The 8 Best Idle Games to Play in 2024

Idle games have become increasingly popular in 2024 for their simple mechanics and satisfying progression systems. As players gradually get frustrated with daily grinding from the numerous gacha games and the frustration of not beating opponents on MOBA, Idle games allow players the perfect chance to play in short bursts or multitasking.

To summarise, Idle games are a genre of video games where the primary gameplay involves minimal interaction from the player. For example, the core concept revolves around simple actions, such as clicking or tapping, that gradually lead to automated processes, allowing the game to progress independently over time.

They are games you can play during breaks or run in the background while doing something else. Thus, prepare your Google Play Store or Apple App Store as we dive into the eight best Idle games for a relaxing yet addicting experience.

Which Are the Best Idle Games to Play in 2024?

1) Cookie Clicker

Released in 2013, Cookie Clicker has become one of the most iconic and popular Idle games due to its simple yet addictive task of baking cookies by clicking on a giant cookie displayed on the screen. At the start, the player manually clicks on a massive cookie to produce cookies, with each click generating a small number of cookies.

As one accumulates more cookies, they can purchase buildings such as cursors, grandmas, farms, factories, and other structures. These buildings produce cookies automatically, even when the player isn’t actively clicking. In addition, you can unlock various upgrades that boost the efficiency of their cookie production, like cookie portals or time machines.

2) AFK Arena

Greetings Adventurers!
Welcome Lan, the Aquamarine Herald, to version 147 of our epic journey! Two of our heroes have received brand-new outfits, Make sure to check them out！
Get ready to explore these updates that await you in version 147! #AFKArena pic.twitter.com/LuhepOVex8

— AFK Arena (@AFK_Arena) August 7, 2024

Despite being an RPG, AFK Arena is known for its idle gameplay mechanics, where players can make progress even when they are not actively playing, hence the “AFK” (Away From Keyboard) in its name. For example, even when players do not log into the game, their heroes continue to fight, gather resources, and earn rewards.

However, as it is still a gacha game with heroes, each with unique abilities, strengths, and backstories, strategic thinking is a must, especially in more challenging battles. It is a perfect game for players wanting a change from daily farming and grinding in games such as Genshin and Wuthering Waves.

3) Dogeminer

For you worrying if this is Crypto, this game is a parody of the cryptocurrency mining concept, focusing on the “DogeCoin” cryptocurrency, which comes from the Shiba Inu dog from the Doge meme. Thus, you can enjoy this idle game without fear, as in DogeMiner, players “mine” DogeCoins by clicking on the screen or hiring helpers to automate the process.

The objective is to accumulate as many DogeCoins as possible, which players can then buy upgrades, hire additional miners, and unlock new content. For example, players can recruit helpers like “Shibe Miners” and “Space Rockets” to automate the mining process, allowing for passive income generation when you are not online.

4) Idle Heroes

Like with AFK Arena, Idle Heroes is an RPG that combines the core mechanics of idle games with RPG elements like hero collection, team-building, and strategic combat. For instance, the game continues progressing even when you’re not actively playing. Your deployed heroes will continue to battle enemies, earn experience points, gather loot, and collect resources, allowing you to progress in the game without constant attention.

However, players must strategically select their team composition, considering factors like hero synergy, faction bonuses, and positioning before leaving them for automated battles. Lastly, players can join guilds and collaborate with other members in guild activities, share strategies, and contribute to guild growth.

5) Idle Slayers

Idle Slayers is an idle game that combines elements of clicker games, action RPGs, and platformers. The core mechanic of Idle Slayers revolves around your character automatically moving and fighting enemies as you progress through various levels. Players can click or tap to assist in battles, dealing additional damage to enemies or speeding up progress.

Defeating enemies earns you coins, souls, and other resources to purchase upgrades and unlock new abilities. There is also a skill tree feature where you can allocate points to improve specific attributes of your character, such as attack power, speed, or resource gain.

6) AdVenture Capitalist

AdVenture Capitalist has been completed. This was the last one.
I've reset Earth once and Mars twice, won 1st in multiple events (Cashella many times). Nothing left to do pic.twitter.com/yGQOx5ap8Z

— système de cérulean (@whitetailani) April 24, 2024

Continuing our Idle games list, we have AdVenture Capitalist. As per the namesake, it is a game that allows players to simulate the role of a capitalist entrepreneur, starting with a single lemonade stand and expanding into a massive business empire.

Before the game runs automatedly, the initial phase requires active participation, with players earning money by clicking or tapping to sell products. After you reach a threshold, players can purchase managers to automate their businesses. In addition to Earth, players can expand their business empire to other planets like the Moon and Mars. Each new location offers unique challenges and opportunities, requiring different strategies to succeed.

7) Time Clickers

Time Clickers is one of the many Idle games that combines elements of traditional clicker games with first-person shooter mechanics. The game is in a virtual environment where players shoot cubes to earn currency, with the core mechanic involving clicking to fire weapons at colourful cubes that explode into smaller pieces when hit.

While the game starts with the player manually clicking to shoot, Time Clickers quickly introduces idle mechanics. Players can hire and upgrade a team of automated “Time Clicker” weapons that continuously fire at cubes, allowing the game to progress even when the player isn’t actively clicking.

8) Soda Dungeon

Differentiating from many RPG idle games, you are not the adventurer in Soda Dungeon but a tavern owner sending adventurers to explore dungeons, defeat enemies, and collect loot. For context, you own and operate a tavern near the local dungeon, and the soda drinks you serve in your tavern can attract different types of adventurers.

After assembling and choosing their equipment, they will automatically fight through dungeon levels without requiring constant input from the player. As you progress through dungeons, your team will collect various loot, including weapons, armor, and items to improve their stats and to upgrade your tavern.

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