Hack The Box Academy
Hack The Box Academy Hack The Box Academy is your immersive bootcamp for scenario-driven CTFs, with modules simulating real-world pentests from recon to lateral movement in interactive, browser-based labs. Tackle challenges like phishing simulations or AD exploits at your pace, earning badges and certificates along the way. Subscription-based but packed with value, it's the structured arena for aspiring red-teamers honing skills in controlled chaos.
Explore →TryHackMe Rooms
TryHackMe Rooms TryHackMe Rooms turn CTF into storybook adventures, deploying scenario-based challenges like corporate breaches or IoT hacks via guided paths in the cloud for hands-on learning without local setup. Follow walkthroughs or go rogue, collaborating on Discord to crack boxes from beginner WiFi cracks to advanced cloud pivots. Affordable subs make it accessible, blending fun narratives with practical pwnage.
Explore →VulnHub CTF VMs
VulnHub CTF VMs VulnHub CTF VMs are downloadable scenarios mimicking enterprise networks, from web vulns to kernel exploits, where you boot up a box and hunt flags in full isolation. Community-submitted challenges range from easy SQLi chains to multi-stage AD attacks, letting you experiment freely in VirtualBox. Free and diverse, it's the raw, unguided thrill for self-starters scripting their way to root.
Explore →OverTheWire Wargames
OverTheWire Wargames OverTheWire Wargames are sequential SSH-based puzzles escalating from basic Linux commands to crypto cracks and buffer overflows in a narrative bandit hunt. Connect via terminal, solve one level to unlock the next, building fundamentals through clever, text-only scenarios. Completely free and timeless, it's the minimalist marathon for command-line commandos.
Explore →PicoCTF
PicoCTF PicoCTF is the annual student showdown turned year-round platform, dishing out scenario CTFs from forensics flags in images to reverse-engineering malware in bite-sized challenges. Compete solo or team up, with writeups and hints to guide your solves across web, crypto, and binary tracks. Free and educational, it's the gateway drug for high school hackers dreaming big.
Explore →Root-Me Challenges
Root-Me Challenges Root-Me is the global gauntlet of 400+ CTF scenarios, from web app break-ins to stego puzzles, where you submit flags to climb leaderboards in real-time multiplayer vibes. Dive into themed tracks like forensics or network, with community writeups for post-mortem learning. Free and fierce, it's the competitive coliseum for pentesters sharpening blades against the world.
Explore →CTFtime Platforms
CTFtime CTFtime is the event hub aggregating live and on-demand scenario CTFs, from Jeopardy-style quizzes to attack-defense wars simulating red-blue team clashes. Browse archives of past events, replay challenges like ransomware decrypts or zero-days, and join global tourneys for glory. Free directory with writeups, it's the pulse-checker for staying in the CTF circuit's fast lane.
Explore →HackThisSite Missions
HackThisSite HackThisSite Missions are narrative-driven CTFs weaving stories around basic to advanced hacks, like cracking a fictional bank's web app or tracing digital footprints in a mystery. Log in to the site, tackle levels sequentially with hints and forums for stuck spots, blending role-play with real exploits. Free and story-rich, it's the choose-your-adventure for web-focused learners.
Explore →SmashTheStack
SmashTheStack SmashTheStack is the retro wargame series of interconnected levels teaching buffer overflows and shellcoding through escalating binary challenges on custom VMs. SSH into the stack, exploit one vuln to pivot to the next, unraveling a tale of digital espionage. Free and hardcore, it's the underground classic for low-level hackers craving assembly adventures.
Explore →RingZer0 CTF