After a decade as a programmer's holiday tradition, the 2025 "Advent of Code" is being dramatically reshaped, reducing the number of puzzles and banning AI.

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Advent of Code 2025 introduces significant changes after 10 years: reducing puzzles from 25 to 12, removing global leaderboards, and officially banning AI use. Creator Eric Wastl made these adjustments to reduce stress and time commitment while maintaining the event's spirit. Survey data shows 62% of participants use zero AI, with sentiment against AI in the competition increasing. Python remains the most popular language (40%), followed by Rust (16%), with VS Code as the dominant editor and Linux gaining ground over Windows.

2025’s ‘Advent of Code’ Event Chooses Tradition Over AI

Advent of Code 2025: Fewer Puzzles for More Accessibility

Global Leaderboards Removed and AI Use Policy

Community Reactions to Advent of Code Changes and AI

Programming Trends and the Enduring AoC Tradition

<p>Using AI is just cheating yourself for this. The point is they’re fun puzzles to solve and the joy is in finding the solution by yourself.  <em>So far</em> (day 6) I’m good :)</p>
