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Watch trailer on Steam ↗HexTrial A C.O.R.E. Cognitive Test
Bandit Labs · Published by Bandit Labs
1 user reviews — 100% positive (1 reviews) · 15 achievements
Last updated 28 Sept 2026
HexTrial is a casual sci-fi word puzzle where you build words on a hex grid, survive spreading Cognitive Failure Tiles, and adapt to shifting test phases under the watchful eye of a cold, sarcastic AI.
£2.65
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Price history
Casual · 2026 · More under £5 games
About this game
Wake up. Take the test. Survive the grid.
HexTrial is a casual sci-fi word puzzle where every run is a mandatory cognitive evaluation overseen by C.O.R.E., a cold and sarcastic AI.
Build words on a hexagonal board, score big, and stay ahead of spreading Cognitive Failure Tiles that can fail the test. What begins as a simple word challenge quickly becomes a pressure test as the board grows more dangerous and the rules begin to change.
Easy to understand but hard to master, HexTrial blends satisfying word-building with score-chasing tension, shifting phases, and a clean sci-fi identity. Every word matters. Every turn can make the board better… or much, much worse.
Features
Build words on a hex grid
Create words from connected letter tiles in a fresh twist on classic word-building gameplay.
Survive escalating board pressure
Dangerous Cognitive Failure tiles spread as the run continues, forcing you to balance scoring with survival.
Adapt to shifting test phases
As you progress, the evaluation changes. New rules and new pressures force you to rethink how you play.
Chase bigger scores
Plan efficient words, manage risk, and push for higher scores with every run.
Quick to start, hard to put down
Jump into a short session for “one more run,” or dig in and master the system over time.
A distinct sci-fi atmosphere
Take your test under the watchful eye of C.O.R.E., an AI that is very invested in your performance and not especially concerned with your feelings.
System Requirements
Will my PC run this? →Minimum
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5, 2.5 GHz+
- Memory: 4096 MB RAM
- Graphics: Any dedicated GPU with DirectX 11 support
- Storage: 400 MB available space
Supported Languages
*languages with full audio support
Latest news
AnnouncementsOfficial
HexTrial is now live on Steam
Hi everyone,I’m excited to say that HexTrial is now available to wishlist on Steam.This is my first game. My background is in software development, not traditional game development, so bringing this project to life has been a huge learning experience and something I’ve wanted to see through properly.A long time ago, I spent a lot of time with games like Bookworm, and at some point I realized I really missed that kind of experience. I couldn’t find quite what I wanted anymore, so eventually I decided to try building my own.That idea became HexTrial: a sci-fi word game where every run is framed as a mandatory cognitive evaluation overseen by C.O.R.E., a cold and sarcastic AI.If that sounds like your kind of thing, I’d really appreciate a wishlist. It helps a lot more than people realize for a small indie game.Thanks for taking a look.Read full article on Community Announcements (l2accoon)






