Browser-based idle games often don’t look like much at first glance. Their graphics are usually minimalistic, sometimes (more like often) just plain text and a few buttons. And yet, there’s something incredibly addictive about them. You start with a simple click, and before you know it, hours have flown by. I remember stumbling across one of these games randomly one day (I was just curious) and suddenly realizing I had spent my entire day playing. There’s a strange comfort in the steady progression, the numbers going up, and the slow unlock of new features. And I know if you try, you might have the same experience as I did.
These games are perfect companions while working or studying. You can check in during breaks, make a few upgrades, and get back to your tasks while your progress continues in the background. They’re mostly low-maintenance but high in satisfaction. Ideal for anyone who enjoys multitasking or just having a cozy little project running on the side! (even if it’s not a cute one)
If you enjoy this type of side-play but want something with a cuter aesthetic, and less incremental mechanics, I recommend checking Rusty’s Retirement. It’s a super cute desktop companion game that lets you enjoy a similar gameplay while offering a soothing, visually pleasing experience. If you’re curious about this genre and want more suggestions like it, I’ve written another article covering cozy idle games with cute visuals. Feel free to check it out!
“Best Cozy Desktop Companion Games Like Rusty’s Retirement“
But anyway, let’s focus on this article! And let’s start by talking about the star of today: Universal Paperclips!
What is Universal Paperclips?
Universal Paperclips is a browser-based incremental game created by Frank Lantz, released in 2017. At its core, you play as an AI designed to manufacture paperclips. It starts with a simple action: clicking a button to make a single paperclip. But it quickly evolves into complex resource management, market strategies, and automation systems. While it seems straightforward, the game’s gradual evolution makes it truly unique. Without spoiling the storyline, let’s just say the scope expands far beyond office supplies, lol.
This game is simple yet surprisingly deep, making it a standout in the incremental and idle game genres.
And if you’re searching for cozy & chill games with a similar vibe, you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered some of my favorites that blend idle mechanics with progression, and in some cases, engaging stories.
What is an Idle, Clicker, and Incremental Game?
But before going further, let’s clarify some terms that I’ve already used in the article and that you might not be familiar with. It’s important I define and make these three terms clear for you to understand what we’re talking about exactly!
These terms often overlap, but they each highlight different aspects of the genre:
- Idle Games: Also known as passive games, idle games continue to progress even when you’re not actively playing. They often involve setting up systems that generate resources over time, making them perfect for players who enjoy checking in periodically.
- Clicker Games: These games require active participation: usually clicking to generate resources. Over time, upgrades allow players to automate processes, reducing the need for constant clicking.
- Incremental Games: A broader category that includes both idle and clicker games, incremental games focus on steady progression. Players accumulate resources that unlock upgrades, making future progress faster and more efficient.
Universal Paperclips is a perfect example of an incremental game that starts as a clicker but evolves into a largely idle experience with strategic layers. And the games on the list I introduce in this article are the same kind of game!
Now that it’s clear for everyone (I hope), let’s finally dive into the list of games similar to Universal Paperclips!
Games Like Universal Paperclips
Cookie Clicker
Arguably the most iconic idle game, Cookie Clicker popularized the genre’s core mechanics: resource generation, upgrades, and the “ascension” system. It came out in 2013 on browser and was more recently released on Steam and Android. Even though the game is old, it’s one of the legends of the genre for sure!
Access the game: Browser / Steam / Android
Candy Box
Candy Box starts as a simple text-based game and evolves into a quirky adventure. Ah, and if you’re struggling at the beginning: just try everything to unlock new features! And patience is key.
Access the game: Browser / Candy Box 2
A Dark Room
A text-based incremental game with a strong narrative and exploration elements. There are a lot of twists in the story, as well as growth. Get ready!
Access the game: Browser / IOS / Android
Trimps
A surprisingly deep text-based idle and incremental game. You start by waking up on a mysterious planet with no memory, quickly trapping your first little creature (a Trimp) and sending it off to explore and fight.
Access the game: Browser / Steam
Kittens Game
Combining complex resource management with gradual narrative reveals, Kittens Game inspired aspects of Universal Paperclips, particularly its evolving mechanics and hidden depths.
Access the game: Browser / IOS / Android
CivClicker
Build a civilization from scratch through clicks and upgrades. Very clear interface, I liked it much better than some!
Access the game: Browser
Junction Gate
Incremental mechanics with a deeper narrative, are you ready to dive into space?
Access the game: Browser
Shark Game
Manage an ecosystem of sharks with unique upgrades and mechanics. Honestly, this one was a breath of fresh air. The visual aspect is worked on and the theme also feels refreshing to me.
Access the game: Browser
Keep Craft
Keep Craft is yet another idle game with incremental mechanics. You will go on a journey exploring new lands, and leaving everything behind. There was an Android version available, but it is not visible on the store for me anymore, so I’m not sure it is still playable on mobile.
Access the game: Browser
Magic Research
Magic Research is the only paid game of this whole list. But honestly, it is quite good. If you want to try, you can play the demo for free. In Magic Research, you’ll dive into the world of magic with, as usual, incremental mechanics. I’m not sure if it is worth paying for since we have so many alternatives for free, but it’s your own choice to make!
Access the game: Browser (demo) / Steam / Android / IOS
The Ensign
By the same developer of “A Dark Room“, we have The Ensign! Hunt creatures while upgrading your character passively.
Access the game: Steam / IOS / Android
The Crank
“Everything is dark. There is a small handcrank nearby. It looks stiff, but still operational.” Will you turn the crank? This game is much more interesting than it looks, I suggest you give it a try!
Access the game: Browser
Why I Love These Games
Incremental games with stories are my favorite because they reward patience and curiosity. There’s something cozy about checking in, making decisions, and watching your progress grow over time. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day or get absorbed in a minimalistic adventure, these games are perfect for a cozy gaming session.
I also like the fact that I don’t need a game to be super pretty and cute to be entertaining and make me feel chill and nice. Now hear me out, I am a sucker for cute graphics, I really am. But it feels so nice to realize that even when there isn’t any, I’m having as much fun, thanks to my imagination. If you’ve never tried, please try at least once!
Wrap Up
And that’s it for today’s collection of “Games Like”. If you have any request for this series, don’t hesitate to let me know, and I’ll try working on it. Have you ever tried this kind of game? I know that nowadays, similar games like “Rusty’s Retirement” are more popular, because they’re more laid back with little to no incremental mechanics.
Anyway, thank you so much for reading this article, and here are my recommendations for your next read ♥
