IO Wargame vs Root the Box: 2026 Comparison
IO Wargame is a free cyber range training tool. Root the Box is a free cyber range training tool. Compare features, ratings, integrations, and community reviews side by side to find the best cyber range training fit for your security stack.
CST VerdictBased on our analysis of available product data, here is our conclusion:
Security teams building incident response muscle memory on a shoestring budget should start with IO Wargame; it's free, runs offline, and lets defenders practice under fire without needing enterprise licensing or infrastructure. The platform supports multiple scenario versions and distributed team play, which means your analysts can train together across shifts without coordination overhead. Skip this if your organization needs structured compliance reporting or instructor-led curriculum tied to certifications; IO Wargame is a sandbox for hands-on reps, not a formal training program.
Security teams running internal capture-the-flag programs or red team training will get the most from Root the Box because it handles real-time scoring and leaderboards without vendor lock-in or licensing friction. Free pricing and 1,092 GitHub stars signal active maintenance and a community willing to self-host, which matters when you're iterating on wargame content monthly. Skip this if you need a managed SaaS platform with built-in scenario libraries; Root the Box requires you to author and maintain your own challenges.
