I Have a Dirty Secret...
I'm Hooked on Idlers...
The year is 2021, and we're elbow-deep in the COVID-19 pandemic. I just started a "work-from-home" position for client support via email, online chat and texts, which at the time seemed like the perfect job, but as an undiagnosed ADHD-riddled person, this was like its own personal hell.
BUT AT LAST! On my random browsing of the discovery queue on Steam, I found my new addiction... IDLERS!
It was a simple relationship...I would idle for a few minutes here and there in between support emails and texts, or during video calls with the team as a dirty secret, but it started taking hold of me; I felt alive and focused from a few minor pixels and movements. A mere Cookie Clicker or AdVenture Capitalist in a tiny window was enough, but I needed more...And more is what I found.
The first was Melvor Idle, a simple RPG idler inspired by classics like RuneScape, even published by Jagex and developed by Games by Malcs.
Jagex Ltd
Inspired by RuneScape, Melvor Idle takes the core of what makes an adventure game so addictive and strips it down to its purest form! This is a feature-rich, idle/incremental game combining a distinctly familiar feel with a fresh gameplay experience. Maxing 20+ skills has never been more zen.
The second idler was something new, something that would feel like a dream with so much on the screen. (the) Gnorp Apologue was what I needed and did it ever help me through some of the "dead" hours of the night.
(Myco)
(the) Gnorp Apologue is the journey of the gnorps as you guide them towards their goal of delightfully excessive wealth accumulation.
But I needed something more... Something with some MAGIC! The third Idler I found that scratched that itch was Journey to Incrementalia. An idler that offered it all: skeletons, wizards and FIREBALLS!
Adam Travers
Journey to Incrementalia is an active incremental auto-battler about a necromancer on a short quest. Cast diabolical spells, summon an army and open the gates of hell on your quest to break down 99 walls and reach the lost city of Incrementalia.
Now that I was in my wizard phase, I needed more, and Tower Wizard was the hard stuff for my magic dependence. I got to idle in a tower, study ancient scrolls, and build my wizardy home.
Barribob
Help a wizard build and upgrade a wizard tower in this incremental game! Use the tower to study magic, summon spirits, create buildings, and influence the world.
Finally, I was exhausted and tired from the years of idling, so I needed to wind it down and find some peace. I headed to the lake in Cast n Chill with my boat, rod and trusty companion.
Wombat Brawler
Cast n Chill is a relaxing fishing game where you explore serene lakes, rivers, and oceans. Catch rare fish, upgrade your gear and reel in legendary catches - all with your loyal companion by your side.
I have come to realize during this article that being an idler isn't something to be ashamed of or to hide these days. There are so many Idler games with more than just clicking today.
Some explore very dark subjects, while others bring you on an adventure in the corner of your monitor. So thank you, idling games, for helping me fill the void with clicking, stories and the warmth of the screen.
Now I'll leave you all with some idlers on my radar!
Honourable Mention:
Application Systems Heidelberg
An unusual mix of adventure and idle game. In utter loneliness deep below the surface, it's your task to wait for the awakening of your king... for 400 days.
Currently Idling:
GOGOIO Games
Build, upgrade, and watch your tiny universe evolve.
My Next Purchase:
Black Lantern Collective
KILL YOUR GOD. BECOME WORTHY. Horripilant is a chilling idle incremental dungeon crawl through the horrors of a forgotten underworld.
Upcoming:
Electric Kite
"Loot Dungeon" is a dark fantasy incremental roguelite ARPG where death is progression. Crawl deadly dungeons, collect loot, pick perks, and die... to get stronger. Go deeper, unlock new characters, upgrades and features. Will you make a deal with Death?