# NetHack

> Cult classic roguelike dungeon crawler with deep gameplay for mobile. (iPhone/iPad app by gandreas software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nethack/id334281275 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [gandreas software](https://appshunter.io/developer/284533119)
- Category: Games, Adventure, Role Playing
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.80/5 from 1,005 App Store ratings · 124 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 2.2 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-10-22
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nethack/id334281275/reviews.md

## What is NetHack?

One of the deepest, richest gameplay found in any game on any platform, NetHack is a cult classic since its release in 1987, and has since spawned many descendants (including Diablo).  gandreas software now presents this classic for the iPhone/iPod Touch:

- Playable in either "ASCII" mode, or graphics mode (just rotate the device to switch)
- Obscure keyboard commands replaced with a simple taps for movement, or a handy command picker.
- Commands can also be activated by a unique gesture based command - want to search for a secret door? Swipe across the top of the play area (all the gestures are shown on the command picker for easy reference)
- Graphics can be zoomed in/out via pinch
- Completely faithful NetHack experience (all the levels, monsters, potions, scrolls, etc...)
- iPhone UI - standard scrolling lists, pickers, etc...
- Multiple tiles sets, from the classic to the sublime
- Never see a keyboard unless you are doing something like typing in a name!

Can you retrieve the Amulet of Yendor and return to the surface?

## Key features

- ASCII or graphics mode
- Touch-based movement and commands
- Gesture-based command system
- Pinch-to-zoom graphics
- Faithful NetHack experience
- Multiple tile sets

## What do users think of NetHack?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🚀 Great port of classic game
- 👍 Innovative gesture controls
- 💡 Multiple graphical tilesets
- 🚀 Responsive touch controls

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Unreliable save function
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 👎 Steep learning curve

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes on call/exit
- Unable to recover from crashes
- Freezes on character creation
- Compatibility problems with iPhone 6 and iOS 8+

**Most requested features**

- Update to support latest iOS versions
- Add option to edit configuration files
- Implement multiple character support
- Improve stability and save functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 124)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nethack/id334281275/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Please update nethack

*2024-03-25, version 1.0*

You created the best app version of this game. Please update it or redevelop a new app for sale. It was the best version of NetHack created for Apple. /JSI

### 1/5 — Missing this game

*2022-06-25, version 1.0*

I use to know this game as rogue. Loved it’s simplicity and had fun playing it. Wish you guys would update it.

### 1/5 — Broken

*2018-06-23, version 1.0*

Broken and unmaintained

### 5/5 — Great for local play, learned to love the UI

*2018-05-11*

My first ascension was obtained using this app. Nowadays I prefer playing online on a public server like NAO or hardfought. I wish developer could bolt his UI on top of telnet or SSH somehow. Current telnet nethack on a phone ‘works’ but isn’t playable, IMO.  Great job Gandreas!

### 1/5 — Completely broken

*2018-01-19, version 1.0*

The app opened for me and shows a popup, but the popup says nothing and has no "ok" button. I can't do anything because the popup is covering the screen. I understand that the app is super old and will probably never be fixed. But for those of you wondering: no, it doesn't work.

### 3/5 — No longer updated

*2017-10-27, version 1.0*

This game is no longer updated for current IOS versions, so you probably shouldn't download it.

### 5/5 — Probably My Favorite Game but....

*2017-07-28*

I wish it would get updated more , i like playing the original nethack
more than anything else , i just love jumping into the game making a quick character then fighting a dungeon finding cool stuff and then dying.

### 1/5 — Doesn't work on iOS 10

*2017-06-30, version 1.0*

Please fix. Doesn't work on iOS 10. Can't get past first screen after it loads.

### 5/5 — Please update!

*2017-06-29, version 1.0*

New OS is causing gui issues with dialog windows. I can't do anything that involves a dialog box. This is the best mobile port of nethack I've played and would love to continue playing! Andreas, please help us! :)

### 1/5 — Unplayable

*2017-03-06, version 1.0*

Can't even load the game, hasn't been updated in 8 years

Avoid

## Frequently asked questions about NetHack

### What is NetHack?

NetHack is a cult classic roguelike dungeon crawler game known for its deep and rich gameplay. It challenges players to explore dungeons, battle monsters, and retrieve the Amulet of Yendor. This version brings the complete, faithful experience to mobile devices.

### What are the key features of this mobile version?

This version offers both ASCII and graphics modes, with easy touch controls for movement and commands, including a gesture-based system. You can also pinch to zoom the graphics and choose from multiple tile sets for a personalized experience.

### How much does NetHack cost?

This application is a paid app. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements, providing a complete and uninterrupted gameplay experience.

### What platforms is NetHack available on?

This specific version of NetHack is available for iPhone and iPod Touch. The original game has been released on many platforms since its inception in 1987.

### What is the main goal of the game?

The ultimate goal in NetHack is to retrieve the legendary Amulet of Yendor from the deepest dungeon level and successfully return to the surface. This requires strategic thinking, resource management, and overcoming numerous challenges.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2009-10-23

No release notes.

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## More apps by gandreas software

- [15 Puzzle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/15-puzzle/id287040420)
- [Rogue](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rogue/id298113808)
- [The Dicenomicon Light](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-dicenomicon-light/id328077923)
- [The Dicenomicon TV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-dicenomicon-tv/id1277155414)
- [d’Arkham](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkham/id1476475045)

All apps by gandreas software: https://appshunter.io/developer/284533119

## Related topics

[nethack helper](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nethack-helper) · [inethack2](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/inethack2) · [pathos nethack](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pathos-nethack)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*