There is something satisfying about watching numbers go up while you do absolutely nothing.
Idle games (or “Clicker” games) used to be simple browser distractions. But in 2025, they have become deep, complex RPGs that essentially play themselves. They are the perfect genre for people who love the feeling of progression but don’t have 8 hours a day to sit in front of a monitor.
If you want to feel productive while you binge-watch your favorite show, here are the top 5 idle games you need to install right now.
1. Melvor Idle
Available on: PC (Steam), iOS, Android
If you have ever played RuneScape, you need this game. It is literally just RuneScape, but stripped of all the 3D graphics and walking. You want to fish? You click “Fish” and close the app. Come back 8 hours later, and you have 50,000 sharks. It has combat, farming, slayer, and distinct skills that all interact with each other. It is widely considered the “King” of modern idle games because it respects your time. There are no predatory microtransactions—you just buy the game and play.
2. Cookie Clicker
Available on: Browser, Steam
The literal grandfather of the genre. What starts as clicking a giant cookie to get +1 cookie quickly spirals into an interdimensional horror story involving grandmas, time machines, and eldritch portals. It is weirdly addictive and hides a surprising amount of strategy underneath its silly exterior. If you have never tried it, you are missing out on gaming history.
3. AFK Arena
Available on: iOS, Android
You have probably seen the ads, but the game is actually legitimately good. It’s a “Gacha” RPG (collecting heroes), but the art style is stunning. The best part is right in the name: AFK. You set up your team formation, start the battle, and put your phone down. Your heroes fight, earn loot, and level up even when you aren’t playing. It’s perfect for checking once or twice a day during your coffee break.
4. Legends of Idleon
Available on: Steam, Android, iOS
This represents the next evolution of idle games. It’s an “Idle MMO.” You create multiple characters, and they all work together. You might have your Warrior mining ore while your Mage chops wood and your Archer kills slimes. The unique twist is that you manage an entire family of characters who are all grinding simultaneously. It’s colorful, frantic, and incredibly deep.
5. Egg, Inc.
Available on: iOS, Android
You run a chicken farm. That’s it. But somehow, running this chicken farm involves quantum physics, space travel, and selling eggs to aliens. The interface is slick and clean, and watching your swarm of chickens run to the coop is oddly hypnotic. It is the perfect “chill out” game for your phone.
Why We Love Idle Games
In a world where every AAA game demands 100% of your attention and sweat, idle games are a nice break. They give you that dopamine hit of “Level Up!” without the stress.
Pro Tip: Even in idle games, you can optimize your time. Use our Universal XP Calculator to figure out exactly how long you need to leave your phone AFK to hit your next milestone!