Malware on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
Quick menu
Malware lurks where you least expect it. Unscrupulous software vendors have hidden traps inside legitimate installers — can you spot them all and keep your computer clean?
Malware is a casual, simulation and puzzle game
developed and published by Odd Games.
Released on July 31st 2024 is available only on Windows
in 6 languages: English, French, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Korean.
It has received 1,060 reviews of which 941 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. 😎
The game is currently priced at 2.99€ on Steam.
The Steam community has classified Malware into these genres:
Media & Screenshots
Get an in-depth look at Malware through various videos and screenshots.
System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: windows 10 or above
- Processor: Dual-core CPU
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
Malware is an inventive and surprisingly thoughtful indie game that takes an everyday frustration from the history of personal computing and turns it into the foundation of a clever puzzle experience. Developed and published by Odd Games, the title reframes the chaos of late-1990s software installation—pop-ups, misleading checkboxes, and bundled junk—as a series of logic challenges that reward careful reading and attention to detail. Rather than focusing on traditional action or strategy mechanics, the game asks players to slow down, observe, and think critically, transforming a familiar annoyance into something playful and engaging. The core concept places players in the role of a future-hardened “malware expert” sent back to a nostalgic version of 1999, when the internet was young and installers were often riddled with hidden traps. Each level presents a mock installation wizard filled with deliberately confusing options, vague wording, and deceptive UI elements. The goal is to successfully install legitimate software while avoiding the many ways malware can sneak in. Every click matters, and success depends on understanding how wording, layout, and visual cues are used to manipulate the user. This creates a puzzle loop that feels fresh, especially because it relies more on reasoning and experience than reflexes. Progression is handled through increasingly complex installer scenarios. Early challenges ease players into the mechanics with relatively obvious tricks, but later levels introduce layered deception, nested menus, and subtle misdirection that can easily catch careless players off guard. There is no time pressure, which reinforces the idea that patience and observation are the real skills being tested. Mistakes are usually met with humorous feedback rather than harsh punishment, keeping the tone light even when failure occurs. This approach makes experimentation feel safe and encourages players to learn through trial and error. Visually, Malware commits fully to its retro inspiration. The user interfaces resemble classic operating systems, complete with outdated fonts, boxy windows, and familiar button layouts that will immediately resonate with players who grew up using older versions of Windows. The simplicity of the visuals serves a functional purpose, ensuring that every checkbox and warning label is clearly readable. Sound effects and UI feedback further enhance immersion, subtly reinforcing the sensation of navigating an old desktop environment without becoming distracting. One of the game’s most notable features is its support for community-created content. Through Steam Workshop integration, players can design and share their own fake installers, effectively becoming puzzle creators themselves. This adds a creative layer that extends the game’s lifespan well beyond the main content, as players challenge each other with increasingly devious designs. It also reinforces the game’s central theme by demonstrating just how many ways an interface can be manipulated to confuse or mislead users. While the premise is clever and the execution confident, Malware is not a game designed for marathon sessions. Its strength lies in short, focused play periods where each puzzle feels distinct. Over longer stretches, the core loop remains consistent, and players who prefer evolving mechanics or narrative-driven progression may find the experience repetitive. However, this consistency is also part of its appeal, making it easy to return to without re-learning systems or controls. Overall, Malware stands out as a smart and original indie puzzle game that finds creativity in an unexpected place. By gamifying the act of avoiding malicious software, it delivers both humor and genuine challenge, especially for players familiar with the era it references. It may not offer deep storytelling or complex systems, but its focused design, nostalgic charm, and thoughtful puzzles make it a memorable experience. For players who enjoy logic-based challenges, interface-driven puzzles, or tech-themed concepts, Malware offers a refreshing and surprisingly satisfying take on an otherwise dreaded aspect of computing history. Rating: 8/10
Expand the review
Super fun and oddly endearing game. The puzzles are tough but really satisfying to solve, and I like how era-accurate a lot of it is. (Minor spoiler.) There's minigames you can play later on and they give me vibes of free games I would download as a kid in the 90s. They're simple but they made me really happy. The writing's a little janky but it's very sweet overall. Several parts made me smile and laugh. My only complaint is that the true ending of the game is a bit of an enigma to me and there's no English guide, which isn't really the fault of the developer, but it's a little annoying at the moment. Otherwise, I fully recommend the game, whether it's on sale or not.
Expand the review
Short and simple game in its premise with a lot of creative solutions for the few puzzles it's got Malware has you deal with installation bundles for customers and involves trying to install them without all the additional bloatware, which the game identifies as "malware". The puzzles can be mildly annoying to figure out, but it's mostly because it has you think outside the box rather than be tedious work. The main qualm I have is just how absurd the post-game puzzle is. It's the only thing that can't be done within the game itself, and it is quite long of a process to finally solve it. On top I highly doubt most people would bother dealing with that, but.. it's only there for people who want 100% achievements. Depending on how you are with puzzles, it may be easier or harder than going for the achievement involving playing on Lunatic. Something I haven't seen anyone talk about is the fact that every single email is a reference to existing media and people, which is where most of my enjoyment came from. Another great thing is how the game minimises and maximises each time you open an installer, mirroring how actual installers are like. It's actually worth getting and playing for those little details, considering how cheap this game is.
Expand the review
My childhood experiences were a huge help in beating this game. I never imagined that something like this would count as early education.
Expand the review
A fun game with a great concept! I'd only describe one level as unfair, but even then, the game is immensely fun and worth the price. I do with there were a few more puzzles, though.
Expand the review
Similar games
View all
Pixel Puzzles: Japan
Pixel Puzzles: Japan combines traditional jigsaw puzzle style gameplay with light video-game interactivity.
Puzzler World
Puzzler World brings over 1200 puzzles of 8 popular puzzle types to your PC. Conceptis picture logic puzzle fans will be happy to know that in addition to Crossword, Wordsearch, Fitword, Sudoku, Codeword, Spot the Difference and Silhouette puzzles, Puzzler World also offers 83 Conceptis Link-a-Pix available in sizes of 10x10, 20x20 and...
Among the Heavens
Up in the sky in a fantasy world, two friends Cid and Markus decided to bring an old tavern back to life in Among the Heavens!
Tube Tycoon
The only game of its kind where you can feel like a real internet celebrity! Record videos, interact with your subscribers, buy better equipment and gain fame!
Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ
Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ is a traditional style jigsaw puzzle game with top down shooter gameplay throw in to ruin your day and peaceful puzzling experience.
DETOUR
A true test your wits and spatial reasoning. Detour combines highway-building fun with the excitement of a competitive real-time strategy game. Construct a path for your convoy to reach its destination in this incredibly addictive title. With online multiplayer!
My Suika – Kyo’s Fruit Merge
A fun watermelon merge puzzle game! Combine various matching fruits to help Kyo gather watermelons in four different game modes!
The Dweller
The Dweller is a puzzle game where you play as the MONSTER! It's time to get rid of all those pesky archaeologists snooping around in your lair. SCARE them, CRUSH them, DEVOUR them! ELIMINATE THE INTRUDERS!
Mini Metro
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running. As new stations open, redraw your lines to keep them efficient. Decide where to use your limited resources. How long can you keep the city moving?
SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
SimCity 3000 Unlimited brings you the classic strategy gaming of SimCity 3000 with all-new scenarios that open up a whole world of city planning and building possibilities! The thrills of the classic SimCity 3000 are here again!
Crazy Machines 3
Crazy Machines 3 is the latest, greatest, most amazing and craziest part of the series and fascinates once more with physic-based puzzles. Build your own crazy machines and share your awesomeness across the world thanks to the Steam® Workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Malware is currently priced at 2.99€ on Steam.
Malware is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 2.99€ on Steam.
Malware received 941 positive votes out of a total of 1,060 achieving a rating of 8.40.
😎
Malware was developed and published by Odd Games.
Malware is playable and fully supported on Windows.
Malware is not playable on MacOS.
Malware is not playable on Linux.
Malware is a single-player game.
Malware does not currently offer any DLC.
Malware does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
Malware does not support Steam Remote Play.
Malware is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for Malware.
Data sources
The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.
Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 26 January 2026 23:15 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 24 January 2026 14:13 |
| Steam price | 28 January 2026 20:52 |
| Steam reviews | 28 January 2026 13:55 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Malware, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about Malware
- SteamCharts - Analysis of Malware concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Malware compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
1
Developer
Odd Games
Publisher
Odd Games
Release
31 Jul 2024
Platforms