Idle games have come a long way in recent years and satisfy that primitive urge to see numbers increase at an exponential rate.
There are dozens of Idle games on Steam, and many are surprisingly well-made. You can invest many hours into Idlers, so here’s a selection worthy of your time.
I’ve played every game on this list, so don’t take it personally if I’ve missed your favorite. The chances are I’ve not gotten around to them yet!
10Idle Fishing
Become An Angling Legend
Key Information
Steam and Android
Release Date
I’m a sucker for fishing minigames, so imagine my excitement when I found an idle game all about angling.
Idle Fishingis a simple title withintuitive gameplay and dozens of unlocks. There’s plenty to do when you’re in control, like manual fishing and reeling in rare fish, but there are decent automated options, too.
Active Fishingis one of the first perks you unlock, and it lets the game play itself quietly in the background. You can earn more anglers to increase your catch rate, and you’ll be swimming in cash for upgrades before you know it.
There are even a few accessibility features if you don’t like the default catch method, which is nice as it’s a little more involved than simply clicking.
9Cookie Clicker
Original And Best
Cookie Clicker
Cookie Clickeris one of the OGs of the genre and has risen to popularity onmobile platforms.
The title is also playable on Steam and is as addictive as ever. The actual gameplay part ofCookie Clickeris among the simplest in the space. Youclick on a cookie and watch the numbers go up.
That’s all there is to it, butCookie Clickerhas an almost overwhelming amount of meta progression, so you’realways working towards a new upgrade.
It’s a basic premise, but the title is surprisingly polished. There’s a satisfying sound whenever you tap the Cookie, and I appreciate theridiculous news flashesat the top of the screen.
8Leaf Blower Revolution
I Wish It Was This Fun In Real Life
Leaf Blower Revolution
Leaf Blower Revolutionis arelaxed idle/incremental gamewhere you earn points and rewards by pushing leaves off the screen.
As you’d expect, the gameplay is wonderfully simple, and you can accomplish a ton of things by infrequently tabbing into the game andshaking your mousearound.
There’s a satisfying progression loop and a surprising amount of unlockables. Naturally, this slows down, but I was sold the moment I earned an “ALB Automatic Leaf Blower.”
I don’t care what the in-game description says. That’s aLeaf Roomba!
There’s even a lore section depicting multiple parts of the “Leaf Blower’s Journey.” Leaf Blower Revolution is straightforward, addictive, and, best of all, completely free.
7Melvor Idle
Runescape In Its Purest Form
Melvor Idle
Melvor Idleis heavily inspired byRunescapeand is an impressively deep Idle title.
The title feeds that “numbers go brrr” sensor in your brain, and there’splenty to micromanageif you don’t want to play completely automated.
While it’s a stylistic choice, Melvor Idle can look like a spreadsheet at times, which may put off players who want a more hands-off experience. There are oceans of depth for those willing to invest the time, but the interface won’t be for everyone.
That said, if you’re a fan ofRunescape,Melvor Idleis easily one of the best games on the list for you. The price is a little higher than most games on the list, butthere’s a free demo versionon Android if you want to try it first.
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6Idle Slayer
A 2D Scrolling Adventure Idle Combo
Idle Slayer
Idle Slayeris what you get when you cross a stylish 2D adventure game with Idle gameplay, and it works so much better than it should.
InIdle Slayer, clicking makes you jump so you cancollect floating coins. You’re always running to the right, and your coin yield increases as your gear improves.
The most refreshing part aboutIdle Slayeris that it has strong Idle mechanics, butgameplay is more involvedthan simply tapping on a picture. There’s zero threat, but well-timed jumps are rewarded, and there are even simple quests for rewards.
You passively collect coins no matter what you’re doing, but the gameplay inIdle Slayeris more interactive than most titles in the genre.
A Welcome Dose Of Humor
Steam and Web Browser
October 2019
I always appreciate a bit of humor, andNGU Idleis easilythe funniest game on the list.
The goal inNGU Idleis the neverending pursuit of strength. You want to get stronger to fight big, bad bosses, but you tackle the small fry like everyone else before you can do that.
Your first battle is against a threatening piece of fluff, which should give you an idea of how light-hearted the title is.Meta-progression is satisfyingandNGU Idleis one of those rare games where I want to read all the text.
Defeating bosses earns EXP, which you can spend to get even stronger,RPG style.
NGU Idleis a bit text-heavy, but it’s a great title if you don’t mind some light reading.
4Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
A Grand Story About The Origins Of The Universe
Computer Lunch
December 2018
Cell to Singularityis an outstanding Idle/Incremental title that feels on afar grander scalethan anything else I’ve played in the genre.
You start the game overseeing a desolate, lifeless planet and assemble life at a cellular level by clicking. There are dozens of upgrades from the get-go, and progression is addictive asyou never know what you’ll unlock next.
Cell to Singularityreally kicks off when you create your first humble sea sponge, and before you know it, you’re creating Jellyfish and basic aquatic life. You’ll enjoy thevisual spectacleif you want more from your Idle games than just number crunching.
Oh, and the classical soundtrack works far better than it should, even if it is on a short loop.
3Adventure Capitalist
From Rags To Riches
Hyper Hippo Games
Steam, Mobile, Web Browser
March 2015
Adventure Capitalistis a light-hearted, intuitive Idle game with excellent meta-progression andsimple mechanics.
You start your empire with a modest lemonade stand. Keep tapping away, and you’ll own your very own Donut Shop and Shrimp Boat before you know it!
Like the best Idle games, there are many upgrades, and you canautomate each business by hiring managersto click for you.
Adventure Capitalistis arguably one of the best Idle games on the market if you’re a newcomer to the genre. Everything is clearly laid out, and it’sinstantly apparent what you must doduring every step of the game.
There is a sequel calledAdventure Communist, but it pales compared to the original.
2Idle Cave Miner
Digging For Gold
Cold Hours
December 2023
Your goal inIdle Cave Mineris todig as deep as you caninto the unknown while earning fancy upgrades along the way.
The screen looks more involved than most Idle games, as the menu is always displayed, but you’ll quickly get used to the gameplay. Your miner will always dig independently, but you can help him by clicking on rocks.
There is a respectable amount of meta-progression, but the best part for me isemploying new characters. you’re able to have five at a time, each with unique stats.
Idle Cave Mineris easily one of my favorites in the genre. The title boasts a gorgeous art style and is apassion project by a solo developer.
Pro Tip: while it’s satisfying to click the mouse, you may just hold the button, which is anaccessibility featureI greatly appreciate.
1Rusty’s Retirement
An Inspired Take On Idle Gameplay
Rusty’s Retirement
Rusty’s Retirementis an adorablecozy gamethat has many unique ideas yet stays true to the genre.
The first thing you’ll notice about the game is it onlyoccupies a small segment of your screen.Rusty’s Retirementruns in a tidy banner window, so you may still use your PC and attend to your farming duties when you have a spare moment.
There is plenty of downtime, andfarming works at a glacial pace, but that’s part of the charm. Farming duties require minimal input, and watching events in beautiful pixel art graphics is a joy.
Rusty’s Retirementis made by a single developer and already has a snowy winter update planned, which includes a new character and crops.
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