The 26 Best Idle Games to Sink Your Time Into in 2025: A Deep Dive by Gaming News

Idle games, once a niche phenomenon, have cemented their place in the gaming landscape, offering a uniquely satisfying blend of low-commitment interaction and deep progression. These titles, often referred to as “clicker games” due to their foundational mechanics, have evolved considerably since their popularization by games like Cookie Clicker in the early 2010s. At their core, idle games are designed to be played in the background, allowing players to passively accumulate resources or progress while attending to other tasks. The hallmark of the genre is the ability to automate core mechanics through strategic upgrades, effectively letting the game play itself. This inherent design makes them perfect for multitasking, often featuring in browser windows or as discreet applications that sit unobtrusively on a taskbar.

The appeal of idle games lies in their ability to provide a sense of constant advancement without demanding constant attention. Players can check in periodically to make crucial decisions, invest accumulated currency into new upgrades, and witness their virtual empires or progress meters grow exponentially. This compelling gameplay loop has led to a vast array of themes and crossovers, integrating elements from RPGs, strategy games, and simulation genres. A recent surge in “cozy gaming” has also inspired a wave of management and farming-themed idlers, further broadening the genre’s appeal.

While the barrier to entry for developing an idle game might be relatively low, achieving true mastery and creating an experience that captivates players is a far more significant challenge. The market is flooded with titles, making it crucial to identify those that offer genuine depth and sustained engagement. At Gaming News, we’ve meticulously scoured the digital shelves to bring you a curated list of the 26 best idle games that are guaranteed to absorb your time, in no particular order. From timeless classics to innovative newcomers, these games represent the pinnacle of the idle genre in 2025.

New Horizons in Idle Gaming: 2025 Releases and Beyond

The idle game landscape is constantly evolving, with 2025 promising a wealth of new experiences and exciting updates to established titles. Here, we highlight some of the most anticipated and noteworthy idle games launching or receiving significant expansions this year, offering fresh takes on the genre’s beloved mechanics.

Milky Way Idle: A Galactic Farm of Fun

Platforms: Web, PC Developer: Cheze Release Date: March 7, 2025 (Early Access)

Venturing into the cosmos with a unique bovine twist, Milky Way Idle distinguishes itself within the crowded idle RPG space through its robust multiplayer features. Players can engage in in-game chat, participate in trading, form guilds, and team up to conquer challenging dungeons. Mirroring the core appeal of idle RPGs, it automates the often tedious grinding process, allowing you to queue tasks for leveling, crafting, and dungeon delving, even while offline. The game’s title hints not only at its interstellar setting but also at the charming addition of a barn filled with magical cows. Your primary, and surprisingly crucial, skill is milking, which unlocks the ancient and profitable art of cheesesmithing.

Launched in early access in March 2025, Milky Way Idle has already seen its first major content update in April, with the developer committing to regular updates every 1-2 months. This dedication to ongoing development suggests a long and engaging lifespan for this intergalactic farm simulator.

Cornerpond: Your Tiny Fishing Companion

Platforms: PC Developer: Foolsroom Release Date: April 22, 2025

Cornerpond offers a refreshingly intimate take on the idle genre, designed as a tiny fishing game that can occupy a corner of your screen. This allows for seamless multitasking, whether you’re tackling important work or diving into other gaming adventures. The core gameplay loop is simple yet engaging: click when you feel a bite and reel in your catch. The game boasts a diverse array of fish species to discover, each with its own unique characteristics. Caught fish can be sold to acquire upgrades that enhance your fishing prowess or used to customize your avatar, adding a personal touch to your aquatic endeavors.

Currently, Cornerpond features five distinct biomes, each offering different fish and contributing to a comprehensive in-game journal that encourages exploration and completion. Its unobtrusive design makes it the perfect companion for players who want a touch of engagement without sacrificing productivity.

What Lurks Below: An Eldritch Descent

Platforms: PC Developer: JamesKelly Release Date: April 7, 2025

Short, sweet, and shrouded in mystery, What Lurks Below is an eerie, semi-active incremental game that challenges players to uncover the secrets hidden in the depths. The gameplay revolves around collecting a mysterious substance that emanates from dark chasms, utilizing spectral workers to gather it, and venturing ever deeper into the abyss that was once the town of Gloomhaven. This title is relatively concise for an incremental game, but it excels in establishing its premise with an intriguingly eldritch mystery. The simple yet effective pixel graphics further enhance its unsettling aura, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate a touch of cosmic horror in their idle gaming.

Bongo Cat: A Rhythmic Desktop Buddy

Platforms: PC Developer: Marcel Zurawka Release Date: March 5, 2025

Embodying simplicity and charm, Bongo Cat offers an adorable interpretation of the idle game, designed to inject a bit of rhythm into your daily routine. This free Steam game places a miniature cartoon cat directly on your desktop taskbar. The feline companion enthusiastically taps its paws like a bongo with every key press or mouse click you make, regardless of the active application. The game tracks these actions as points, akin to any clicker game, and periodically awards items with varying rarities based on random chance. While its gameplay depth is light, Bongo Cat serves as a delightful and motivating companion, perfect for sprucing up your workday or even doubling as a companion to another, more complex clicker game. While the base game is free, various cosmetic items and enhancements are available through microtransactions.

The Farmer Was Replaced: Automate with Code

Platforms: PC Developer: Timon Herzog Release Date: February 11, 2023 (Early Access)

Despite still being in its early access phase, The Farmer Was Replaced has garnered exceptional ratings on Steam, establishing itself as a standout idle game. This unique farming simulator tasks players with the intricate process of automating a farm, but with a significant twist: you must write the programs for the drones yourself. Utilizing a simple, Python-like programming language, the game introduces players to fundamental programming concepts from the outset, making it a surprisingly educational idle experience. The complexity gradually escalates, leading to more intricate tasks, and while it boasts a shorter overall playtime than some extensive idle games, there are no strict time limitations, allowing players to approach the automation challenges with their preferred level of engagement.

Rusty’s Retirement: Cozy Farming at the Edge of Your Screen

Platforms: PC Developer: Mister Morris Games Release Date: April 26, 2024

Offering a fresh perspective on the idle farming simulator, Rusty’s Retirement is a cozy idle game meticulously designed to reside at the bottom or side of your screen. This placement allows for constant monitoring of your farm’s status while you remain focused on other tasks. The core mechanics will feel familiar to fans of idle farming games: planting crops, unlocking new varieties, selling produce, and reinvesting profits into automation and farm upgrades. However, the game’s novel presentation results in a low-stress, cozy experience that is exceptionally well-suited for multitasking environments.

Enduring Classics: Idle Games That Still Shine

Some idle games transcend their release dates, continuing to captivate players with their timeless mechanics and ever-expanding content. These titles have become benchmarks in the genre, offering deep progression systems and dedicated communities.

Cookie Clicker: The Granddaddy of Idlers

Platforms: Web, PC, Android Developer: Orteil Release Date: August 8, 2013

Cookie Clicker is the title that undeniably propelled the idle game genre into mainstream consciousness, and over a decade later, its appeal remains remarkably potent. The foundational concept is deceptively simple: click a colossal cookie to generate an ever-increasing stream of cookies. However, years of continuous updates and the addition of substantial content have transformed this humble clicker into a surprisingly complex and engaging experience. Players can acquire buildings, automatic cursors, and even grandmas, all of which contribute to passive cookie generation. Furthermore, a vast array of upgrades can be unlocked, ranging from multiplicative boosts that amplify production to self-contained minigames that offer fresh challenges. A defining feature of Cookie Clicker is the ascension mechanic, which allows players to reset their progress and currency in exchange for permanent, cumulative buffs. This cyclical gameplay loop ensures that Cookie Clicker’s potential for long-term play is virtually infinite.

Melvor Idle: Runescape’s Idle Sibling

Platforms: Web, PC, iOS, Android Developer: Malcs Release Date: November 23, 2018

As one of the most enduring idle RPGs, Melvor Idle presents a feature-rich experience with a more minimalist graphical presentation, drawing significant inspiration from the classic MMORPG Old School RuneScape. This idle game distills the core essence of a traditional RPG into a format that can be enjoyed passively, requiring only a few clicks to manage. Gameplay in Melvor Idle unfolds through a series of intuitive menus, enabling players to master over 20 distinct skills, conquer challenging dungeons, and amass an extensive inventory of loot and resources. Following its full public release in 2021, Melvor Idle has received three major expansions: Throne of the Herald, Atlas of Discovery, and Into the Abyss, each adding substantial new content and gameplay opportunities.

10 Billion Wives: A Touch of Humor and Charm

Platforms: iOS, Android Developer: Masukachi Inc. Release Date: May 29, 2015

Hailing from the foundational era of idle games, 10 Billion Wives is a simple yet captivating mobile idler that infuses its gameplay with a delightful sense of humor. The objective is to generate “love” to marry an ever-increasing number of wives, each of whom contributes to further love generation. Tapping the screen initially produces love, which is then used to marry wives who, in turn, automate love production. As the game progresses, players unlock different types of wives, evolving from the mundane to the fantastical. Each wife also features secret artwork that can be unlocked, offering a rewarding visual incentive. For players seeking a concise and enjoyable idle experience, 10 Billion Wives can be fully completed within a few days of consistent play.

AdVenture Capitalist: Build Your Business Empire

Platforms: Web, PC, iOS, Android, PS4 Developer: Hyper Hippo Productions Release Date: May 30, 2014

Another stalwart in the idle game pantheon, AdVenture Capitalist is an economics-themed idle game that challenges players to construct a sprawling business empire, starting from the humble beginnings of a single lemonade stand. The core gameplay involves hiring managers to automate income streams, acquiring new businesses, and ultimately expanding your ventures beyond Earth to establish operations on the Moon and even Mars. True to the nature of long-term idle games, AdVenture Capitalist incorporates a prestige system that allows players to sacrifice their current progress to unlock permanent buffs, which can then be further enhanced by sacrificing those buffs for even greater advantages, creating a compelling loop of exponential growth.

Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms: D&D Adventures

Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch Developer: Codename Entertainment Release Date: September 7, 2017

As its name unequivocally suggests, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms stands as the official idle game of the iconic Dungeons & Dragons franchise. It immerses players in familiar characters, settings, and lore drawn from official D&D adventures, novels, and even popular actual-play series like Critical Role. This auto-battler positions you as the manager of a formation of legendary Forgotten Realms heroes, guiding them through waves of enemies and accumulating loot that serves as currency for crucial upgrades. Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a testament to long-form idle gameplay, offering a vast roster of champions to unlock, with new additions consistently being integrated into the game, ensuring a continuous stream of content for dedicated players.

Egg, Inc.: The Chicken Farming Phenomenon

Platforms: iOS, Android Developer: Auxbrain Inc. Release Date: July 14, 2016

Among the multitude of farming-themed clicker games available on mobile platforms, Egg, Inc. stands out as one of the most expertly crafted. The game tasks you with managing a thriving chicken farm, filling your coops with a growing population of hens. Egg, Inc. boasts cheerful graphics and highly satisfying audio feedback, creating an immersive experience. The game also allows for extensive customization of your farm with a wide array of visual themes. Compared to other idle clickers, Egg, Inc. features a faster gameplay cycle, encouraging players to sell their farm and restart periodically to unlock new, more valuable types of eggs. With multiple layers to its gameplay mechanics, Egg, Inc. is a mobile idler that promises to keep players engaged for an extended period.

DodecaDragons: Ascending Through Numbers

Platforms: Web Developer: Demonin Release Date: August 25, 2022

Despite its relatively light graphical presentation, this browser-based idle game, DodecaDragons, possesses an addictive quality, particularly for those drawn to its fantasy theme. The core objective is to amass incredible wealth through a partnership with your dragon. Even in the early stages of the game, players will encounter astronomical numbers, as DodecaDragons employs complex mathematical notation to represent wealth that increases by orders of magnitude. This game is an exceptionally layered incremental idle experience that saw gradual updates throughout its first year of release, culminating in a discernible endgame state for dedicated players. Along the progression path, you will unlock upgrades, discover new alchemical materials, conquer challenges, and reset your progress multiple times in the relentless pursuit of greater riches.

Unnamed Space Idle: Sci-Fi Strategy and Progression

Platforms: PC, Mobile Developer: Sylv Release Date: July 28, 2023

Designed for players who appreciate a deeper level of engagement within the idle genre, Unnamed Space Idle is an in-depth sci-fi war game that demands both strategy and perseverance to advance through its many levels. Players have the flexibility to adopt either a more active or a more passive playstyle, but the game inherently encourages strategic thinking and experimentation with different builds as you progress. Currently in early access, Unnamed Space Idle benefits from regular content additions by the developer, Sylv, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a long-form, evolving idle strategy game that promises continuous development and new challenges.

Microcivilization: 4X Strategy Meets Idle

Platforms: PC Developer: Ondrej Homola Release Date: November 13, 2023

Microcivilization is an idle game that masterfully blends the principles of the 4X strategy genre with clicker mechanics, presented in a charming pixel-art style. The ultimate goal is to guide your burgeoning civilization from its nascent stages to eventual greatness. Unlike many other idle games, Microcivilization does not prescribe a singular path to success, instead encouraging players to experiment with diverse builds and strategies to discover what works best for their civilization. Progress is not always linear; your developing society may face periods of war and disaster. However, as a game with no fail state, there is always the underlying assurance that things will eventually improve. Microcivilization also features the ability to ascend multiple times, significantly extending its replayability and allowing for the exploration of entirely new approaches with each subsequent playthrough.

Cell to Singularity: The Evolution of Life

Platforms: Web, PC, iOS, Android Developer: Computer Lunch Release Date: September 10, 2018

Cell to Singularity is a science-inspired idle game that places you in the unique position of overseeing the development of life on Earth, and eventually, the solar system beyond. The core mechanic involves generating “entropy” to fuel the process of evolution, unlocking critical geological developments, and even guiding the progression of human civilization through the ages. The scope of Cell to Singularity is impressively broad, offering a wealth of content that will delight science enthusiasts and serve as an educational tool for the curious alike. The subject matter aligns perfectly with the idle-clicker genre, resulting in a progression tree that is not only fascinating to explore but also contains its own share of delightful surprises.

Leaf Blower Revolution: Satisfying Simplicity

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android Developer: Humble North Release Date: December 4, 2020

Leaf Blower Revolution is a highly popular idle game that introduces a refreshingly unique concept to the genre. The primary objective is to clear an ever-increasing number of leaves using a succession of increasingly powerful tools. Rather than relying on traditional clicking mechanics, Leaf Blower Revolution allows you to directly control the main character with your cursor, swiping across the screen to clear away foliage. Since its release in 2020, the game has undergone numerous expansions and updates, ensuring that players will discover far more than just leaves if they delve into its depths. This ongoing development maintains a high level of engagement and discovery.

Clicker Heroes: A Classic Idle RPG

Platforms: Web, PC, iOS, Android, Xbox One, PS4 Developer: Playsaurus Release Date: 2014

Once a dominant force in the clicker game scene on Steam, Clicker Heroes continues to hold its ground as an idle RPG that is exceptionally easy to get lost in. The gameplay involves confronting increasingly formidable enemies, initially through manual clicking to inflict damage, and later by recruiting heroes who automatically engage your foes. The depth of Clicker Heroes’ gameplay is significant; the game’s Steam description even challenges players to reach a damage output of 1 quadrillion damage per second, a feat that necessitates multiple ascensions and engagement with new gameplay loops. This provides a truly long-term, rewarding progression experience.

Fallout Shelter: Manage Your Post-Apocalyptic Vault

Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One Developer: Bethesda Game Studios, Behavior Interactive Release Date: June 14, 2015

This spin-off from the acclaimed Fallout franchise places players in the role of the Vault Overseer, tasked with managing their own underground Vault. The primary objective is to recruit new dwellers and assign them to various tasks crucial for maintaining the Vault’s functionality and the well-being of its inhabitants. As the Overseer, you have the authority to construct new rooms, manage vital resources, and equip dwellers with items and weapons to enhance their productivity. While Fallout Shelter is not designed for prolonged periods of unsupervised idleness—in fact, neglecting your Vault can lead to dire consequences—it can still be played with a relatively passive approach. Players can check in periodically to manage their dweller population and respond to emergent events. Despite its casual gameplay style, Fallout Shelter has consistently been recognized as one of the top-performing games within the Fallout franchise.

Clickpocalypse 2: Retro RPG Idle Adventure

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android Developer: Minmaxia Release Date: 2017

Contrary to its name, Clickpocalypse 2 involves less direct clicking than one might initially expect. The game allows you to assemble a party from a selection of classic fantasy RPG classes and then watch as they automatically explore maps, clear dungeons, and collect and sell loot. You can assist your heroes by utilizing spell scrolls, directing their movements towards valuable loot, and upgrading their levels and equipment. This charming, retro-style RPG might appear simple on the surface, but it contains layers of depth and progression that are highly likely to draw you in and keep you engaged for many hours.

Exponential Idle: Mastering Mathematical Growth

Platforms: iOS, Android Developer: Conic Games Release Date: April 28, 2020

While most idle games incorporate mathematical principles in some capacity, Exponential Idle is entirely themed around the concept of mathematical growth. The game’s objective is to accumulate wealth through exponential expansion, beginning with simple tapping on an algorithm to generate currency. As you progress, you unlock the ability to modify variables, optimize your progress, and purchase upgrades that further accelerate your earnings. Exponential Idle provides a mental workout while still offering the characteristic low-commitment idle play that defines the genre, catering to players who enjoy both cerebral challenges and relaxed engagement.

Dungeon, Inc.: Manage Your Lair for Maximum Profit

Platforms: iOS Developer: PikPok Release Date: May 10, 2017

While numerous idle games challenge players to delve into dungeons, Dungeon, Inc. flips the script, placing you in the role of the manager of a dungeon. The primary objective is to maximize the dungeon’s gold output through strategic expansion and management. You’ll delve deeper into your dungeon, hiring new monsters to populate its ranks, all while ensuring that profit margins consistently increase. Dungeon, Inc. also incorporates PvP elements, offering the potential to raid other players’ dungeons and defend your own from incoming attacks. This design is geared towards long-term play, with competitive elements keeping the experience fresh and engaging. A unique feature allows players to commit insurance fraud by burning down their highly valuable dungeon, adding a novel strategic layer.

Antimatter Dimensions: A Mind-Bending Incremental Journey

Platforms: Web, PC, Android Developer: Hevipelle, Omsi, Razenpok, Spectralflame, WaitingIdly Release Date: 2016

Considered one of the more complex titles within the genre, Antimatter Dimensions tasks players with manipulating antimatter to ascend through increasingly higher dimensions until the ultimate goal of infinity is reached. This mind-bending idler boasts multiple layers of unlocks, prestige mechanics, and achievements to attain. Furthermore, a variety of challenges fundamentally alter the way the game is played, introducing novel strategic considerations. While Antimatter Dimensions does possess an end point that is achievable, players should be prepared to dedicate a substantial number of hours to reach this culmination.

Ulala: Idle Adventure: MMORPG in the Stone Age

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android Developer: X.D. Global Release Date: September 30, 2019

Ulala: Idle Adventure is an MMORPG-style idle game that immerses you in the prehistoric setting of the Stone Age. Whether playing solo or with friends, you can progress your character by unlocking more of the map through exploration, engaging in challenges, and battling various creatures. While a significant portion of the game’s grind can be handled passively while you’re not actively playing, you can also actively influence your progress by outfitting your character with superior gear and weapons. The game offers a selection of distinct classes, each possessing unique stats and attributes that differentiate them from one another. Leveraging your chosen class, you can explore the Stone Age and combat the monsters that obstruct your path.

Farm RPG: Cozy, Community-Driven Farming

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android Developer: Magic & Wires Release Date: May 21, 2024

Farm RPG is a cozy, menu-based idle game that distinguishes itself with its multiplayer elements, absence of ads, and a wealth of activities available each time you log in. True to its name, Farm RPG centers around the core activities of planting and managing crops, alongside unlocking new varieties and expanding your farming areas. The ultimate goal is to generate income through farming, but strategic decision-making throughout the game can significantly impact your success. Fortunately, your farm operations can be automated, ensuring a continuous income stream whether you are actively playing or not. Farm RPG fosters a terrific community of players who are often willing to offer assistance, and the game supports cross-platform play, allowing friends from different systems to join you seamlessly.

The Future is Idle: Embracing Passive Progression

The evolution of idle games from simple clickers to complex, multi-genre experiences demonstrates their enduring appeal. Whether you prefer the strategic depth of RPGs, the resource management of simulators, or the satisfying simplicity of pure clickers, there’s an idle game in 2025 to suit every taste. These titles offer a unique form of escapism, allowing players to achieve significant progress and enjoy compelling gameplay loops without demanding constant, active input. As the genre continues to mature and innovate, we can expect even more creative and engaging idle experiences to emerge, further solidifying their place as a beloved staple in the gaming world. At Gaming News, we are committed to bringing you the most comprehensive and insightful coverage of these captivating games, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of what’s new and exciting in the world of passive progression.