netwalk

About Netwalk

What Is Netwalk?

Netwalk is a free, browser-based logic puzzle game where you rotate network tiles to connect all computer nodes to a central server. It's inspired by the network topology diagrams that system administrators use to map out data centers and office networks.

There's no time limit, no account required, and no download. Just open the page and start playing. Each puzzle is procedurally generated, so you'll never run out of new boards.

How It Works

Every board starts with a solved network —all nodes connected to the server through underground pipes. Then the tiles are randomly scrambled. Your challenge: click tiles to rotate them 90 degrees until the network is reconnected. Pipes that are linked to the server glow cyan, giving you real-time feedback on your progress.

The core algorithm grows a randomized spanning tree. Bounded and Torus keep that tree; Classic may add reciprocal edges. Restoring the saved orientation gives a solution, but this implementation does not check uniqueness or guarantee a deduction-only solve.

Key Features

  • Customizable grid: From 3×3 up to 25×25, plus a Daily Puzzle for everyone
  • 8 languages: English, 中文, Deutsch, Français, Español, 日本語 Русский, 한국어
  • Mobile-friendly: Responsive design with touch support for phones and tablets
  • No time limit: Play at your own pace —the timer only counts up
  • Keyboard shortcuts: Z to undo, R for a new game
  • Sound effects: Subtle audio feedback on tile rotation and puzzle completion
  • Procedural puzzles: Generate varied boards or replay a date-seeded Daily challenge; uniqueness is not guaranteed

History

Network-rotation puzzles have several implementations. Simon Tatham's Net manual credits Pavils Jurjans' FreeNet as its inspiration and notes other games named NetWalk. We do not claim that this independent website created the puzzle or is affiliated with those projects.

This web version is an independent tribute that preserves the original gameplay while adding modern features —multi-language support, responsive design for mobile devices, and instant access through any browser. Read the full history on our blog.

Our Mission

We believe the best puzzle games are simple to learn, impossible to master. Netwalk embodies this: one rule (rotate tiles to connect the network), infinite variation. We keep the game free and accessible because logic puzzles should be for everyone.