Remake of the classic DOS game

Tunneler
Reborn

The classic underground tank battle, reborn for the modern web.

▶ Play Now

No download Free to play Multiplayer

Dig. Hunt. Destroy.

What Is Tunneler Reborn?

Tunneler Reborn is an unofficial modern remake of the classic 1991 DOS tank game. Dig through destructible underground terrain, hunt your opponents, collect power-ups, and try to survive the chaos — right in your browser.

What You Get

  • Destructible underground terrain — every tunnel is yours to dig
  • Real-time online multiplayer, up to 8 players per server
  • AI bots fill empty slots so you can always play
  • Power-ups and bonuses scattered through the tunnels
  • No download, no install — plays in any modern browser, desktop or mobile

A Childhood Dream, Finally Real

Early 1990s. A small DOS game called Tunneler. Two tanks, underground tunnels, dirt exploding everywhere — I was hooked instantly.

Decades went by and I never forgot it. I kept wondering why nobody had ever made a modern version — so eventually, I built one myself.

Tunneler Reborn is my personal love letter to the game that shaped my childhood.

Gameplay

See It In Action

Real screenshots from real matches — tunnels, tanks and terrain torn apart in real time.

Tunneler Reborn gameplay — tunneling through earth as explosions tear up the battlefield
Every wall of earth is destructible — dig your own path or blast through.
Tunneler Reborn gameplay — tanks battling in underground tunnels with blue team base
Hunt down opponents in a maze of self-made tunnels.
Tunneler Reborn gameplay — red vs blue tank combat in destructible terrain
Real-time combat, up to 8 players, humans or bots.
Tunneler Reborn lobby and game overview screen
Jump into a match in seconds — no download required.

Built on a Classic

Original vs Reborn

Everything that makes Tunneler fun comes from Geoff Silverton's original design. Reborn keeps that core and adds a few things for playing online today.

1991

From the Original

  • Digging through destructible earth
  • Tank duels and home bases
  • Energy and shields to manage
  • Digging slower than driving through existing tunnels
  • The 16-color blocky DOS look

2026

Added in Reborn

  • Online play for up to 8 players
  • AI bots to play against
  • Power-ups hidden in the earth
  • Team battles
  • Plays instantly in your browser

Reborn is a tribute, not a replacement — the original is still well worth playing.

Built on Hrejko Framework

Tunneler Reborn runs on hrejko.com— a custom, lightweight multiplayer game framework built from scratch.

Real-Time Engine

WebSocket-based communication with automatic state synchronization. No lag, no plugins.

Instant Browser Play

No downloads, no installs. Open the link and you're in the game within seconds.

Top-Down 2D

Designed for real-time top-down 2D games with smooth rendering and responsive controls.

Get in Touch

Got feedback? Found a bug? Want to suggest a feature or just chat about the game? Join the Discord community or send a message directly.

Join the Community

Discord is the fastest way to share feedback, talk about matches, and stay up to date with new builds.

  • Report bugs and gameplay issues
  • Suggest features and balance changes
  • Find other players for multiplayer matches
  • Keep track of new updates
Join Discord

Contact Form

Prefer e-mail? Reach out directly viaor use the form below.

Thank You, Geoff

A Nod to the Original

Tunneler is a top-down DOS tank game created by Geoff Silverton, who developed it between 1989 and 1992 and first released it in 1991. Two players dug a maze of their own tunnels through destructible earth in a split-screen view, hunting each other's tank while defending their own base. That mix of tunneling and tank combat made it a cult favorite among DOS players.

I'm deeply grateful that Geoff took the time to play this remake. He wasn't involved in developing Tunneler Reborn, but he shared valuable gameplay feedback and gave me insight into how he originally thought about the game — from why digging should be slower than driving through existing tunnels to how his explosions sent shrapnel flying in every direction.

Exchanging ideas with the creator of the game that shaped my childhood has been a real honour.

From the 1991 DOS Release

Original DOS Tunneler with both tanks waiting in their bases
Both tanks start safe inside their bases.
Original DOS Tunneler split-screen shootout in the tunnels
A split-screen shootout deep in the tunnels.
Original DOS Tunneler explosion scattering shrapnel into the dirt
Shrapnel flying in every direction, leaving a crater behind.

Tunneler Reborn is an independent fan project. All design decisions — and any bugs — are my own.

Support Tunneler Reborn's Development

Tunneler Reborn is a passion project built from scratch. I've spent countless hours developing, polishing, and maintaining this game to bring a 35-year-old childhood dream to life for the modern web.

If you're enjoying the tanks, tunnels, and arcade thrills, consider supporting this work. Your contribution helps fund server costs, feature development, and ensures Tunneler Reborn stays free and playable for everyone.

Every bit helps keep the engines running. Thank you for believing in this project!