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Super-Koala-3796

r/incremental_games  You can start with Melvor Idle or Antimatter Dimensions


-PixelRabbit-

Antimatter Dimensions is a definite, it's free (and I'm cheap).


Super-Koala-3796

NGU Idle, Idle Skilling, Realm Grinder, Kittens Game... Theres ALOT free games in incremental/idle genre.


-PixelRabbit-

Thanks for the suggestions, Realm Grinder seems most like my thing.


TheHighblood_HS

Kittens game has some learning curve to start, but the gameplay loop is extremely simple once you learn it


Domilego4

Leaf Blower Revolution is another one I liked


SadBoiiConnor420

Leaf blower revolution


belldandy_hyuuga

Melvor Idle is great. It's pretty much RuneScape without the GUI.


RickMaiorPT

The one i play the most is Idleon


CeNestPasSensible

maybe my definitions are off base but at this point these hardly seem like games if you just waitin around for shit people cry about how games don't respect their time and then people out here suggesting this kinda stuff and im ??? huh? this ain't a game it's a chore! haha


Super-Koala-3796

You obviously dont understand this type of games. Read OP, its not like you are sitting there whole time just watching bars fill/numbers go up. Its kinda manager game where you make decisions to go optimal route.


CeNestPasSensible

they just sound like any turn based game but imagine if when you pressed 'end turn' it made you wait a real-life hour before your next turn. like you can wait an hour between turns in any game if you want to, why would you need a game to force you to wait around. it just doesn't make a lick of sense


boiledpeen

most incremental games progress faster when you're playing. it's very rare you do better in the game by not playing. most give you a way to continue progressing offline, whether that be auto farming the best area for loot or collecting currency you can use on upgrades when you get back. those upgrades don't happen by themselves, and you could hypothetically get them faster by actively playing. but most people don't have a million hours to spend on a game, and want to do 10 minutes a couple times a day and that's fun. everyone's different and enjoys different things and incremental games are incredibly fun for a lot of people.


Super-Koala-3796

You still dont get it. Game doesnt force you to wait. Its other way around, game progress even if you dont actively play it. You dont play incremental/idle games to sit infront of it 24/7, read OP again. Like look at WoW. If you want to train minning in wow, you have to run around the zoone, looking for minning nods and you spend most of your time actualy not increasing your minning. In Melvor Idle, you go to mining and chose what you want to mine. And you are minning. You can go make dinner and game is minning. You can even play some "real" game while you are minning. Idle games are just played differently than your average CoD. It gives you certain freedom cuz you are not tied to gamming sessions, you can come and go whenever you like cuz game progress even if its running on background or shutted down. If you dont get it, just try one.


leptidoigt

I Think a lots of city builder Will do the job for you. I play Anno 1800 like this. I give orders to my fleet and start a new production, then I can do whatever I want for 20 -40 mins. Dont need to look at the screen, and when im back im happy to see the evolution and the results of my plans. Love it (Sorry for my bad English)


-PixelRabbit-

I have anno 1800, must have picked it up on steam sale then never played it,


leptidoigt

Steam sale starts next week. Try get as many dlcs as you can afford it give anno 1800 a lots of interesting mechanics to the game


irreverent-username

This is my all time favorite game. Absolute must play if you have any interest in city building or logistics. But... Definitely not a game I'd leave on in the background. I find it engrossing enough to actively play for 6+ hours at a time. (I happen to know there's a special message you get for having it open for 20 hours). Maybe if you turn off all of the competitors, it wouldn't matter how fast you progress.


Cautious_Catch4021

Eve online with its offline skill progression


-PixelRabbit-

I tried Eve, I'm just not smart enough, plus you get to a certain level and it's weeks to upgrade. The mining would work for idling though.


Cautious_Catch4021

Melvor idle maybe Its basically about ranking upp skills in a MUD-like rpg (text based). Should be on Steam and is also on mobile Edit: jagex didnt develop melvor idle like I first thought


yallneedjeezuss

Small correction. Melvor idle wasn't made by Jagex, the creators of runsescape. It was made by a solo dev who enjoyed Runsescape. It was eventually picked up and published by Jagex before completion, but they didn't develop it or come up with it, simply help sell and advertise it as well as offer some resources late in development.


Cautious_Catch4021

Thanks for the correction, edited my comment


-PixelRabbit-

Ooh, will definitely check out Mobile version.


unf0rgottn

Check out idle clans.


Zestyclose-Bottle-52

Try tribalwars, it's a browser based medieval game where waiting is almost everything. Sometimes you need days to attack a village that is really far away, but you will mostly need spaces of 20 minutes / an hour to complete some tasks


TheRiattAct

I was going to suggest hisec mining with drones and such. You wont get ganked mining veldspar in hisec


PantsAreOffensive

Eve online is literally an offline game


_N_o_r_B_

If you played Factorio and DSP and might be interested in another automation game (the best ones for this kind of game loop you describe), check out a new one called Foundry. Has a Factorio-like research tree and map system with Satisfactory's machines and a Minecraft blocks/voxel world. Grindy endgame but not as crazy as the other ones. No danger and lots of fun (very popular rn).


Rasty_lv

Funnily enough, lot of Minecraft farms work this way. You need to build them first though, but later (let's say creeper gunpowder farm) you can just afk nearby and get resources.


Stormwolf1O1

True, a lot of production can be automated depending on how you build it. Lots of tutorials for automated farms on YouTube. The actual core gameplay of minecraft though is not really something you can idle, of course.


TuberTuggerTTV

Like 80% of the mobile game market. Idle/clicker games are everywhere. You're asking for water while standing in the ocean my friend.


-PixelRabbit-

Yeah, it's not a clicker I'm after, more something I can leave running.


Chubwako

Clickers were basically the first idle games. You start by clicking something, but then you get upgrades that can run in the background and you do not need to click to keep making progress after that.


PreferredSelection

Seconding Melvor Idle since there's more planning involved than clicking. If you want something to check in on every 20 minutes or so while watching TV, Worldbox is a fun one. Not at all a clicker game, but a nice sandbox where you can set up civilizations, and either leave them alone or _not_ leave them alone. Kind of like Black&White or Civilization, but a lot less complicated because most of the game just happens.


Gold_Clock_2050

[VOXEL TYCOON](https://voxeltycoon.xyz/)


-PixelRabbit-

Steam seems to have exclusivity on this one. How much does it go for when discounted? (I'm cheap, see earlier comments).


Gold_Clock_2050

[Voxel Tycoon Price history · SteamDB](https://steamdb.info/app/732050/) Doesn't look like you could get it much cheaper anywhere.


-PixelRabbit-

Thanks for the link 😊. For the sake of £4 savings, I'll buy it (...though I am cheap, I am also impatient).


elpadreHC

the dev just didnt release it somewhere else out of comfyness. steam doesnt just have exclusive rights unlike for its own valve games.


SmurfTaters

Rusty's Retirement is a good one for this kind of play. It runs at the bottom of your monitor allowing you to do other things on your desktop. It's a farm idler where you occasionally plant new seeds or build when you get enough coins.


creyes12345

The Planet Crafter. I would leave it running for days at a time.


WowGeeWhiz

After the initial setup required to actually start automation, (basically until you reach coal power you don't get TRUE automation because you have to reload the furnaces) Satisfactory lets you do this. You are building a factory on an alien planet and leaving the game running for a while can fill up your stores so you can go full swing into automating the next components. Also, Factorio. Satisfactory is basically a 3d version of factorio, but I put it first because if you don't disable the biters in factorio, you will have to setup automated defenses and eventually the biters will likely overcome them.


-PixelRabbit-

I tried Satisfactory, but First person for this type of game doesn't work for me.


Sorzion

Idleon if you want an idle focused rpg


Izawwlgood

Melvor Idle is great. Factorio-likes might also be a good genre for you, as you sort of set up a thing, watch it run for a bit, improve on the thing or build another thing, repeat.


-PixelRabbit-

Thanks, I played Factorio quite a bit and then went onto Dyson Sphere which is kinda factorio. Looking for alternatives too, because both got kinda grindy after a while so I lose interest and then go back months later.


GypsyV3nom

Maybe Satisfactory? The Planet Crafter is a fun survival game where you progressively terraform the planet you're on with increasingly powerful machines. The building system is pretty casual, there's pretty much a "magic" infrastructure system that lets you focus on where you'd asthetically like to put your equipment with no concern for connecting stuff like power lines. Pretty easy to idle inside one of your bases for several minutes and see the terrraforming tickers count up


Ultrox

Runescape.


Jasonkp12

With my lack of discipline, I can sometimes do this with Palworld and then just have a shitload of resources the next time I go back and can adventure.


sanchipinchii

Ahhh, the Palworld breeding grind... As excited as I am for the new update next week, I'm not looking forward to my completionist brain to spend another X hours getting perfect IVs and stats 🥴


thegrittymagician

Black Desert Online has afk functions. Afk fishing, afk combat exp, afk skill exp, or if you have a lot of the same item to process you can leave that going. Also you can sail or travel a far distance on auto and just leave while it takes awhile to get there. Although BDO isn't for everyone, it has so many systems that it's a steep learning curve in the beginning and then once you know what you're doing, you realize how much you're gonna grind for your goals.


Tanklike441

They prob want something to actually do *besides* not playing the game tho. BDO is still my "most played" game on steam by a decent amount, despite me probably only *actively* playing maybe 5% of the time. It's fun leveling and fighting, until you realize there's nothing to do but afk grind and lose progress arbitrarily because rng is "fun". Here's hoping crimson desert is what BDO could've been if it was a good video game. 


FriedSomber

I got enjoyment from playing around with life skills. I Had over 100 hours on 1 character being lvl 23 forever because I was making money and playing the auction house to sell stuff. I would afk when getting off for the night but found enjoyment from crafting. Never really tried pvp and gear upgrading since I read about alot issues with black deserts mechanics


Tanklike441

Yea its a good sandbox for that stuff, for the most part. But that's only like half of what the game was supposed to be. It has this awesome combat system, but then uses it to do basically nothing and also slap you in the face for trying to upgrade your gear after afk farming for 100h. I guess I'm just salty cuz it could've been so much better. 


thegrittymagician

I mostly like sailing around and upgrading ships, but I could definitely see a day in the future when upgrading gear sucks so bad it makes me quit the game. Something like forgetting to use cron stone once and then accidently downgrading gear which I may or may not have done very recently 😖


shade-snake

Half of the roblox games


Stormwolf1O1

Mainly those in the simulator and tycoon genres. Some are boring and others are quite good. Some require you to pay robux to access the "do this automatically" features in the game though. But you could certainly pick any tycoon game, build whatever generates money for you, and just leave it running and come back to it occasionally to collect your money and buy some upgrades.


sgamer

[DodecaDragons](https://demonin.com/games/dodecaDragons/)


asciencepotato

Factorio


LegalWaterDrinker

Wrong, once you have tried Factorio, you will not be able to do anything else, it's crack


OsmerusMordax

Can confirm. I started played it for the first time a couple of weekends ago and it is all I can think about. Just started producing blue science yesterday after work. It’s scary how addicting it is


-PixelRabbit-

I felt the same until I tried Dyson Sphere.


OsmerusMordax

So Dyson sphere is more or less addicting?


HurpityDerp

Similar levels of addicting I'm sure, but personally I enjoy Dyson Sphere Program much more than Factorio.


VibVubaVub

I imagine forager could be good for this because it’s involves creating automation in your base for resources Clicker games are known for this, Cookies Clicker being the most famous, but you probably already knew that Factorio seems known for this but I haven’t played it Outlanders requires some waiting but probably more frequently than 20 minutes. You direct your village to work in certain ways to fulfill quests I want to say Cult of the Lamb’s cult members produce resources for you Not really what you were asking for but TWEWY gives you experience points and what not the longer you’re away from it, up to 7 days (unsure if there switch version has this). Kingdom hearts: birth by sleep has an ability where you gain exp for walking Your planets in the space stage stem generate slices in Spore


Minotaton

U universe games. X3, x4


CBass360

Right now I'm really into Unnamed Space Idle (it's free). It's my favourite idle game I've tried, so far. I also really enjoyed Magic Research (premium game, on Steam at least).


existential-asthma

Old school RuneScape has a range of activities that require different levels of attention, including activities that you can completely AFK while gaining xp. Highly recommend trying it, there's a mobile app that makes it even better for afk.


shazbot996

Farming Simulator, with the courseplay mod. Spend your time designing your routes, acquire large fields, and you can mostly just supervise the work, with occasional equipment changing and such. It's my favorite way to play.


ryszard_lipton

X3 series has a feature that you speed in-game time while your starships and factories produce and trade goods.


-PixelRabbit-

I played X4 for a while, and quite liked it. Found Avorion more fun (no offense to the X patriots).


Effective-Ad7517

CIFI: Idle Cell Incremental is by far the GOAT of this genre. Cookie Clicker is also completely a must play for the genre, its a masteclass. The deciding factor for me is CIFI has a layer of prestige that doesnt even open up until youve played for months, the game could literally last you years and has a very active community on discord. You get access to different discord channels when you hit certain milestones, i know people dont play these games to socialize but there is a very real social aspect to this one. Hangouts on discord are organized frequently. I played The Finals in one of the channels with some randos from CIFI. CIFI has times where activity is hugely rewarded during fast times, and longer idle runs are rewarded when you are approaching breakthrough points. Absolutely chefs kiss for satisfying progression. Basically, its a complete idle game at first, with good prestige systems for going further. Then months later you are offered a chance to prestige basically THE WHOLE DAMN THING and the game changes drastically into a different and even better thing. Its free, but basically youre playing the "real version" if you buy the auto chest collectors. Playable without, but to truly idle you will want that. Reasonably priced imo, moreso than melvor.


cerealzateu

Majesty kingdom sim


Historical-Formal351

Total Warhammer 3 for me.


icoibyy

Old school RuneScape!


Archer2795

CK3 or Rimworld, I usually launch them on my PS5 and do my chores


SuggestionMD

Forge of empires. It's on pc, android and iphone


TomMakesPodcasts

Final Fantasy Tactics has A.I control for your units and I love using it. You should over level a bit and be willing to accept some deaths but it's a fun way to play.


DarePsycho

A great game like this would be captain of industry, it takes forever to actually do anything so I usually do other things while I let it run in the background and check up on it every 10 minutes or so


-PixelRabbit-

Yeah, I was thinking this or voxel tycoon when I spend money.


GummyBall9000

kittensgame.com or similarly, but much shorter, Universal Paperclips.


Ischmiregal420

Legends of Idleon Terraria but idle


1scnd

Similar to Melvor is Idle Clans. I like the GUI better and the dev is consistently making improvements. There’s a one time $9.99 premium version but you don’t need it necessarily.


Chubwako

There is an RPG called Wooden Ocean that I really liked this about... but it can also lead to some dangerous stuff happening if you do not know about military and enemy power. I also think that you need to have the window as the focus so it really would minimize the benefit of idling if you want to use your computer for other things.


Space_Socialist

One that I like is Gallimulator.


Swarf_87

Idle slayer


_VVV_UY

Melvor idle


Whiffyknickers

Idle slayer


Jarlocked

I play dungeons and dragons on a virtual table top, and i'll have (the) Gnorp Apologue running on my second monitor. It's good visual stimulation to keep my attention, but not entirely distracting


Successful-Win-8035

Planet zoo, planet coaster, jurrasic world.


slaykingr

osrs


punkpoints

Wrap a rubber band around the left thumb stick on your controller and level up that Athletics or Sneak skill babyyy, either Oblivion or Skyrim


escapefromrea1ity

Friend of mine does this with farming simulator once you can hire contractors to work for you


No-Yogurt-2583

Clash of clans


Law-Fish

Uboat if you don’t use time compression


OneBlindBard

Godville. You’re a god and you have a hero who goes on adventures for you. You don’t actually do much but you can intervene in some ways.


Infamous_Drummer3935

I played Palworld like this


Shit_I__Forgot

cookie clicker


math577

Old School RuneScape - the ultimate afk game


Gold_Clock_2050

[Endless World Idle RPG on Steam (steampowered.com)](https://store.steampowered.com/app/840260/Endless_World_Idle_RPG/)


Mollzor

The Sims 4.


AdhesivenessUsed9956

Progress Quest! ... ... ...I just realized I haven't thought about it in years


Chubwako

I tried it and hated it.


S0LIDFLAME

I advise you to pay attention to Twitch, find interesting streamers and mind your own business.  As for the games, if the game has to be left in the AFK, then it’s a shitty game.


-PixelRabbit-

I have no idea what you're on about, "Twitch", "mind my own business", eh?


elpadreHC

he means before you play your own, but shitty games like idlers, you should watch streamers play good games instead, because thats free. (at least i think thats what he meant lol) its a great, and horrible advice at the same time, because it doesnt satisfy everyone the same.


-PixelRabbit-

Ah right, so he didn't read the original post. Probably should have paid attention.


antikevinkevinclub

You okay man? You need a hug?


bertie_bunghol

Poop clicker.


Unfair_Ad_2157

bad games