Modulo

CodeCombat

Recommended Ages

3rd–10th grades

CodeCombat is an adventure-style coding platform where students write real Python or JavaScript to move characters, cast spells, and solve puzzles. Instead of drag-and-drop blocks, learners type code directly into the browser, seeing immediate results as their hero navigates dungeons and battlefields. Created by developers and educators to make text-based coding more approachable, CodeCombat has become a popular bridge from block coding tools into “real” programming. Parents and teachers like the built-in progression, teacher dashboards, and the way story elements keep many kids engaged longer than traditional exercises. It’s best for roughly grades 4–10 with basic typing skills and an interest in games. While there is a free tier, full access requires a subscription or school license, but many families find the depth of content worth the cost. For best results, have students narrate their thinking and occasionally rewrite solutions in their own words to solidify concepts.

Learners roughly 10+ who enjoy fantasy games, read comfortably, and are ready to type real code while getting immediate feedback; families hoping to bridge from block‑coding (Scratch) to text‑based programming.

Pros

Engaging, game‑based platform that teaches real Python and JavaScript as kids control characters through increasingly complex levels; homeschool and school reviews praise its strong progression, CSTA/Common Core alignment, and AP CSP support.

Cons

After the free intro, most meaningful content is behind a subscription; the interface is text‑heavy, and some kids may focus on “beating the game” instead of understanding concepts without parental guidance.

Individual families usually pay directly or through homeschool‑buyer clubs, though some charter schools and districts purchase classroom licenses; ESA and charter reimbursement eligibility varies by program and vendor list.

$9.99/month or $99/year for a premium subscription and $219-$399 for private online tutoring sessions

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CodeCombat
$10.00 USD

Skills

What kids will learn
View all collections
Coding
Coding
Python
Python
STEM
STEM

CodeCombat Mission

CodeCombat’s mission is to make learning real-world programming languages feel like playing an epic adventure game. By having students write actual Python, JavaScript, and other typed code to control their heroes, the platform helps learners in grades 4–12 build deep computational thinking skills while staying intrinsically motivated through levels, storylines, and multiplayer challenges. The curriculum is aligned with standards and recognized by the College Board as an AP Computer Science Principles provider, giving schools a turnkey way to bring rigorous, engaging computer science to more students. [oai_citation:4‡Wikipedia](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/CodeCombat?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

CodeCombat Story

CodeCombat was founded in 2013 in San Francisco by a group of Oberlin College friends—George Saines, Scott Erickson, Matt Lott, and Nick Winter—who shared a passion for both coding and game design. After seeing how traditional lessons left many beginners bored or intimidated, they set out to build a game where you learn programming by actually typing code to solve puzzles and defeat enemies, rather than dragging blocks or answering multiple-choice questions. They open-sourced the project early on and grew with support from Y Combinator and other investors, eventually expanding into full game- and web-development courses, a sequel narrative game called Ozaria, and classroom dashboards for teachers around the world. [oai_citation:5‡Wikipedia](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/CodeCombat_%28%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

About Modular Learning

FAQ: Additional Details about CodeCombat

A session starts with your child logging in, reading the next quest, and typing commands like “hero.moveRight()” while fantasy music plays and their on‑screen character runs, battles, and unlocks new gear; when they get stuck, they tweak a line of code and grin when it finally works.

CodeCombat teaches coding through a story‑driven online game where kids control a hero by typing real Python or JavaScript. In a homeschool setting, you create a student account (or join a class subscription), schedule short play sessions several times a week, and let kids progress through levels while you monitor their dashboard.

Many kids work independently while parents glance at progress reports or sit nearby to help debug tricky logic, and some families opt into live online small‑group classes for extra accountability and teacher support.

Best for roughly ages 9+ who can read instructions independently, type basic code, and manage frustration when debugging; younger or reluctant readers might prefer to start with block‑based coding first.

CodeCombat teaches coding through a story‑driven game, which often captivates ADHD, autistic, and gifted learners who enjoy strategy and immediate feedback. Reading demands and on‑screen complexity can be high, so dyslexic or younger kids may need text‑to‑speech, co‑play with an adult, or a slower pace.

CodeCombat typically offers a risk‑free window on new subscriptions, after which plans auto‑renew and past charges are not refunded; for live classes or third‑party homeschool bundles, families follow the vendor’s specific cancellation terms.

Not ideal for very young kids, learners who dislike video‑game aesthetics, or families with strict screen limits or very limited internet; also less suited to kids who need lots of offline, hands‑on STEM projects.

Scratch, Code.org, Tynker, Codemonkey, Ellipsis Education courses, and live classes from CodeWizardsHQ or local coding camps offer alternative pathways with different structures and price points.

CodeCombat and its sister platform Ozaria regularly add new levels, game worlds, and computer science units (including AI and web development) and continue to expand options for younger learners such as drag‑and‑drop or no‑typing modes.

Set a specific “lesson count” or time goal per week and keep a simple notebook where your child jots down new syntax and concepts, then occasionally has them re‑create a mechanic from the game in a fresh level of their own.

Contact form

Meet Nick and team

Nick Winter, one of CodeCombat’s co-founders and longtime CEO, is an educational technology entrepreneur who previously co-created Skritter, a gamified platform for learning Chinese characters. Drawing on his background in computer science and his obsession with making learning feel like a “wizardly” superpower, he led CodeCombat’s growth from an early prototype into a platform serving tens of thousands of schools and millions of players worldwide. Nick and fellow co-founders George Saines, Scott Erickson, and Matt Lott combined strengths in software engineering, web development, and game design to build a company that blends open-source culture with a mission-driven focus on expanding access to computer science education. [oai_citation:6‡nickwinter.net](https://www.nickwinter.net/codecombat?utm_source=chatgpt.com)