Compared with Nethack, which is listed here as an alternative, GnollHack takes the same roguelike codebase and adds presentation on top. It is a free Windows RPG from the developer Hyvän mielen pelit ry, and the current version is 2.142.204.
What a plain NetHack leaves out
The classic roguelike it builds on is known for text-style presentation and a demanding interface. GnollHack is a fork of NetHack, so the underlying game design comes from that older project.
The changes are graphics, sounds, voiceovers and a streamlined user interface.
Modern touches on a retro base
The game sits in two catalog categories, RPG games and retro games. That fits a project that updates the look and sound of an old roguelike rather than replacing it.
It is released under the NetHack General Public License and is free.
Check the 504.1 MB package before installing
The package is 504.1 MB, which is large for a game derived from a classic roguelike. Make sure you have the disk space and a connection suited to that size.
The package ID is Hyvanmielenpelitry.GnollHack, and the build was updated on June 24, 2026. For system requirements, check the official GitHub page.
GnollHack pros and cons
Pros
- Free to download and play
- Adds graphics, sounds and voiceovers to NetHack
- Streamlined interface compared with the original
- Released under the NetHack General Public License
- Download comes from github.com
Cons
- Package size is 504.1 MB
- Large 504.1 MB package
- System requirements and changelog are not listed
Is GnollHack safe?
The Windows build of GnollHack is fetched from github.com, the official server, rather than from our site. It is published by Hyvän mielen pelit ry under the NetHack General Public License, and the current version is 2.142.204 at about 504.1 MB. We have no scan report for it, so check that the address is github.com before you run the installer.
How to install GnollHack
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start GnollHack from the Start menu.
