The Basic Idea
Incremental games — also called idle games, clicker games, or progress games — are a genre built around one simple concept: numbers going up. You start with almost nothing and, through a combination of clicking, purchasing, and waiting, your resources grow exponentially. The goal is never really to "win" — it's to optimize, to reach new milestones, and to enjoy the satisfying rhythm of compounding progress.
A Brief History of the Genre
The genre exploded in popularity with Cookie Clicker, created by Julien "Orteil" Thiennot in 2013. Though idle-style mechanics existed before it, Cookie Clicker defined the format that most players recognize today. Since then, the genre has expanded dramatically, from simple browser games to complex mobile titles and premium PC releases.
Key milestones in the genre's history include:
- 2013 – Cookie Clicker launches and defines the genre
- 2014 – Clicker Heroes popularizes the idle RPG format
- 2015–2018 – Mobile idle games boom (AdVenture Capitalist, Tap Titans)
- 2020s – Deeper, more complex incrementals emerge (Antimatter Dimensions, Prestige Tree)
Core Mechanics of Incremental Games
1. Resource Generation
Every incremental game has a primary resource — cookies, gold, money, antimatter, etc. You generate it by clicking, by purchasing automated producers, or both.
2. Purchases and Upgrades
You spend your resource to buy buildings, units, or upgrades that increase how fast you generate more resources. This creates the core feedback loop: earn → spend → earn faster → spend more.
3. Prestige / Soft Reset
Most incremental games include a prestige mechanic: you reset your progress in exchange for a permanent multiplier. This "meta-progression" layer is what gives the genre long-term depth and keeps players coming back across many sessions.
4. Idle Production
The "idle" part means the game keeps running while you're away. Come back after a few hours and you'll have accumulated resources automatically. This makes incremental games well-suited to casual play patterns.
Why Are They So Addictive?
Incremental games tap into several powerful psychological hooks:
- Constant rewards – There's almost always something to unlock or purchase, so progress feels continuous
- Exponential growth – Watching numbers grow from hundreds to millions to septillions is genuinely satisfying
- Low friction – No skill barriers, no failure states, no tutorials to slog through
- Optimization appeal – For analytical minds, finding the "best" strategy is endlessly engaging
Types of Incremental Games
| Type | Key Feature | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Clicker | Clicking is central | Cookie Clicker |
| Idle RPG | Hero/combat progression | Clicker Heroes |
| Math/Abstract | Focus on numbers and notation | Antimatter Dimensions |
| Business Sim | Economic theme | AdVenture Capitalist |
| Idle Builder | World/city building | Kittens Game |
Where to Start
If you're completely new to the genre, start with Cookie Clicker (free in browser at orteil.dashnet.org) or AdVenture Capitalist (free on mobile and Steam). Both are accessible, well-polished, and offer a great introduction to incremental game mechanics without overwhelming complexity.
Once you're hooked, the rabbit hole goes very, very deep.