This may just be one of the most popular new genre of game.
With working from home or remotely at an all time high, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a big surge in idle games. While we may be used to the random clicker games, we’ve seen a ton of innovation in this genre this year alone and it’s so exciting to see developers really bring out some creative games.
In this article we’ll be featuring some of our fave co-working idle games, and some upcoming ones to add to your wishlist.
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Rusty’s retirement
We have to kick it off with one of the most popular idle games, and one that probably inspired hundreds more, Rusty’s Retirement.
This one is a classic farming sim, seeing you grow crops, turn them into biofuel, and sell that fuel for a profit – there’s just one big difference, this game docks to your screen so you can play it while you do other things.
You’ll be able to grow and water your crops with the help of your trusty robot dog, before harvesting them and turning them into the very lucrative biofuel. Selling biofuel will fund your farm, allowing you to purchase new crop types, new upgrades, new equipment, and unlock new resource buildings that open up other types of farming or crafting.
With settings to change where and how the game docks, as well as some gameplay speed options, this is a great one to have running while you work, or even while you play other games.
Peacequarium
If you love the serenity of watching fish swim around in a fish tank then this upcoming idle game is for you.
Peacequarium sees you start your own aquarium, which docks to the bottom of your screen to allow you to work while your fish grow.
You’ll be able to purchase different types of fish, based on their rarity, but each purchase will reward you with a random fish breed. The more common the fish, the more likely they are to show up, with the rarer fish being worth a lot more.
The fish you purchase will start off as babies, and you’ll need to feed them to help them grow. Now the game is pretty open ended so you can choose to collect each type of fish, go after the rarest ones, or just build tanks with your faves, it’s really up to you.
Each tank has a different capacity, and you can purchase more tanks, as well as other upgrades, and some cool decorative items too, and it’s weirdly addictive trying to unlock everything.
This one currently has a free demo out on Steam, and doesn’t yet have a full release date, but the demo has a ton of content in there already so definitely give it a go.
Weyrdlets
Adopt your own virtual pets in the idle game Weyrdlets.
This adorable game sees you adopt a virtual pet, who can hang out with you on your desktop – but be forewarned they can definitely get distracting with how cute they are.
You’re able to personalise your pet with different accessories, and build them their own little home when in the full window of the game. Your pet will idly dig for treasure unlock new goodies for you, and there are some really great decor items, and yummy pet snacks on offer.
This one isn’t all play though, it comes stacked with a range of different widgets to help you focus, including a pomodoro timer, to do lists, and a notification system to keep you on track.
This is definitely a cute idle game, and not only is it already out, but it’s also free to play, so you can go adopt a new virtual pet right now.
My Little Life
If you love a good life sim, with a side of interior design, then this next one is for you.
My Little Life brings a slice of life to the bottom of your screen, allowing you to control different people, choosing where they work, and design the house they live in.
You’re able to choose from a range of different careers for your person, and you can earn them promotions, which unlocks new cool items and gives you a pay rise too. Work isn’t everything in this game as you’ll also need to ensure your person is happy, meeting all their basic needs. You can totally customise their house, building it up from a basic one room house, to a fully fledged mansion, with heaps of decor items to choose from.
If one person isn’t enough to satisfy your own gaming needs, you can also unlock more people, building them their own houses, and choosing careers for them too, with a huge map to build on.
My Little Life has a demo out on Steam, and I can personally vouch for how addicting it is as I unlocked everything available with a day or two of downloading it.
This is definitely one to watch!
Gourdlets
We love a game that’s adaptable and this next one offers both full screen options and a docked option too.
Gourdlets is an adorable sandbox city builder, where you create little worlds for your vegetable pals – the Gourdlets.
You’ll have complete free range as to how you want to build, with a range of different items, buildings, and decor to choose from. Each building can be completely customised on the interior, allowing you to create cozy little houses for your Gourdlets, and you really have creative freedom with no limitations at all.
You can invite new Gourdlets to your town, who will arrive on the train, gradually turning your tiny town into a bustling city.
This is a great sandbox builder that you can be as hands on or hands off with as you like, and is a great idle choice.
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions
If you’re looking for a co-working game, with a totally cozy vibe, this next one is for you.
Spirit City Lofi Sessions is a game specifically designed to be used alongside tasks that require focus, and includes a ton of productivity features to help.
You’ll be able to create your own cozy rooms, decorating them with a range of different themed items, and of course you can customise your avatar too, designing your perfect alter ego work pal.
Choose from different soundscapes to help you focus, and utilize built in productivity tools like to-do lists, pomodoro timers, habit trackers and a journal to help you achieve your goals.
There’s adorable spirit companions you can uncover along the way, and you’ll unlock new cosmetics and customisation options as you gain XP and level up.
This is a great working companion, perfect for those who want accountability in a cozy way.
Idle Waters
Catch and collect fish in the upcoming idle game Idle Waters.
This fishing RPG docks to the bottom of your screen allowing you to get other tasks done while waiting for the fish to bite. Don’t worry though, one the fish starting biting, they’ll wait for you, so you won’t miss out on reeling in a new catch.
You’ll be able to fish in a range of different ecosystems, each with different fish to catch, which you can add to your own fishy collection, showcasing your faves in your own fish tank.
This one is still in development, with no news of a demo yet, but is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Tiny Pasture
This tiny little farm sim, sees you collect animals that hang out along the bottom of your screen.
Tiny Pasture will pair you up with your own little desk buddies to keep you company while you work or study. They’ll take up residence at the bottom of your screen, providing some adorable motivation for you to get things done.
There’s a range of different species you can unlock, and you can build multiple pastures to house them in, so you can place them how you like. Interacting with your animals will help them grow faster and drop more goodies for you to collect, and you can breed new animals and purchase magical upgrades to help too.
This is definitely an adorable idle game, and there’s already a demo out so you can adopt your own desk buddies right now!
That is a wrap on some of the idle games we’ve had our eye on!
Until next time, stay caffeinated.
