HexGL: Play the Futuristic Racing Game Online
Want to play a fast futuristic racing game directly in your browser? HexGL lets you pilot a high speed anti gravity craft through a 3D racing environment without installing a traditional PC game.
You can play HexGL online on this page and get straight into the race. The game was created by Thibaut Despoulain (BKcore) and released as a WebGL/HTML5 racing project. Its source code was later published on GitHub as an open source project.
Play HexGL Online
You can play HexGL directly on this page using the game above. There is no need to download an APK or install a separate desktop game to use the browser version. The main goal is simple: control your futuristic racing craft, stay on the track, handle corners at high speed and complete the race as quickly as possible.
If the game does not load correctly the problem may be related to browser or WebGL compatibility rather than the game itself. Try a current browser and make sure hardware accelerated graphics/WebGL are available.
What Is HexGL?
HexGL is a futuristic 3D racing game built for the web. Instead of driving a conventional car, you control a futuristic craft that moves at high speed around a track. The original project was released by Thibaut Despoulain in 2012 and was built with web technologies including HTML5, JavaScript and WebGL.
Its browser based design is one of the reasons HexGL became notable as an early example of a more advanced 3D racing experience running directly on the web.
How to Play HexGL
HexGL is mainly about controlling speed and direction while keeping your craft on the track. High speed can make corners harder so simply holding the accelerator is not always the best way to approach a turn.
Accelerate and build speed
Start moving and build up speed on straight sections of the track. Straight areas give you more room to maintain speed without making sudden steering adjustments.
Steer through corners
Use the left and right controls to guide the craft around bends. Sharp turns become more difficult when you approach them at maximum speed. A useful approach is to begin steering before reaching the tightest part of a corner instead of waiting until the last moment.
Use the air brakes when needed
HexGL includes air brake controls that can help with tighter turns. They are particularly useful when you need more control rather than simply maximum speed. Learning when to use an air brake can make a noticeable difference to how smoothly you handle corners.
Avoid unnecessary collisions
Hitting parts of the track can disrupt your movement and cost valuable time. When approaching a difficult section, controlling your speed can be more useful than trying to maintain maximum acceleration at all times.
HexGL Controls
The exact controls can vary slightly between different versions or browser builds of HexGL so use the controls displayed by the version running above. The original desktop control scheme includes:
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| Up Arrow | Accelerate |
| Left Arrow | Steer left |
| Right Arrow | Steer right |
| Q / A | Left air brake |
| D / E | Right air brake |
If your version displays a different control layout follow the in game instructions for that build.
HexGL Gameplay and Features
HexGL focuses on speed, handling and futuristic racing rather than a large progression system.
Futuristic 3D racing
The game uses WebGL to create a 3D racing environment directly in the browser. This was an important part of HexGL's original appeal because it demonstrated what browser based graphics could do without requiring a conventional installed game.
High speed track racing
The craft can reach high speeds, making track positioning and cornering important. Long straight sections are useful for building speed, while tighter sections require more careful steering.
Air brake mechanics
Air brakes give you additional control when approaching difficult corners. Instead of treating them as a constant control, use them when you need to reduce turning difficulty or adjust your line through a bend.
Collision and shield mechanics
The original game includes a shield system and damage effects. Collisions can therefore become more than a simple visual mistake, repeated impacts can affect your ability to continue racing effectively.
Can You Play HexGL on Mobile?
HexGL has mobile support but compatibility depends on the version and host you are using. The original developer published a mobile version for Android and Firefox OS in 2013 and added touch and motion control options.
However, different modern browser builds or hosted versions may not provide exactly the same controls. If the version on this page is difficult to control on a phone, try the game on a desktop or laptop with a keyboard.
Is HexGL Free to Play?
Yes. HexGL was released as a web based game and its source code was made publicly available under an open source license. Playing a browser version does not require purchasing a conventional boxed or downloadable PC game. Keep in mind that a third party website hosting the game can have its own ads, page features or requirements. Those are separate from the original HexGL project.
Does HexGL Need a Download?
No download is required to play the browser version on this page. HexGL was designed as a web game using technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript and WebGL. That makes browser based play possible without installing an APK or traditional desktop executable.
If the game fails to start, check your browser and WebGL support before assuming that a download is required.
HexGL Performance and Loading Problems
Because HexGL uses browser based 3D graphics, performance can depend on your device, browser, graphics hardware and the particular version being hosted. If HexGL is not working properly, try these steps:
- Refresh the page and allow the game to finish loading.
- Use a current browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or another modern browser with WebGL support.
- Check WebGL availability if the game shows a graphics or WebGL error.
- Close heavy browser tabs if the game is running slowly.
- Try a desktop or laptop if your phone struggles with the 3D graphics.
- Lower the graphics quality if your version of HexGL provides graphics settings.
A black screen or loading problem can also come from the particular hosted build so not every issue is necessarily caused by your device.
Who Created HexGL?
HexGL was created by Thibaut Despoulain also known as BKcore. The game was released in 2012 as a futuristic WebGL racing project. The original source code was subsequently published on GitHub. The project is open source, which means developers can inspect and work with the available source under its applicable license.
The original project is important because HexGL is not simply a modern browser game listing using the name. It is an established web racing project with publicly available source material.
Conclusion
HexGL remains an interesting example of browser based 3D racing. Its gameplay centers on speed, steering, air brakes, track control and avoiding costly collisions, while its WebGL foundation allows the game to run directly in a browser. If you want to try it the simplest option is to play HexGL online on this page and use the controls shown by the game version above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HexGL an online game?
Yes. HexGL was designed as a browser based racing game using web technologies including WebGL.
Can I play HexGL without downloading it?
Yes. You can play the browser version directly on this page without installing an APK or traditional PC game.
Is HexGL free?
Yes. HexGL was released as a free web based project, with its source code also made publicly available.
What are the HexGL controls?
The original desktop controls use the arrow keys for acceleration and steering, with additional keys for the left and right air brakes. The exact mapping can vary between builds.
Does HexGL work on mobile?
A mobile version was released by the original developer, including touch and motion controls. Current compatibility can depend on the browser version and the specific HexGL build being used.
Is HexGL a 3D game?
Yes. HexGL is a 3D futuristic racing game that uses WebGL for browser based graphics.
Why is HexGL not loading?
Check your browser's WebGL support first. You can also refresh the page, try a modern browser, or use a desktop device if the current device cannot handle the game's 3D rendering properly.
Who made HexGL?
HexGL was created by Thibaut Despoulain, also known as BKcore.