Untrusted: Hackers at Large

About Untrusted: Hackers at Large

Untrusted: Hackers at Large is a role-playing strategy game set in a gritty, retro-futuristic world. Developed by Playuntrusted.com and released in 2026, it acts as a prequel to the original Untrusted series. You play as a crew leader managing hackers in the late 1970s, planning cyber heists, stealing data, and sabotaging targets. The game blends tactical planning with narrative-driven choices, where every decision affects outcomes. Set on PC and Linux, it focuses on single-player gameplay with a mix of hacking mechanics, risk management, and stealth. The story revolves around building a crew, navigating moral dilemmas, and surviving in a world where trust is scarce. It’s a leaner, story-focused experience compared to its predecessor.

Gameplay

The core loop involves planning missions, assigning roles to hackers, and executing digital infiltrations. You’ll use tools like password crackers, firewalls, and remote exploits to bypass security systems. Each mission requires balancing speed with stealth, if you trigger alarms, you face consequences like police intervention or crew casualties. Between missions, you recruit new hackers, upgrade gear, and manage resources like cash and intel. The interface leans on top-down strategy, with hacking sequences resembling puzzle-solving. Controls are mouse-and-keyboard based, prioritizing efficiency over arcade-style action. Replayability comes from branching storylines and risk-reward decisions, such as whether to kill a target or blackmail them. Sessions average 2, 4 hours per mission, with a total playtime of 20, 30 hours.

What Players Think

As of its 2026 release, Untrusted: Hackers at Large holds a 78% critic score and a 7.2/10 user rating on PlayPile. Community moods are split: 40% label it “Thoughtful,” praising the moral dilemmas and retro aesthetic, while 30% call it “Frustrating” due to clunky UI and repetitive mission design. Average playthroughs hit 25 hours, with 12% of players completing 100% of story branches. Early reviews highlight the game’s ambition but note bugs in the Linux version. One user wrote, “The hacking feels smart but the combat is a chore,” while another praised, “It’s the Untrusted game I wanted in the ’80s.” Achievement completion sits at 65%, with 120+ total trophies.

PlayPile's Take

Untrusted: Hackers at Large is a niche pick for fans of tactical RPGs and cyberpunk stories. It shines in its moral complexity and retro design but falters in execution polish. At $39.99, it’s mid-tier priced but may not justify the cost for newcomers to the series. The Linux port has unresolved bugs, so PC users should proceed cautiously. If you enjoyed the original Untrusted’s narrative depth and don’t mind a slower pace, it’s worth the dive. Otherwise, wait for a sale or a potential sequel.

Storyline

Step into the shadows of the late 1970s in this gritty, story-driven prequel to Untrusted. In Untrusted: Hackers at Large, you'll manage an underground crew of digital operatives in a world where your every choice matters. Infiltrate networks. Exploit vulnerabilities. Control the narrative.