
Screenshots

Watch trailer on Steam ↗Kernel Override
Crimson Riff Games · Published by Crimson Riff Games
Last updated 29 Sept 2026
INFILTRATE THE SYSTEM! Kernel Override is a fast-paced cyberpunk bullet heaven. SURVIVE intense 10-minute rounds against escalating waves of anti-virus software, MODIFY your malicious code with powerful upgrades, and UNLOCK permanent meta-progression to crack the core.
Action, Indie, Early Access, Casual · 2026 · More free games
About this game
BECOME THE ULTIMATE MALWARE
Infiltrate a highly secured system and leave nothing but digital debris behind. Kernel Override combines the addictive gameplay loop of action roguelikes and bullet heavens with an uncompromising retro hacker aesthetic and a driving, self-composed soundtrack.
THE 10-MINUTE PRESSURE
You have exactly 10 minutes. Survive relentless, escalating waves of anti-virus systems and security daemons. After every survived wave, the system forces a new Layer (upgrade interval) where you can modify your malicious code before facing the final boss fight at the end of the countdown.
CUSTOMIZABLE MALWARE
8 Malware Weapons at EA Launch: Choose your primary tools to turn the screen into a neon-glowing particle chaos.
8 Passive Items at EA Launch: Optimize your system performance, increase your drone speed, or maximize your critical damage.
3 Active Utility Skills: Make the system sweat! Use SYS.Dash for quick evasive maneuvers, blast enemies away with the PING.Shockwave, or switch into absolute rapid-fire mode with OVERCLOCK.exe.
META-PROGRESSION & REPLAYABILITY
Use the data harvested from the system to unlock permanent upgrades. At Early Access launch, 10 powerful meta-upgrades await you (with plans to expand up to 20) to drastically increase your chances of survival during the next system breach.
100% ORIGINAL SYNTHWAVE SOUNDTRACK
No generative AI in your ears: The driving cyberpunk soundtrack of Kernel Override is entirely self-composed and produced by the developer. Every single beat and melody is handcrafted to immerse you into the ultimate system-overclocking rush.
System Requirements
Will my PC run this? →Minimum
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-4130 / AMD FX-4300
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400 / AMD Radeon Vega 8 / NVIDIA GeForce GT 730
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 500 MB available space
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6400 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 280X
- Storage: 500 MB available space
Supported Languages
*languages with full audio support
Latest news
AnnouncementsOfficial
SYSTEM BREACH IMMINENT // FREE DEMO COMING THIS OCTOBER! 🚀
Attention, Operatives!The mainframe is unstable, and malware is overflowing the system. It is time to execute the ultimate override.I am excited to announce that a free Demo for Kernel Override will be launching on Steam this October!Get ready to test your subroutines, fight through chaotic waves of malicious code, and face off against corrupted system bosses in a high-octane, action-packed rogue-lite bullet hell.⚡ What to Expect in the Demo:Fast-Paced Action: Bullet-hell combat built around quick movement, dash mechanics, and brutal weapon synergies.Overpowered Arsenal: Deploy heavy-duty scripts like the Firewall Beam, Defrag Nova, and Equalizer Orbiters to purge the infected memory sectors.Miniboss Showdown: Prepare your system for the high-threat E_RootkitCore miniboss fight.Cyber-Upgrades: Experiment with subroutines, passive traits, and tactical overclocks.💬 I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK! Kernel Override is being developed by a solo dev, and your feedback during this October demo will directly shape the balance, subroutines, and future content for the upcoming Early Access release!Stay tuned for more subroutines.End of Line.Read full article on Community Announcements (Papa Stumpf)






