About 01 Features 02 Gameplay 03 Terminal 04 Roadmap 05 FAQ 06 Get early access
In development · closed alpha soon

A multiplayer strategy game about servers, networks and cyberwars. Deploy your first node, grow it into a global infrastructure and hold it under attack from other players — in real time.

Get early access Try the terminal
01 — About

The internet is a battlefield. Servers are your army.

NEXCESS is an online game where you run your own IT infrastructure. You start with a single rack in a rented hall and end up with a network of data centers across the world.

Every decision has a cost: power vs. cooling, speed vs. reliability, defense vs. expansion. Other players probe your network for weak spots — and you do exactly the same to theirs.

0+hardware models
0regions on the global map
24/7living world, no pauses
∞network build options
Rows of server racks with colorful cables in a dark data center
FRA-1 · Hall B
02 — Features

Everything a network magnate needs

A deep simulation that stays easy to read. You don't need real sysadmin skills — but if you have them, the game will reward you.

CORE

Build your data center

Pick the hardware, plan your racks, balance power and cooling. Let it overheat and a server goes down right in the middle of an attack.

CPUGPUStorageCoolingUPS
NET

Global network

Lay links between regions and fight for every millisecond of latency.

PVP

Real-time cyberwars

DDoS, exploits, traffic interception. Attack your rivals and fend off their attacks as they happen.

SEC

Defense & counter-intel

Firewalls, honeypot traps and intrusion detection. Let the attacker think they won.

CLAN

Syndicates

Team up with other players, share infrastructure and seize backbone nodes together.

ECO

Hosting economy

Rent capacity to NPC clients, fulfill contracts and trade resources on the market.

CLI

A live console

Control nodes with the mouse or through the terminal: scripts, automation and your own commands.

RANK

Seasons & rankings

Seasonal leagues, syndicate tournaments and a leaderboard for every region.

03 — Gameplay loop

From the basement to the backbone

A terminal showing a sudo command on a dark screen
STAGE 01

Deploy

Rent your first corner in a data center, rack a server and bring services online. The first clients are already waiting.

$ nx deploy --region fra-1 --tier starter
  • Pick a region and site
  • Build your first server
  • Your first hosting contracts
Close-up of a motherboard
STAGE 02

Scale

Add racks, clusters and links. The more capacity you have, the bigger the contracts — and the more visible you are to competitors.

$ nx scale cluster-02 --nodes +8
  • Clusters and load balancing
  • Cooling and power budget
  • Cross-region links
A padlock on a backlit keyboard
STAGE 03

Defend

The bigger you get, the juicier a target you are. Build defense in depth and learn about a breach before it happens.

$ nx firewall apply --profile paranoid
  • Firewalls and traffic rules
  • Honeypot traps
  • Backups and disaster recovery
An abstract network of connected nodes
STAGE 04

Conquer

Join a syndicate, attack rival nodes and take control of entire regions' backbones.

$ nx breach target://ams-3 --stealth
  • Attacks on rivals' infrastructure
  • Control of backbone nodes
  • Seasonal wars over regions
04 — Interactive

Step into the operator's seat

The game isn't out yet, but the console is already live. Type help or tap a command below.

operator@nexcess: ~ SSH
05 — Roadmap

The road to launch

We share our progress openly. Sign up for early access and you'll get an invite the moment the next stage opens.

Phase 01Done

Simulation prototype

The server model: load, power draw, cooling and hardware failures.

Phase 02Done

Network core

Traffic routing between nodes, latency, bandwidth and the first services.

Phase 03In progress

Closed alpha

First players, PvP attacks and defense, syndicates. Invites go out to the waitlist.

Phase 04Next

Open beta

Global region map, contract economy, balancing and seasonal rankings.

Phase 05Soon

Release

Full launch, the first season and community tournaments.

06 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Didn't find your answer? Email us: [email protected]

When does NEXCESS come out?

The game is in active development. We'll announce the exact release date separately — sign up for early access and you'll be the first to know.

Can I play right now?

Not yet. We're preparing a closed alpha test. Invites will go out to the waitlist in stages.

Do I need to know servers and programming?

No. Everything is controlled through a clear interface. The console and scripts are an extra tool for anyone who wants to automate the routine.

Are the attacks and hacks in the game real?

No. All the servers, networks and attacks in NEXCESS are a game simulation. The game doesn't interact with real infrastructure and doesn't teach you to hack real systems.

Which platforms will the game be on?

PC at launch. We'll share details about other platforms closer to release.

How much will the game cost?

We'll announce the business model closer to launch. Joining the waitlist is free and commits you to nothing.

Is the game connected to the Nexcess hosting company?

No. NEXCESS is an independent game project. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Nexcess (nexcess.net), Liquid Web, LLC or their affiliates. A similar name doesn't mean there's a connection between us.

More in the legal notice.

Are the images on the site screenshots of the game?

No. The photos on the site are illustrations from Unsplash: they set the mood but aren't footage from the game. We'll show real screenshots closer to the alpha.