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13 Best Games Like Universal Paperclips 2025

Tom Clayton
Best Games Like Universal Paperclips
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Universal Paperclips is a popular incremental game developed by Frank Lantz and released by the New York-based studio, Two Sigma Ventures.

Making paperclips is the focus of the game, but it’s trickier than it seems. Players assume the role of an AI that wants to increase the number of paperclips it produces by expanding its operations, increasing its research into new technologies, and optimizing its use of resources.

As they go through the game, players can automate certain activities, invent fresh paperclips, and even send out space probes to study the cosmos. Fans of incremental games love the game’s straightforward UI and engaging gameplay.

The game is available on the web, as well as on iOS and Android.

If you’re looking for games that are comparable to Universal Paperclips, you’re in luck. Several incremental and idle games with similar gaming concepts and engaging gameplay are widely available.

We’ll look at 13 of the finest games that are similar to Universal Paperclips in this post.

Incremental Games

Players in incremental games, commonly called clicker games, take simple tasks to produce resources that are subsequently used to improve different game elements.

These games are made to be played in quick spurts, and players advance even while they aren’t actively playing. The top five incremental games that can be compared to Universal Paperclips are listed below:

1. Cookie Clicker

French web developer Orteil created and released the incremental game Cookie Clicker. The game’s simple yet fascinating gameplay features have helped it develop a cult following since its first release in 2013.

To gain cookies, the game’s money, the goal of Cookie Clicker is to click on a giant cookie on the screen. The player can then use these cookies to buy improvements that boost the production of cookies.

More upgrades are made accessible as the player advances through the game, including automatic cookie-producing grandparents, farms, factories, and mines.

The utilization of “golden cookies,” which sporadically show on the screen and offer considerable bonuses to cookie output when clicked, is one of Cookie Clicker’s distinctive characteristics.

The game also has a variety of achievements that players may get for hitting particular milestones or finishing particular objectives.

The generation of resources and the expansion of manufacturing capacities are similar objectives of Cookie Clicker and Universal Paperclips. Players are kept interested in both games by their straightforward user interfaces and addicting gameplay elements.

Additionally, both games make use of a technique called “clicker fatigue,” in which the constant clicking that is necessary to play the game becomes an integral part of the experience.

Platforms: Web browser, Android, and Microsoft Windows

2. Clicker Heroes

Clicker Heroes is a popular idle RPG (role-playing game) developed by Playsaurus. The game can be played on a variety of devices, including PCs, smartphones, and web browsers.

To battle enemies, collect gold and experience, to improve heroes and advance through the game’s different stages, one must click on them.

To fight monsters, players must continually click on the screen, but as they advance in the game, they unlock new heroes with special abilities that allow them to automate this action.

In addition, players can level up their heroes, give them gear, and use special abilities on them to take down bosses and creatures with more difficulty.

There are some parallels between Clicker Heroes and Universal Paperclips. In both games, players repeatedly click in order to complete a little task in order to advance toward a bigger objective.

The objective of Clicker Heroes is to proceed through each stage of the game by defeating increasingly challenging foes. The objective of Universal Paperclips is to produce paperclips and eventually rule the globe.

Players in both games continuously strive to upgrade and improve their resources, which adds to the sense of development and achievement that exists in both.

Players in Clicker Heroes can unlock new heroes, improve their current characters, and acquire new skills to advance. While in Universal Paperclips, players must invest in various upgrades to increase their paperclip production and expand their operations.

Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android

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3. Adventure Capitalist

Adventure Capitalist is a well-known online game that lets users create their own corporate empire from scratch. It was created and released by Hyper Hippo Productions, and casual players all around the world have come to love it.

The setting of the game is a capitalist society in which the player begins with a modest lemonade stand and eventually rises to become a tycoon with numerous firms in various fields.

The player makes money by selling things and enhancing their enterprises. They can also engage managers to operate their company for them and invest their money in the stock market.

Its simplicity is one of Adventure Capitalists’ best qualities. The game’s simple graphics and intuitive controls make it simple to grasp and play.

The game also has depth and intricacy, and winning requires making many different layers of strategy and decisions.

The game has some features in common with Universal Paperclips. Both games are built around the idea of gradual growth, where the player begins with a little resource and expands it to establish a sizable empire.

Both games require players to make strategic decisions and balance their investments and resources in order to maximize profits.

The usage of automation is another resemblance between Adventure Capitalist and Universal Paperclips. In Universal Paperclips, the player can build self-replicating robots to handle their operations, whereas in Adventure Capitalist, the player can hire managers to run their businesses for them.

Instead of controlling every detail of their operations on a minute-by-minute basis, this automation enables players to concentrate on higher-level strategic decisions.

Platforms: Web browser, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and Mac operating systems

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4. Idle Miner Tycoon

Idle Miner Tycoon is a popular mobile game developed by Kolibri Games that simulates the experience of running a mining business.

Players can optimize revenues by managing several parts of the mining operations, such as employing staff, improving equipment, and enlarging mining locations.

There are many different materials to mine in Idle Miner Tycoon, including coal, gold, diamonds, and more. As they advance, players can unlock additional mines and improve their current operations to boost output and profitability.

The game also offers different barriers and challenges, such as earthquakes, floods, and equipment malfunctions, which players must face to succeed.

Idle Mining Tycoon is an idle game, much like Universal Paperclips, which means that it can be played passively without necessitating constant input from the player.

Players can set up automatic procedures in both games and observe as their companies develop over time. These games also have a progression system that allows players to gain access to new technologies and improvements as they go.

Idle Miner Tycoon and Universal Paperclips both place an emphasis on resource management and optimization.

In order to maximize their earnings in both games, players must decide how to distribute their resources and spend money on new technology.

This calls for thoughtful preparation, deliberation, and a knowledge of the game’s fundamental principles.

Platforms: Android and iOS

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5. Tap Titans

Tap Titans is a popular mobile game developed by Game Hive Corporation, which was released in 2014.

This idle role-playing game is available on both iOS and Android smartphones.

By tapping the screen as quickly as you can, you can fight creatures and advance through levels of the game.

The game offers a number of elements that appeal to players of all ages. The enormous selection of characters that can be unlocked and improved as you advance through the game is one of its most prominent characteristics.

Each hero has a special set of skills that can be employed in various combinations to defeat the monsters.

The option to join a clan and cooperate with other players to take out tough bosses is another intriguing element. Gamers can also compete against other players in tournaments for prizes and glory.

The idea of progressive advancement serves as the foundation for both Tap Titans and Universal Paperclips, making them comparable in this regard.

With the aid of improved heroes and weaponry, players in Tap Titans move from taking down minor monsters to taking down stronger bosses.

Platforms: Android and iOS

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Idle Games

Idle games are comparable to incremental games in that they concentrate on straightforward acts to produce resources.

Idle games, however, go one step further by letting players advance even while they aren’t actively playing the game.

Here are the top five idle games that are comparable to Universal Paperclips:

6. Egg, Inc.

Auxbrain Inc. created the mobile game Egg, Inc., which debuted in 2016. In the game, the player assumes the role of an egg farmer who must oversee their farm and raise various chicken breeds in order to make money and grow their business.

The incremental gameplay style of Egg, Inc. is one of its main characteristics. The game is meant to be played in quick spurts, allowing players to check in on their farms, gather eggs, and buy enhancements before putting the app away and getting back to their everyday activities.

More upgrades and chicken varieties become available to players as they advance through the game, and each one boosts their earnings in a different way.

The idle gaming mechanics of Egg, Inc. are an additional feature. Chickens continue to lay eggs and earn money even after the app is closed, so the game progresses even when the player isn’t actively playing.

Because of this, players can still advance even if they are unable to invest a lot of time in the game.

In a few areas, the game Universal Paperclips and Egg, Inc. are comparable. Both games use an incremental gameplay mechanic that motivates players to gradually improve their operations.

The gameplay features in both games also allow players to advance even when they are not actively playing the game.

Platforms: iOS and Android

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7. Kittens Game

Kittens Game is a popular text-based incremental game that was developed by the unaffiliated developer known as “bloodrizer.”

The player assumes the role of a town of cats attempting to live and flourish in their surroundings set in a fantasy universe.

With a sophisticated and detailed gaming system that enables players to go through several phases of development, Kittens Game has developed a reputation for being extremely compelling and addictive.

The technological tree in Kittens Game is another significant feature. In order to build more complex products and constructions, players can investigate and unlock new technologies like metallurgy and agriculture.

Players can also discover new strategies for acquiring resources and boosting production by using this technology tree.

Kittens Game and Universal Paperclips are similar in a lot of ways.

Due to their entertaining gameplay, intricate mechanics, and addictive qualities, Kittens Game and Universal Paperclips have both grown in popularity.

While having different themes and settings, they have many of the same fundamental gaming concepts in common.

Since both games offer a comparable experience of strategic planning, resource management, and technological advancement, players who appreciate one game are likely to enjoy the other as well.

Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android

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8. Swarm Simulator

Swarm Simulator is a browser-based incremental game developed by Iron Horse Games LLC.

In the game, the player assumes the role of an insect swarm that is growing its population and extending its range. The game includes a variety of elements that set it apart and keep players interested.

The emphasis on exponential expansion in Swarm Simulator is one of its primary characteristics. Gamers must endeavor to increase their population and resources after starting out with a small number of insects.

When they accomplish this, their swarm grows stronger and more effective, enabling them to conquer more areas and face more difficult obstacles.

The resource management system in the game is another significant aspect. To maximize growth and development, players must properly distribute their resources, such as food, larvae, and territory.

They can earn new resources and enhancements that will help them become more successful and efficient as they progress through the game.

Players can unlock and use a variety of different units and upgrades in Swarm Simulator. They include several insect species with particular skills as well as advancements that raise the swarm’s production and efficiency.

Swarm Simulator and Universal Paperclip are comparable in many respects. Both games emphasize resource management and exponential development, and players must carefully balance their resources in order to advance.

Swarm Simulator, on the other hand, is mostly concerned with insects and their behavior while Universal Paperclip has a sci-fi theme and focuses on the creation of paperclips.

Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android

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9. Sandcastle Builder

Sandcastle Builder is a popular incremental game created by the developer “2DArray” and hosted on the website “Kongregate.”

The game is built similarly to other incremental games in that players begin with few resources and must gradually expand their empire through a variety of investments and upgrades.

Using a bucket and a shovel, the player starts Sandcastle Builder as a lone beachgoer. The player can collect sand fragments and use them to construct sandcastles by clicking on the sand.

As they go, the player can spend money on upgrades that will boost their efficiency at gathering sand, unlock new tools, and even find new elements that can be utilized to build more intricate constructions.

A number of mini-games and challenges are also included in the game, which enhances the entire experience. Players can, for instance, compete in sandcastle-building contests, gather seashells, or even delve below the ocean in search of hidden treasure.

Sandcastle Builder’s richness and complexity are among its best qualities. Players must effectively manage and utilize the game’s numerous upgrades, equipment, and resources in order to advance.

Users can also cooperate with one another to unlock new content and construct more amazing constructions via the “guild” feature in the game.

Platforms: Web and Android

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10. A Dark Room

A Dark Room is a text-based adventure game developed by Doublespeak Games.

The game starts with the player waking up in a dark room with no memory of how they got there.

To survive in the hostile wilderness, the player must explore their environment, acquire resources, and establish a society.

The simple design of A Dark Room is one of its distinctive qualities. There are no pictures or sound effects in the game; it is solely text-based. Players are able to engage their imaginations and fully immerse themselves in the game’s universe thanks to this.

The pace of the game is purposefully sluggish, requiring players to wait for resources to gather and events to happen. The players’ need to carefully manage their resources and make quick decisions results in a feeling of suspense and anticipation.

Players can mix resources to make new objects and structures with the crafting system in this game.

The setting of the game is procedurally created, so each playthrough will be unique. The player interacts with other characters and the environment to eventually learn more about the game’s plot.

Universal Paperclip has also been likened to A Dark Room. Both text-based games have a slow, methodical pacing. Players must manage resources and choose strategies in both games.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, Web browser, iOS, and Microsoft Windows

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Strategy Games

The goal of strategy games is to help players win by requiring them to employ strategy and forethought. These games frequently have intricate gameplay mechanisms and a lot of player agency.

Here are the top strategy games that can be compared to Universal Paperclips:

11. Civilization VI

Civilization VI is a turn-based game where players lead a civilization from ancient times to the modern era.

The location of cities, the technologies to research, and how to communicate with other civilizations are all options made by the players.

It includes a number of success criteria, including military superiority, scientific advancement, cultural impact, and religious superiority.

Both Civilization VI and Universal Paperclips are strategy games, yet their gameplay and goals couldn’t be more dissimilar.

In the more challenging and protracted Civilization VI, players must balance a number of variables over an extended period of time.

While playing the more frantic and unpredictable game Universal Paperclips, players must constantly adjust to shifting conditions in order to win.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Linux, and Mac operating systems

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12. Stellaris

Stellaris, developed by Paradox Development Studio, is a strategy game where players take control of a space-faring empire and manage its economy, diplomacy, research, and military operations.

There are several races, technologies, and political systems to interact within the game’s expansive and dynamic environment.

Gamers can alter their empire’s characteristics and ethos, as well as take part in numerous activities like exploration, colonization, trade, and war. Stellaris is a rich and engaging gaming environment with lots of replayability and strategic nuance.

In comparison to Universal Paperclips, Stellaris is a far more intricate and expansive game that calls for careful planning and strategic thought. There are many different gaming concepts to learn and a big environment to explore and engage with.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Cloud Gaming

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13. Europa Universalis IV

Europa Universalis IV is developed by Paradox Development Studio, where players control a nation in a historical setting and attempt to lead it to greatness.

As they traverse the intricate web of international connections and historical events, players can handle many sectors of their nation, including diplomacy, economy, military, and exploration.

Like Universal Paperclips, Europa Universalis IV is a more intricate and detailed game that needs strategy and decision-making. It also has a high learning curve and a ton of historical content.

Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux

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Conclusion

As you can see, there are many options available if you enjoy playing Universal Paperclips

In this list, there is something for everyone, regardless of your preference for incremental, idle, or strategy games.

These games offer hours of engrossing gameplay and entertainment, from classics like Cookie Clicker to complex and compelling strategy games like Europa Universalis IV.

Why not check them out and see which one you prefer?

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