Play Xargon online — free, instant Works — press Y at the sound prompt, then it runs via DOSBox
Guide updated July 2026 · Runs via DOSBox + WebAssembly
Xargon — Allen Pilgrim's 1993 platform-adventure for Epic MegaGames, often called the thinking player's Commander Keen: bigger levels, more exploration, and a fondness for hidden rooms. Pilgrim released the whole trilogy as freeware in 2008 under an explicit written licence, so it's fully legal to host and play here. On first boot Xargon asks "Do you want digital sound?" — press Y to continue into the game.
D-pad: move · JUMP: ctrl · FIRE: alt · ESC: menu
⌨ Keyboard — for menus & name entry
Controls — what does what
| Action | Keyboard | Mouse / touch |
|---|---|---|
| Move / duck | Arrow keys | — |
| Jump | Ctrl | Right-click |
| Fire | Alt | Left-click |
| Menu / back | Esc | — |
| Sound prompt on first boot | press Y | — |
| Sound | — | Use the Sound button under the screen to mute |
FREE This is the complete game, free. Author released the full trilogy under a written freeware licence in 2008.
Runs in your browser tab with DOSBox + WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded. Click the screen to capture input; press Ctrl+F10 to release mouse.
How it works & what to expect
The original DOS release runs in a WebAssembly DOSBox on this page. On first boot Xargon asks whether you want digital sound — answer Y and it configures itself. Levels reward poking at scenery; a lot of the map is optional and hidden.
Playing tips
Look for breakable blocks and false walls — Xargon hides a great deal behind them, and the secret areas hold the interesting items. On first boot the game asks about digital sound; press Y and it configures itself.
Why it's free
Author Allen Pilgrim released Xargon under a written freeware licence in August 2008, alongside the source code. All three episodes are included.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xargon free?
Yes. Author Allen Pilgrim released the full trilogy as freeware in 2008 under an explicit written licence, and also released the source code.
It's asking about digital sound on startup — what do I pick?
Press Y for digital sound through Sound Blaster. If audio misbehaves, reload and answer N to fall back to simpler sound.
What are the controls?
Arrows move, Ctrl jumps, Alt fires, Esc opens the menu. Search for breakable blocks and false walls — much of each level is hidden.
Does my progress save?
Yes, saved games persist in this browser between visits, best-effort.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes — a d-pad with JUMP and FIRE appears on touch devices, plus a keyboard palette for the setup prompts.
More you can play in your browser
Related guides
- Cosmo's Cosmic AdventureApogee platformer with suction-cup climbing — plays instantly.
- Commander KeenThe shareware platformer Xargon is often compared to.
- Bio MenaceSame engine lineage, more shooting.
- God of ThunderPuzzle-heavy action-adventure.
- Games that need nothing installedThe full list of titles that run on a locked-down school or work network.