Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it can be hard to find the time to just sit back and relax. That’s where idle games come in. These are the perfect way to kill a few minutes (or hours) without having to put too much thought into it.
And while there are plenty of great idle games out there, we’ve narrowed it down to the very best for this list. So, whether you’re looking for something cute and casual or something a little more challenging, there’s sure to be an idle game here for you:
15. Tower of Hero
This is an idle game with a bit of a twist. In Tower of Hero, you need to help the heroes climb the tower by casting spells. The higher they get, the more difficult it becomes. There are over 100 heroes to collect, and you can upgrade them as you progress.
However, it places in the 15th spot since the rewards for playing are not as great as some of the other games on this list. You can only get so many heroes, and once you’ve upgraded them, there’s not much else to do.
14. Om Nom: Merge
The objective of this adorable puzzle game is to clear a path for Om Nom, the little green monster, by matching and combining pieces of candy. The game is simple yet challenging, and the cute graphics make it all the more enjoyable.
The problem with the game is that it’s not very original. It’s a lot like Bejeweled, and there have been many games like it before. However, the developers have done a good job of making the game their own, and it’s still a lot of fun to play.
13. Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector
Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is a game where players provide food and toys for virtual cats in order to attract them to their yards. The cats will then leave behind items for the player, which can be used to purchase more attractive items to bring in even more cats. It’s a simple but charming game that’s perfect for when you need a break from reality.
However, the replayability factor is low and it can get repetitive after a while. As such, you may feel the urge to uninstall it after a month or two, that is unless you’ve grown attached to your digital feline friends.
12. Egg, Inc
If you’re looking for an idle game with a bit more depth than most, Egg, Inc. is the perfect choice. In it, you’ll be tasked with building up your own egg farm, hatching eggs, and selling them for a profit.
There’s a lot to manage in Egg, Inc., but that’s what makes it so addicting. You’ll constantly be trying to optimize your farm to get the most out of it. And as you progress, you’ll unlock new upgrades and buildings that will help you even further.
11. Realm Grinder
Realm Grinder is an idle game where players grow their kingdom by managing resources and building up an army to defeat monsters. There are a variety of ways to play the game, including different types of Buildings and Upgrades that players can purchase. The game also features a unique artifact system that allows players to further customize their gameplay experience.
The gameplay is quite slow, though, making it less than ideal for people who want a quick idle game fix. It’s also been criticized for being too complex and confusing for new players. However, if you’re willing to put in the time to learn the ropes, Realm Grinder is a deep and rewarding idle game that offers a lot of content and replayability.
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10. Fallout Shelter
The game has the player take control of a Vault-Tec Overseer who must build and manage a vault as people come to live in it. The player can build different rooms for the dwellers to live and work in, and assign them various tasks. The game also features a combat system where the player can send their dwellers into the wasteland to fight monsters and other threats.
Fallout Shelter is one of the best idle games on mobile, as it allows players to build up their own vault and manage it however they see fit. The game also has a lot of replay value, as there are many different ways to build one’s vault and there is always something new to do.
What’s great about Fallout Shelter is that it’s a game that can be played in short bursts or for long periods of time, making it perfect for when you have a few minutes to spare.
9. Idle Theme Park Tycoon
This game is all about building and managing your own theme park. You’ll need to build rides, hire staff, and keep your customers happy. The better you do, the more money you’ll make. You can use that money to upgrade your park or buy new property. There are tons of different parks to build, and each one has its own challenges.
For an idle game, there’s a lot to do in Theme Park Tycoon. You can easily spend hours managing your park and trying to get everything just perfect. It’s a great game for people who like tycoon games or building simulators.
8. Forager
This cute and colorful game is all about collecting resources and crafting new items to help you progress. There’s a decent amount of depth here, with different biomes to explore, recipes to discover, and secrets to uncover. It’s also one of the best-looking idle games on mobile. The downside is that it can be a bit grindy at times, but overall Forager is a delightful little game that’s well worth your time.
7. Idle Mafia: Tycoon Manager
You start your journey as a lowly street thug and work your way up the ladder to become the Godfather of Crime in this idle game. With over 200 different levels, there is a lot of content to keep you busy tapping away. The goal of the game is to make as much money as possible through a variety of illegal activities. There are also a ton of upgrades and power-ups to help you boost your earnings, and you can even hire other players to help you out.
6. Cookies, Inc.
Cookies, Inc. is an incremental game, meaning that you’ll gradually earn more and more as you play. It’s also extremely easy to pick up and play; there’s no complex gameplay to get in the way of your cookie-baking fun. Plus, the game is absolutely adorable, with colorful visuals and a cast of charming characters. If you’re looking for a cute and casual idle game to play on your mobile device, Cookies, Inc. is a great option.
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5. Princess Connect! Re: Dive
In this game, you play as a princess who must help her kingdom by going on quests and defeating monsters. The game features beautiful graphics and an interesting storyline. There are also many side quests and mini-games to keep you entertained. It comes in fifth place because it is a bit more complicated than the other games on this list.
4. Idle Zoo Tycoon
Do you have what it takes to be a successful zoo tycoon? Find out in Idle Zoo Tycoon, where you’ll be responsible for building and managing your very own zoo. With dozens of different animals to care for, as well as a variety of attractions and facilities to build, there’s plenty of room to express your creativity. But being a successful zoo owner isn’t easy—you’ll need to keep an eye on your finances, manage your staff effectively, and make sure your animals are healthy and happy.
3. AFK Arena
In AFK Arena, you take control of a team of heroes and guide them through an ever-changing maze full of monsters. The game is heavily focused on progression, with new areas, bosses, and rewards being constantly added. It’s an excellent example of the genre, and one that will keep you coming back for more. It’s in the third spot for its focus on progression and campaign mode.
2. Dungeon Inc.
This idle game has you managing a dungeon, where you’ll need to generate income by hiring monsters and collecting gold. You can then reinvest this money into making your dungeon more efficient. There are also plenty of upgrades and power-ups to keep things interesting, which amps up the addictiveness factor and makes it a great idle game.
1. AdVenture Capitalist
At the top spot is AdVenture Capitalist, which is an idle game about making money. You start with a lemonade stand and work your way up to becoming a billionaire. The goal is to make as much money as possible, and you can do that by upgrading your businesses and hiring managers. It’s considered the best idle game since you can make money even when you’re not playing. This way, when you log back in, you can buy more upgrades and continue to grow your empire.
