20 C++ Game Projects for Beginners With Source Code

C++ is a popular programming language for game development, as it offers performance and control over memory management that are essential for developing high-performance games. For beginners, it’s a great language to learn as it teaches important programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, variables, functions, and classes.

When it comes to game development in C++, there are several aspects to consider, such as graphics, input handling, game logic, and user interface. Here are some common game development concepts and techniques that beginners should be familiar with:

  1. Graphics: C++ provides several libraries and APIs for graphics programming, such as OpenGL and DirectX. You can use these libraries to create 2D and 3D graphics for your game.
  2. Input handling: You need to handle user input to make your game interactive. You can use input devices such as keyboards, mice, and gamepads to handle user input. C++ provides several libraries for handling input, such as SDL and GLFW.
  3. Game logic: You need to implement the rules of your game, such as the win/lose conditions, scoring, and game flow. You can use programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, and functions to implement the game logic.
  4. User interface: You need to provide a user interface for your game, such as menus, buttons, and text fields. You can use graphics libraries such as SFML and Qt to create the user interface.

When it comes to C++ game projects for beginners, it’s important to start with simple games such as Tic Tac Toe, Snake, or Pong. These games provide a good foundation for learning game development concepts and techniques. As you gain more experience, you can move on to more complex games and explore more advanced programming concepts

Now that you are well versed in the concept of game engines, let’s have a look at the list of best games written in C++

c++ Games with source code

  • Pong: A simple two-player game where players control paddles and try to hit a ball back and forth.
  • Snake: A classic game where players control a snake and try to eat food while avoiding obstacles.
  • Tetris: A popular puzzle game where players arrange falling blocks to create lines.
  • Space Invaders: An arcade-style game where players shoot down rows of aliens before they reach the bottom of the screen.
  • Breakout: A game where players use a paddle to break bricks and clear levels.
  • Tic Tac Toe: A simple two-player game where players try to get three in a row on a grid.
  • Minesweeper: A puzzle game where players clear a grid of mines without detonating them.
  • Hangman: A word game where players try to guess a hidden word by guessing letters.
  • Memory: A game where players flip over cards to find matching pairs.
  • Connect Four: A two-player game where players try to get four of their pieces in a row on a grid.
  • Asteroids: An arcade-style game where players pilot a spaceship and shoot down asteroids.
  • Frogger: An arcade-style game where players guide a frog across a busy road and river.
  • Pac-Man: An arcade-style game where players guide Pac-Man through a maze and eat pellets while avoiding ghosts.
  • Bubble Shooter: A puzzle game where players shoot bubbles at a ceiling to make them disappear.
  • Tower Defense: A game where players build defenses to protect against enemy attacks.
  • Simon: A memory game where players repeat a sequence of colors and sounds.
  • Bejeweled: A puzzle game where players match jewels to clear the board.
  • Super Mario Bros.: A classic platformer where players guide Mario through levels and collect coins.
  • Flappy Bird: An arcade-style game where players navigate a bird through obstacles by tapping the screen.

To produce the best, you need to choose the best, and this article highlights the 20 best C++ Games that can help you in creating your own C++ projects. 

There are C++ games that are entirely developed by using C++ Language only.

These games were created before the 2000s. In the modern era, games are mainly produced using gaming engines that demand C++. All the other game development is executed by utilizing high-level scripting languages.

Snake Game

One of the most popular C++ games since childhood is the Snake Game. It was first developed in 1997 on Nokia 6110. Over time, programmers kept on advancing the game by adding more features.

From the featured phones to the touchscreens, the game is accessible on all sorts of devices and functions on every operating system.

Let’s look at the instructions to make a basic snake game in C++.

snake game in C

Libraries

#include <iostream>
#include <conio.h>
#include <windows.h>

The above lines of code include the necessary libraries for the game. iostream library is used to take inputs and display outputs. conio.h library is used for keyboard input. windows.h library is used to pause the game for a short period.

Global Variables

bool gameover;
const int width = 20;
const int height = 20;
int x, y, fruitX, fruitY, score;
int tailX[100], tailY[100];
int nTail;

enum eDirection {STOP = 0, LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN};
eDirection dir;

These are the global variables used in the game. gameover is used to end the game when the snake collides with a wall or its own tail. width and height are the dimensions of the game board. x and y are the coordinates of the snake’s head. fruitX and fruitY are the coordinates of the fruit that the snake needs to eat to grow. score keeps track of the player’s score. tailX and tailY are arrays that store the coordinates of the snake’s tail. nTail is the number of elements in the tail arrays. dir is an enumeration that stores the direction of the snake’s movement.

Setup Function

void Setup()
{
    gameover = false;
    dir = STOP;
    x = width / 2;
    y = height / 2;
    fruitX = rand() % width;
    fruitY = rand() % height;
    score = 0;
}

This function initializes the game variables. gameover is set to false, indicating that the game is not over. dir is set to STOP, indicating that the snake is not moving. x and y are set to the center of the game board. fruitX and fruitY are set to random positions within the game board. score is set to 0.

Draw Function

void Draw()
{
    system("cls");

    // Draw top border
    for (int i = 0; i < width + 2; i++)
        cout << "#";
    cout << endl;

    // Draw side borders and snake
    for (int i = 0; i < height; i++)
    {
        for (int j = 0; j < width; j++)
        {
            if (j == 0)
                cout << "#";
            if (i == y && j == x)
                cout << "O";
            else if (i == fruitY && j == fruitX)
                cout << "F";
            else
            {
                bool print = false;
                for (int k = 0; k < nTail; k++)
                {
                    if (tailX[k] == j && tailY[k] == i)
                    {
                        cout << "o";
                        print = true;
                    }
                }
                if (!print)
                    cout << " ";
            }
            if (j == width - 1)
                cout << "#";
        }
        cout << endl;
    }

    // Draw bottom border
    for (int i = 0; i < width + 2; i++)
        cout << "#";
    cout << endl;

    cout << "Score: " << score << endl;
}

This function is responsible for drawing the game board on the console. The system("cls") function is used to clear the console screen. The first for loop is used to draw the top border of the game board. The second for loop is used to draw the side borders and the snake. if statements are used to print the snake’s head, the fruit, and the tail segments. The third for loop is used to draw the bottom border of the game board. The last line of the function displays the player’s score.

Input Function

void Input()
{
    if (_kbhit())
    {
        switch (_getch())
        {
        case 'a':
            dir = LEFT;
            break;
        case 'd':
            dir = RIGHT;
            break;
        case 'w':
            dir = UP;
            break;
        case 's':
            dir = DOWN;
            break;
        case 'x':
            gameover = true;
            break;
        }
    }
}

This function handles the user’s input. The _kbhit() function checks if a key is pressed. If a key is pressed, the _getch() function reads the key and updates the direction of the snake’s movement accordingly. If the ‘x’ key is pressed, the game is over.

Logic Function

void Logic()
{
    // Move the tail
    int prevX = tailX[0];
    int prevY = tailY[0];
    int prev2X, prev2Y;
    tailX[0] = x;
    tailY[0] = y;
    for (int i = 1; i < nTail; i++)
    {
        prev2X = tailX[i];
        prev2Y = tailY[i];
        tailX[i] = prevX;
        tailY[i] = prevY;
        prevX = prev2X;
        prevY = prev2Y;
    }

    // Move the head
    switch (dir)
    {
    case LEFT:
        x--;
        break;
    case RIGHT:
        x++;
        break;
    case UP:
        y--;
        break;
    case DOWN:
        y++;
        break;
    default:
        break;
    }

    // Check for collision with walls
    if (x < 0 || x >= width || y < 0 || y >= height)
        gameover = true;

    // Check for collision with fruit
    if (x == fruitX && y == fruitY)
    {
        score += 10;
        fruitX = rand() % width;
        fruitY = rand() % height;
        nTail++;
    }

    // Check for collision with tail
    for (int i = 0; i < nTail; i++)
    {
        if (tailX[i] == x && tailY[i] == y)
            gameover = true;
    }
}

This function updates the game state based on the user’s input. The first for loop is used to move the tail of the snake. The second for loop is used to move the head of the snake. switch statement updates the position of the head according to the direction. The if statement checks if the snake collides with the walls. If it does, the game is over. The second if statement checks if the snake collides with the fruit. If it does, the player’s score is updated, and a new fruit is randomly placed on the game board. The last for loop checks if the snake collides with its own tail. If it does, the game is over.

Main Function

int main()
{
    Setup();
    while (!gameover)
    {
        Draw();
        Input();
        Logic();
        Sleep(50); // Pause the game for a short period
    }
    return 0;
}

This function is the main function of the game. It calls the Setup() function to initialize the game variables. It runs the game in a loop until the gameover variable is set to true.

In each iteration of the loop, it calls the Draw() function to draw the game board, the Input() function to handle the user’s input, and the Logic() function to update the game state. It also pauses the game for a short period using the Sleep() function to make it playable. Finally, it returns 0 to indicate that the game has ended successfully.

Tic Tac Toe

Playing tic tac toe game can be a brilliant C++ project and a C++ game to battle with each other using O’s and X’s.

Let’s learn how to write a program to build a tic tac toe game via this article.

tic tac toe game in C++

Header Files

#include<bits/stdc++.h>
using namespace std;

This code includes all the standard header files to be used in the program.

Constants

#define COMPUTER 1
#define HUMAN 2

#define SIDE 3 // Length of the board

// Computer will move with 'O'
// and human with 'X'
#define COMPUTERMOVE 'O'
#define HUMANMOVE 'X'

These are the constants defined for the program, where COMPUTER and HUMAN are used to represent the player types, and COMPUTERMOVE and HUMANMOVE are the symbols used for each player.

showBoard Function

void showBoard(char board[][SIDE])
{
    printf("\n\n");

    printf("\t\t\t %c | %c | %c \n", board[0][0],
                            board[0][1], board[0][2]);
    printf("\t\t\t--------------\n");
    printf("\t\t\t %c | %c | %c \n", board[1][0],
                            board[1][1], board[1][2]);
    printf("\t\t\t--------------\n");
    printf("\t\t\t %c | %c | %c \n\n", board[2][0],
                            board[2][1], board[2][2]);

    return;
}

This function is used to print the Tic-Tac-Toe board on the console screen.

showInstructions Function

void showInstructions()
{
    printf("\t\t\t Tic-Tac-Toe\n\n");
    printf("Choose a cell numbered from 1 to 9 as below"
            " and play\n\n");

    printf("\t\t\t 1 | 2 | 3 \n");
    printf("\t\t\t--------------\n");
    printf("\t\t\t 4 | 5 | 6 \n");
    printf("\t\t\t--------------\n");
    printf("\t\t\t 7 | 8 | 9 \n\n");

    printf("-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\t-\n\n");

    return;
}

This function is used to print the instructions for the Tic-Tac-Toe game on the console screen.

initialise Function

void initialise(char board[][SIDE], int moves[])
{
    // Initiate the random number generator so that
    // the same configuration doesn't arise
    srand(time(NULL));

    // Initially the board is empty
    for (int i=0; i<SIDE; i++)
    {
        for (int j=0; j<SIDE; j++)
            board[i][j] = ' ';
    }

    // Fill the moves with numbers
    for (int i=0; i<SIDE*SIDE; i++)
        moves[i] = i;

    // randomise the moves
    random_shuffle(moves, moves + SIDE*SIDE);

    return;
}

This function is used to initialize the Tic-Tac-Toe board and randomize the moves for the computer player.

declareWinner Function

void declareWinner(int whoseTurn)
{
    if (whoseTurn == COMPUTER)
        printf("COMPUTER has won\n");
    else
        printf("HUMAN has won\n");
    return;
}

This function is used to declare the winner of the Tic-Tac-Toe game.

rowCrossed Function

bool rowCrossed(char board[][SIDE])
{
    for (int i=0; i<SIDE; i++)
    {
        if (board[i][0] == board[i][1] &&
            board[i][1] == board[i][2] &&
            board[i][0] != ' ')
            return (true);
    }
    return(false);
}

This function checks if any of the rows in the Tic-Tac-Toe board are crossed with the same player’s move.

columnCrossed Function

bool columnCrossed(char board[][SIDE])
{
    for (int i=0; i<SIDE; i++)
    {
        if (board[0][i] == board[1][i] &&
            board[1][i] == board[2][i] &&
            board[0][i] != ' ')
            return (true);
    }
    return(false);
}

This function checks if any of the columns in the Tic-Tac-Toe board are crossed with the same player’s move.

diagonalCrossed Function

bool diagonalCrossed(char board[][SIDE])
{
    if (board[0][0] == board[1][1] &&
        board[1][1] == board[2][2] &&
        board[0][0] != ' ')
        return(true);

    if (board[0][2] == board[1][1] &&
        board[1][1] == board[2][0] &&
        board[0][2] != ' ')
        return(true);

    return(false);
}

This function checks if any of the diagonals in the Tic-Tac-Toe board are crossed with the same player’s move.

gameOver Function

bool gameOver(char board[][SIDE])
{
    return(rowCrossed(board) || columnCrossed(board)
            || diagonalCrossed(board) );
}

This function checks if the Tic-Tac-Toe game is over by checking if any of the rows, columns, or diagonals are crossed with the same player’s move.

playTicTacToe Function

void playTicTacToe(int whoseTurn)
{
    // A 3*3 Tic-Tac-Toe board for playing
    char board[SIDE][SIDE];

    int moves[SIDE*SIDE];

    // Initialise the game
    initialise(board, moves);

    // Show the instructions before playing
    showInstructions();

    int moveIndex = 0, x, y;

    // Keep playing till the game is over or it is a draw
    while (gameOver(board) == false &&
            moveIndex != SIDE*SIDE)
    {
        if (whoseTurn == COMPUTER)
        {
            x = moves[moveIndex] / SIDE;
            y = moves[moveIndex] % SIDE;
            board[x][y] = COMPUTERMOVE;
            printf("COMPUTER has put a %c in cell %d\n",
                    COMPUTERMOVE, moves[moveIndex]+1);
            showBoard(board);
            moveIndex ++;
            whoseTurn = HUMAN;
        }

        else if (whoseTurn == HUMAN)
        {
            x = moves[moveIndex] / SIDE;
            y = moves[moveIndex] % SIDE;
            board[x][y] = HUMANMOVE;
            printf ("HUMAN has put a %c in cell %d\n",
                    HUMANMOVE, moves[moveIndex]+1);
            showBoard(board);
            moveIndex ++;
            whoseTurn = COMPUTER;
        }
    // If the game has drawn
    if (gameOver(board) == false &&
            moveIndex == SIDE * SIDE)
        printf("It's a draw\n");
    else
    {
        // Toggling the user to declare the actual
        // winner
        if (whoseTurn == COMPUTER)
            whoseTurn = HUMAN;
        else if (whoseTurn == HUMAN)
            whoseTurn = COMPUTER;

        // Declare the winner
        declareWinner(whoseTurn);
    }
    return;
}

This function is used to play the Tic-Tac-Toe game, where each player takes turns making a move until the game is over or it is a draw. If it is a draw, then it declares the game as a draw. Otherwise, it declares the winner of the game.

main Function

int main()
{
    // Let us play the game with COMPUTER starting first
    playTicTacToe(COMPUTER);

    return (0);
}

This function is the entry point of the program, where it calls the playTicTacToe function with COMPUTER starting first.

Rock, Paper, and Scissors

This C++ game is distinctive in its way. The game is played between the computer and the player. Each participant has to choose one of the three options (rock, paper, or scissors) to beat. The computer will generate a random option. 

The options are as follows.

  • 1 will be rock
  • 2 will be paper
  • 3 will be scissors

Development

  • First of all, we had to set the integral values of the rock, paper, and scissors.
  • Then we had to create a board representing the options to pick between rock, paper, and scissors.
  • After that, the user is given a chance to choose and display the option of their choice. It is done when the value of the participant is compared to the set constant values.
  • Next, a number is randomly generated among 1 to 3 to display the computer’s choice.
  • When both choices are displayed, the game is compared, and a winner is announced.

rule function

int rule(char p, char c){
    if (p == c){
        return 0;
    }

    if (p == 'r' && c == 'p'){
        return -1;
    }
    else if (p == 's' && c == 'p'){
        return 1;
    }
    else if (p == 'p' && c == 'r'){
        return 1;
    }
    else if (p == 's' && c == 'r'){
        return -1;
    }
    else if (p == 'r' && c == 's'){
        return 1;
    }
    else if (p == 'p' && c == 's'){
        return -1;
    }
}

This function takes two arguments, p for player and c for computer, and returns an integer value based on the Rock, Paper, Scissors game rules. It returns 0 if it’s a tie, 1 if the player wins, and -1 if the computer wins.

main function

int main(){

    char computer;
    char player;
    char playmore;
    cout << "\t\t\t\t";
    for(int i = 0; i < 50; i++){
        cout << "-";
    }
    cout << endl;
    cout << "\t\t\t\t";
    cout << "\t Welcome to Rock, Paper and Scissors Game" << endl;
    cout << "\t\t\t\t";
    for(int i = 0; i < 50; i++){
        cout << "-";
    }
    cout << endl;
    cout << "\t\t\t\t";
    cout << "\t Note: " << endl;
    cout << "\t\t\t\t";
    cout << "\t\t r : Rock" << endl << "\t\t\t\t" << "\t\t p - Paper" << endl << "\t\t\t\t" << "\t\t scissor" << endl << "\t\t\t\t"<< endl << endl;
    cout << "\t\t\t\t";
    for(int i = 0; i < 50; i++){
        cout << "-";
    }
    cout << endl;
    do{
        int number = 0;
        srand(time(0));        // initialized time to 0
        number = rand() % 100; // will choose a number in range 0 - 99
        // r - for rock
        // p - for paper
        // s - for scissors
        if (number < 33)
        {
            computer = 'r';
        }
        else if (number > 66)
        {
            computer = 's';
        }
        else
        {
            computer = 'p';
        }
        // cout << "Note: \"r\" for \"Rock\", \"p\" for \"Paper\", \"s\" for \"Scissor\"." << endl;
        cout << "\t\t\t\t";
        cout << "Enter your choice: ";
        cin >> player;
        int result = rule(player, computer);
        if(result == 1){
            cout << "\t\t\t\t";
            cout << "You won! Hurray" << endl;
        }
        else if(result == -1){
            cout << "\t\t\t\t";
            cout << "You lose! Bad Luck" << endl;
        }
        else{
            cout << "\t\t\t\t";
            cout << "Woah! That's Tie!" << endl;
        }
        cout << "\t\t\t\t";
        cout << "Do you want to Play
        Again?" << endl;
        cout << "\t\t\t\t";
        cout << "Note: Press 'n' to exit! Press Anything to continue: ";
        cin >> playmore;
        cout << "\t\t\t\t";
        for(int i = 0; i < 50; i++){
              cout << "-";
        }
        cout << endl;
       }while(playmore != 'n');
      return 0;
}

This function takes input from the user, and based on the player’s choice, it generates a random choice for the computer. It then uses the rule function to determine the winner and displays the appropriate message. It also prompts the user if they want to play again or not, and if they enter ‘n’, the game ends.

The above code is a simple implementation of the Rock, Paper, Scissors game in C++. It uses basic C++ constructs like if-else statements, loops, functions, and the cout and cin objects for input and output. It can be a good starting point for beginners to learn basic C++ programming concepts while creating a simple game.

Source Code

Free cell

A free cell is one of the advanced versions of solitaire. The game was developed in 1978, and the developer revealed the algorithm when the game became famous.

Free cell in C++ with graphics

Rules of game development

  • The range with the number of deals is created.
  • A standard 52 card deck is created in an array, and their ranks are allotted.
  • A random card is chosen at index=next random number until the array is empty.
  • The random card is swapped with the last card of the array and then removed that card from the array.
  • The random card is to be dealt till all the 52 cards are dealt across the column. 

Sudoku

One of the most popular and classic C++ games is Sudoku. The user develops the game to fill the empty boxes in the grid of the game according to the conditions in the game. 

sudoku in C++

Development


Displaying the game board

The board is pre-defined with the values, which are then stored in a 2D array. #define_show_game function can be used to build the Sudoku game board, which consists of a grid of 9*9 squares.

Number Repetition Check

The number ranging from 1-9 should not repeat in any row, column or square. For this purpose, the checkcolumn() and checkrow() number is taken, which then checks the input number with each number specified in a row and a column. After verifying the presence of the number, it returns true or false.

Placement of the values in the Boxes

The input is taken in the function canenter() ,as all the conditions are satisfied. When they are false, the above functions are called inside the body.

Final decision

If the game is completed, the findBox () function is used. After which, the hypothesis is made to take the winning decision.

Main Function

For solving the Sudoku game, the function finalsolution() is called by the user, which solves the game. If the board is completed and all the functions return true, the user calls for the showGame() function to display it. If not, then it prints “No solution exists”.

Dot and Boxes Game

It is a multiplayer C++ game. In this game, the user is represented with a matrix and dots. A line between two dots is to be drawn by each player, and if four dots adjacent to each other are connected, a box will be formed. The player who draws the last line of the box will be given a number (point). The winner with the maximum boxes will be declared after all the dots in the matrix are joined.

Loop of the Game

In this game, the loop will be executed by pressing the Escape key (key code=1) from the keyboard. Corresponding actions are taken when the mouse press events are captured. A horizontal line will be drawn by pressing the left mouse button, and a vertical line will be drawn when the right mouse button is clicked around the dots.

void game()
{
    int key = 0, i, j, x, y;
    int margin = 4; /* margin for clicking around the dots */
    int LEFTMOUSE = 1, RIGHTMOUSE = 2;

    while (key != 1)
    {
        while (!kbhit())
        {
            get_mouse_pos();
            if (mousebutton == LEFTMOUSE)
            {
                for (i = 0, x = START_X; i < ROWS - 1; i++, x += BOX_WIDTH)
                {
                    for (j = 0, y = START_Y; j < ROWS; j++, y += BOX_HEIGHT)
                    {
                        if (mousex >= x - margin && mousex <= x + margin && mousey >= y - margin && mousey <= y + margin)
                        {
                            if (matrix_h[j][i] != 1)
                            {
                                matrix_h[j][i] = 1;
                                line(x, y, x + BOX_WIDTH, y);
                                player_lines[PLAYER - 1]++;
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
            if (mousebutton == RIGHTMOUSE)
            {
                for (i = 0, x = START_X; i < ROWS; i++, x += BOX_WIDTH)
                {
                    for (j = 0, y = START_Y; j < ROWS - 1; j++, y += BOX_HEIGHT)
                    {
                        if (mousex >= x - margin && mousex <= x + margin && mousey >= y - margin && mousey <= y + margin)
                        {
                            if (matrix_v[j][i] != 1)
                            {
                                matrix_v[j][i] = 1;
                                line(x, y, x, y + BOX_HEIGHT);
                                player_lines[PLAYER - 1]++;
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        }
        ii.h.ah = 0;
        int86(22, &ii, &oo);
        key = oo.h.ah;
    }
}

Hangman

Hangman is a classic C++ game for guessing the words of one or more players. One participant thinks of a word, and the other one has to predict the word by suggesting the digit or an alphabet. Each player is given three turns to guess the word correctly. 

A message will be displayed on the program if the word is guessed correctly or not. The game will be over when the player runs out of turns, and the winner will be announced. The program written below shows a simplified hangman game where hangman is not shown:

Scrabble

The C++ game scrabble is an easy and interactive game where the players have to form words on their turns. Extensive use of C++ graphics is made in the game.

In this game, the participants have to place the letters so that a dictionary verified word is formed, and the numbers are allocated. The game is proven helpful in increasing the vocabulary.

Source Code

The game source is created on turbo C++ compiler, and the graphics are made using the built-in graphics library of the turbo C++ compiler.

Output

Fortnite

The C++ game Fortnite was developed by the Epic Gamer in 2017. The C++ gaming engine used in the game was Unreal 4.

Modes of the game

It is an extensive online shooter game that comes in three modes.

Fortnite: Save The World

It is a survival mode in which 4 players have to fight against the Zombies like creatures by shooting them. 

Fortnite: Battle Royale

In this mode, you need to be the last player to stand among the 100 players. It is a free-to-play mode.

Fortnite: Creative

The players are independent to build their battle arenas and worlds in this game mode.

The last two modes of the game are accessible on Xbox, PlayStation, p.c., and Nintendo Switch. The game had proven to be quite famous among the youth and the expert gamers. 

S.W.A.T 4

The game S.W.AT 4 is a technical shooter video game, only developed for Microsoft Windows by the developers, Irrational Games. The game was published by Vivendi Universal Games in 2005. This C++ game uses the gaming engine Vengeance, powered by UnReal Engine 2. In this fantastic game, different situations are resolved by the player leading the SWAT element, simulating real-life experiences and circumstances.

It is a single-player and multiplayer game, and the game is played between the teammates. The game is based on the real-life rescue forces SWAT for their appreciation. The game consists of 13 missions that are to be completed. The gameplay aims to correspond to the real SWAT missions. 

Zuma Deluxe

The C++ game, Zuma Deluxe, is an arcade game having a casual genre. The game is so addictive that it will keep you engrossed in it for hours. The game was released on 30 August 2006. The game was developed and published by Pop Cap Framework Gaming engine, Inc.

Two-mode game

  • Survival Mode In this mode, you can play for the longest time you can.
  • Adventurous Mode: You have to pass different levels in this mode.

How to play the game?

There is an idle stone frog in the center of the gaming screen. The frog will throw the mystical fireball to make the matches of three or more balls of the same color before the deadly chain of balls reaches the mouth of the golden skull.

Features of the Game

  • The game is designed with 3D accelerated effects and graphics.
  • The game emits tribal tunes and magical sounds.
  • There are more than 20 temples to explore.

Need for Speed: The Run (2011)

Need for speed is a C++ game developed by many gaming engines but the version developed in 2011 uses the frostbite gaming engine. Need for Speed was developed for Playstation 3, window, and XBox360. It is a single-player game with a spice of action and fury.

Focus of the Game

This video game focuses on a race from one point to another. You have to take over the opponents, defeat the rivals and attack them. Furthermore, you have to escape the police and criminal attacks.

Highlights of the game

The version of this game highlights and features the boundless collection of races set against actual and authentic locations like New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and San Francisco, etc. Moreover, it features a wide variety of real-life cars to drive.  

Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman Arkham Knight was established in 2015 by the developer Rocksteady Studios and the publisher Warner Bros and Interactive Entertainment. The C++ game was developed by using the Unreal 3 gaming engine. The game is available on platforms like Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation.

About The Game

It is an action and adventure video game put in place from a third-person perspective. Batman is independent of flying around the open world of Gotham City, where he interacts with different characters and resolves various missions.

Moreover, by completing the missions, he can unlock new areas and secure more equipment. Additional contents and items can be unlocked if the player completes side missions along with the main missions. Batman had to fight the evil forces as well as conceal himself by using the gadgets. 

Mario + Rabbids kingdom battle

Mario+Rabbids is one of the highly-played games developed and published by Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft French Video game company for Nintendo Switch, the video game console to be released for the first time in 2017.

It uses a turn-based technique that helps the user find the game easy and fair. Moreover, it is a tactical role-playing video game which is a simulation RPG. 

It is a single-player or multiplayer game written in a snowdrop engine that has been developed in C++ for C++ games and the Nintendo Switch platform by Sylvain Glaize and Tiziano Sardone programmers.

Marathon

It is a C++ game that is one of a kind and published and developed by Bungie and Soli Deo Gloria to be released in December 1994 for a family of Apple computers, namely Macintosh. It can be played by a single-player or multiplayer with a first-person shooting genre.

It is written in the Aleph One gaming engine with Classic Mac OS, Pippin and iOS. It is a series of a marathon trilogy that sets the player up against an alien invasion in outer space as a security officer of the human world.

Resonance

This C++ game allows a single player to enjoy assuming to be a protagonist in an exciting plotline of a story that has two possible endings that publish as a heading outline in the newspaper behind closing credits. It is a single-player game developed by American Studio XII Games and published by Wadjet Eye Games on Graphic Adventure that was released on June 19, 2012.

It has the Adventure Game Studio for gaming engine and Microsoft Windows for the platform and is programmed by Janet Gilbert and Vince Twelve.

Quoridor

It is an intuitive 2 to 4 player C++ game that develops the player’s decision-making and deduction skills and enhances its ability to comprehend and analyze strategies and bend them to change the outcome in one’s favor. It was published in 1997 by Gigamic Games and designed by Mirko Marchesi. It is an abstract strategy board game with white and black pawns.

Its gaming engine is Bork3D and Windows, iOS, and Mac OS X for the platform. It has a setup time of less than 1 minute and a playing time of about 15 to 25 minutes. It’s a game for ages 8+ that derives different strategies to win games and competitions by overcoming complexities such as time control and mathematical complexity to win different awards and prizes.

Fireball

It is a single-player free-action video game featuring the C++ ClanLib gaming engine with Mac OS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows for a platform. It is a multi-stage tank shooter 2D game that protects the tank by firing and splitting the falling meteors before it hits and demolishes the firing tank.

A broken meteor is subject to higher points and ranking, along with the increased speed and complexity of the dropping meteors as the game progresses. It is divided into 10 levels in which shooting the meteor will increase the velocity and number of the meteors.

Counter-Strike

It is a multi-person C++ game with a first-person shooter genre released on November 9, 2000. The first installment in the series developed by Valve for Microsoft Windows is named the Counter-Strike series. It also has been released on other platforms such as Xbox, Linux, and OS X.

The players assume the positions of counter-terrorist forces and win by defeating the opponents’ combatants. This video game has GoldSrc as a gaming engine. Sierra Studios published it.

Warsow

It is a first-person shooter video game played by one or more players. It was released on July 28, 2012, and since then, many versions have been further released. This C++ game has a Qfusion engine and Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux for platforms.

It was developed by the Warsow team and published by Chasseur de Bots. Released on June 8, 2005, its version was an alpha version. This game mainly focuses on the players’ trick jumps and movement skills that help them collect things such as amour, etc. 

Final Words

So, the top 20 C++ games are well-explained in this article. If you are a beginner of C++ and looking for some basic information about these games then the article is best to glide through. 

You are guided to develop some basic C++ games by yourself. Knowledge of high-level C++ games is also briefly given in the given content. Hope you will find this article helpful while learning C++ games development. 

Let us know which game you would like to develop first as a C++ beginner programmer.

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I am a software engineer with over 10 years of experience in blogging and web development. I have expertise in both front-end and back-end development, as well as database design, web security, and SEO.