Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
What is Netwalk?
Netwalk is a free logic puzzle game where you rotate network tiles to connect all computer nodes to a central server. Inspired by classic network topology diagrams, it challenges your spatial reasoning with no time pressure. Play it here directly in your browser — no download or installation required.
How do I play?
Click any tile to rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. Your goal: orient every tile so that all network nodes are connected to the orange server through unbroken pipes. Connected pipes glow cyan. When every node links to the server, you win. Read our full strategy guide for detailed techniques.
What are the difficulty levels?
Three grid sizes:
- Easy (5×5): 25 tiles — quick 30-second puzzles for beginners
- Medium (7×7): 49 tiles — the standard experience, 2–5 minutes
- Hard (9×9): 81 tiles — a serious challenge, 5–15 minutes
Technical Questions
Do I need to install anything?
No. Netwalk runs entirely in your web browser using HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript. No plugins, downloads, or app store installs. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and mobile browsers.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes. Netwalk is fully responsive. Touch controls are supported — tap a tile to rotate it. The interface adapts to phone and tablet screen sizes.
Can I play offline?
Once the page loads, the game runs in your browser without needing a server. Keep the tab open to play offline. However, you need internet for the initial page load.
What languages are available?
Netwalk is available in 8 languages: English, 中文, Deutsch, Français, Español, 日本語, Русский, and 한국어. The site auto-detects your browser language on the first visit.
Gameplay Questions
Are all puzzles solvable?
Yes. Every board is generated using a randomized spanning-tree algorithm (Prim's algorithm) that guarantees at least one valid solution. If you're stuck, the solution exists — keep working the problem logically.
Is there a time limit?
No. The timer counts up to show your solve time but never imposes a deadline. Play at your own pace — there's no bonus for speed and no penalty for taking your time.
Can I undo moves?
There's no dedicated undo button, but each click rotates a tile 90 degrees clockwise. Four clicks return a tile to its original orientation. If you make a mistake, click three more times on the same tile to revert.
How is this different from Pipe Dream?
Pipe Dream (Pipe Mania, 1989) is a real-time game where pipe pieces arrive in a queue and you place them before liquid floods the board. Netwalk is entirely turn-based — all tiles are on the board from the start, and you rotate them at your own pace. Read more about related games on our blog.
Does the server location change?
Yes. The orange server node is placed randomly on each new board. Sometimes it's in the center, sometimes near a corner — the random placement is part of what makes each puzzle unique.
About the Game
Who created Netwalk?
Netwalk was originally developed as part of the GNOME Games collection for Linux in the late 1990s. This web version is an independent tribute that preserves the original gameplay. Read the full history on our blog.
Is Netwalk free?
Yes, completely free. The site is supported by unobtrusive ads. No account, subscription, or payment required — ever.
Does the game collect my data?
Netwalk does not collect personal data. Game state (moves, time, board configuration) exists only in your browser's memory during play. See our Privacy Policy for details.