demon lords hate Demonbane.” These whimsical updates reflect the game’s rich tapestry of systems and procedural generation.
While diving into a game renowned for its complexity and ASCII graphics from the ’80s may seem daunting, resources are available to ease the transition. A particularly engaging option is PC Gamer’s NetHack from aaaa to Zruty, a let’s play series featuring senior editor Wes Fenlon and NetHack expert Jeremy Nissen. This series, now celebrating a decade of exploration, delves into the reasons behind the game’s acclaim and offers insights on how to navigate its labyrinthine world. Given that this series represents only a fraction of NetHack’s storied existence, it remains a valuable resource for both new and returning players.
