Skip to main content

Cookie Clicker

Cookie Clicker Game Cover
95%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
grinding, monetization
97% User Score Based on 49,774 reviews
Critic Score 90%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchAndroidPlaystation 5Playstation 4XboxWindowsPlayStationLinuxXbox Series X|SPCTabletWeb BrowserMac OSPhoneXbox OneMobile Platform
View Game
Buy NowGet on Steam
Cookie Clicker Game Cover

About

Cookie Clicker is a single player casual strategy game with horror, comedy, business and science fiction themes. It was developed by Orteil and was released on September 1, 2021. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Cookie Clicker is a browser-based game where players bake cookies by clicking on a giant cookie, aiming to accumulate a large number of cookies and milk. As the game progresses, players can buy items with cookies to automate cookie production, resulting in an addictive and potentially endless gameplay experience. The objective is to bake cookies as quickly and efficiently as possible, with no definitive end to the game, providing countless hours of enjoyment for players.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Cookie Clicker screenshot
Skip User Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 49,774 reviews
gameplay240 positive mentions
grinding288 negative mentions
  • The game features a surprisingly complex and engaging story with dark humor and unexpected plot twists, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The charming pixel art graphics and whimsical soundtrack create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the cookie-collecting experience.
  • The game is praised for its ethical monetization model, featuring no ads or microtransactions, providing a complete experience for a one-time purchase.
  • The game suffers from stability issues, including frequent crashes, visual glitches, and performance problems, particularly during specific gameplay scenarios.
  • The grinding aspect of the game is extensive and time-consuming, with some players finding it tedious and potentially addictive.
  • While the gameplay starts off engaging, it can become repetitive over time, especially in the later stages where progression slows significantly.
  • gameplay
    900 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Cookie Clicker" is characterized by its deceptively simple mechanics, where players click to generate cookies and use them to purchase upgrades, creating an addictive loop that keeps players engaged for hours. While the game starts off straightforward, it gradually introduces complex mechanics and layers, such as mini-games and ascension systems, which enhance the experience and provide depth for those willing to explore. However, some players find the gameplay can become repetitive over time, especially in the later stages, where progression may slow down significantly.

    • “Featuring an amazing storyline, top-tier graphics, and the best gameplay mechanics, it's easily a 10/10.”
    • “The gameplay starts out simple but gradually evolves, introducing new mechanics and layers that add real complexity.”
    • “Cookie clicker is a perfect blend of idle and strategy gameplay, offering endless fun whether you’re actively clicking or passively watching your cookie empire grow.”
    • “The gameplay is bland because it's a clicker game.”
    • “The gameplay grinds to a halt rather quickly and is thus rather time-consuming and mindless.”
    • “The core mechanic of clicking and waiting for cookies to accumulate doesn’t change much, which might lead to some players losing interest.”
  • music
    835 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the Steam version of Cookie Clicker, composed by the renowned C418 (known for his work on Minecraft), has received widespread acclaim for its soothing and immersive qualities. Players appreciate the chill, repetitive soundtrack that complements the game's idle nature, although some express a desire for more variety in the tracks. Overall, the music significantly enhances the gaming experience, making it a key selling point for the Steam version.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by c418 (of Minecraft fame), is a delightful surprise, providing a chill and oddly fitting backdrop to your cookie empire.”
    • “The music by c418 is bliss to the ears, and matches with the game's sound effects perfectly.”
    • “The music, composed by c418 (yes, the Minecraft music guy!), is a chill, hypnotic soundtrack that makes you lose track of time.”
    • “You will be forever forced to listen to fake Minecraft music even when closed by task manager, the same song, for all eternity.”
    • “I wished it had more variety of music background soundtracks; in the current state I play, there is only one soundtrack that plays in a loop.”
  • story
    442 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is surprisingly complex and engaging, featuring a mix of dark humor, absurdity, and unexpected plot twists that enhance the overall experience. While some players note that the narrative may not be traditional or deeply developed, many appreciate the unique lore and character-driven elements that emerge throughout gameplay. Overall, the story adds a layer of depth to the otherwise simple mechanics of cookie clicking, making it a memorable aspect for many players.

    • “Its story is very epic too; I know you can't imagine that this game has a story, but it has a very complex story for real, so I can recommend it!”
    • “The way the game manages to spin an actual story that is equal parts funny, shocking, and creepy out of such a simple, abstracted gameplay loop is fantastic.”
    • “The story is simply breathtaking and immediately captivates you.”
    • “The story told is extremely deep and emotional, but hard to grasp and understand.”
    • “In a world saturated with high-budget video games boasting photorealistic graphics and sprawling storylines, Cookie Clicker stands out as a humble, browser-based incremental game that has captivated millions.”
    • “Overall, while Cookie Clicker may not have a traditional story or plot, its playful, absurd, and sometimes subversive tone has helped it become one of the most popular and enduring incremental games of all time.”
  • humor
    420 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Cookie Clicker" is widely praised for its quirky charm and clever writing, with players enjoying the absurdity of its premise and the whimsical descriptions of upgrades and achievements. Many reviews highlight the game's self-aware humor, dark undertones, and satirical commentary on capitalism, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Overall, the blend of lighthearted fun and deeper reflections keeps players engaged and amused throughout their cookie-baking journey.

    • “I decided to try Cookie Clicker after seeing all the hilarious and absurd reviews describing it as a digital drug.”
    • “The upgrades are funny, the style is charming, and it’s just super satisfying overall.”
    • “The humor and whimsical charm also come through in the quirky names of the various upgrades, such as 'cookie farm' or 'big cookie,' as well as the oddball descriptions of each unlockable item.”
    • “Hahaha--that's still not funny.”
    • “I've realized I'm not funny and my attempts at humor keep me awake at night, so maybe I'll write something 'normal'.”
  • graphics
    329 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally described as charming and simplistic, featuring a colorful pixel art style that complements its whimsical tone. While some players appreciate the clean and effective visuals, others note that the graphics are not cutting-edge but still enhance the overall experience. Overall, the aesthetic is well-received for its nostalgic appeal and ability to convey the game's mechanics without distraction.

    • “The graphics are clean, the animations smooth, the interface well-organized, and the ambient soundtrack by c418 is relaxing without ever becoming intrusive.”
    • “The visuals are very charming - everything is rendered in a way that makes you feel accomplished with every bit of progress you've made.”
    • “The game's visuals are charmingly simple, with the iconic giant cookie and a growing array of buildings providing a visually appealing backdrop to your cookie empire.”
    • “The controls are awful, the graphics are terrible, and there's no movement.”
    • “My PC met the game's specs, I set all the graphics on minimum, and it still locked my PC into a forced shutdown three times just because I hovered over a description or tried to close a menu.”
    • “It's not everyone's cup of tea, I think the main demographic are people who've seen this game since its beginning, but... if you want to waste a few hours messing around I'd recommend it.”
  • grinding
    323 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely acknowledged as both extensive and time-consuming, with many players noting that achieving 100% completion can take years of dedication. While some find the grind enjoyable and rewarding, especially for achievement hunters, others describe it as tedious and potentially addictive, often requiring players to invest significant time and effort. Overall, it's a quintessential idle game that demands a commitment, making it best suited for those who enjoy long-term grinding experiences.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “That still doesn't cover the fact that it takes 2.36 'years' to get all towers to level 10 for all those achievements with the best setup but not farming seed logs.”
    • “A fair bit of grinding.”
    • “The only downside is that some of the achievements take years to get, so it is not so easy to complete and can get dull once you start grinding for the end game.”
    • “If you want to play this game, be ready for possibly some addiction and some painful grinding.”
    • “The end of the game is very grindy; that is my only critique.”
  • monetization
    101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is highly praised, as it features no ads or microtransactions, providing a complete and satisfying experience for a one-time purchase. Players appreciate the affordable price, which supports the developers while enhancing gameplay with features like cloud saving and mod support. Overall, the game is celebrated for its ethical approach to monetization, allowing players to enjoy the content without the pressure of additional spending.

    • “An affordable, addictive game about compound interest with no ads.”
    • “The game is also dirt cheap and unlike all the other mobile idles we're used to, this one has no premium currency and no in-game purchases; if you bought the game, you bought the game.”
    • “No microtransactions, just a flat one-time purchase!”
    • “In a way, I sort of hate Cookie Clicker for starting the idle game trend, because all of its successors greedily injected in-app purchases into a game that did not need them.”
    • “The best clicker game, because it actually understands the absurdity of itself and doesn't shovel microtransactions down your throat.”
    • “Amazing game from back in the day when games were still good and not senseless cash grabs with microtransactions at every turn.”
  • replayability
    73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is widely praised for its high replayability, driven by a strong sense of progression, endless unlockables, and various prestige systems that encourage players to reset and enhance their gameplay experience. Many users highlight the addictive nature of the gameplay loop and the extensive achievements available, while community-created mods further enrich the replay value. However, some players note that once the game is completed, it may lack replayability for those who prefer a more finite experience.

    • “The constant feeling of progression and the endless unlockables make the game highly replayable, ensuring hours of entertainment.”
    • “The inclusion of community-made mods through Steam Workshop further enhances the game's replayability and customization options.”
    • “Its combination of idle gameplay, strategy, and replayability has made it a hit with players of all ages and skill levels.”
    • “It's not a game that has much replayability after finishing it (since it's an idle game), but it would also feel kind of pointless to leave it at 80-90% and just get on with life.”
    • “The game was significantly smaller, with less content, less features, and less replayability.”
    • “Replayability: 5/10, it's repetitive without replaying anyways.”
  • optimization
    65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it runs smoothly on a wide range of systems and is generally well-optimized compared to its browser version. However, some users have reported significant performance issues, including lag spikes and high CPU usage, particularly when running in the background or during complex calculations. Overall, while the game offers a satisfying experience with minimal resource demands for most players, there are still areas for improvement, especially regarding memory management and performance consistency.

    • “On the performance side, it runs smoothly, remains light on system resources, and supports cloud saves and modding through the Steam Workshop — a nice bonus.”
    • “Cookie Clicker is a highly optimized game, meaning it runs smoothly on pretty much any system.”
    • “The biggest positive improvement with the Steam version is that it's far better optimized and uses less resources than the browser version.”
    • “This game is poorly optimized and will burn your PC.”
    • “Game suffers from bad optimization featuring insane memory leaking; when it launched almost ten years ago, it worked perfectly in a browser, and now as a native application, it eats up to 2GB of working memory.”
    • “Not sure why, but the optimization is horrible for the port to Steam, PC from web.”
  • emotional
    61 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with players reporting experiences ranging from deep sadness and existential reflection to heartwarming connections with characters like the grandmas. Many users express a strong emotional attachment to the game's narrative and characters, often leading to tears and introspection about life and personal growth. Despite its seemingly lighthearted premise, the game evokes a complex mix of emotions, making it a memorable and sometimes overwhelming experience for players.

    • “I was originally gonna write a funny stupid review for this game, but this wholesome moment deserves to be shared.”
    • “Overall, I think the character 'grandma,' as the community calls her, is a very well-written character. It made me cry the way she sacrificed her life to save my cookie empire.”
    • “But then I somehow stumbled into Cookie Clicker again, and it reminded me of all those memories, all those moments we had together while she was playing it, or the conversations we had about the game. It made me feel a lot better somehow, trying to see the game through her eyes, trying to remember how I felt when we were together and why I loved her so much...”
  • stability
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent crashes, visual glitches, and performance issues, particularly during specific gameplay scenarios like ascensions or cookie storms. While some players have experienced a relatively bug-free experience, others have noted significant problems, including memory leaks and interference with other applications. Overall, the game is considered enjoyable, but its stability issues detract from the experience for many users.

    • “I like to imagine that if I were immortal, the first thing I would do is try to 100% this game with no glitches.”
    • “There are no glitches.”
    • “Runs great on Steam Play.”
    • “It's cool to have the cloud saves, but for some reason the game gets frequent visual glitches and crashes if I ascend too much (e.g. going for that 1000 ascends achievement).”
    • “Only major gripe I have was whenever I got a cookie storm I'd get tons of visual glitches all over the game screen and the only thing that fixed it was closing the game and restarting.”
    • “There are three key problems with the game at the moment: it's buggy, it has a memory leak, and it breaks controller support for any other games running at the same time.”
  • atmosphere
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charming pixelated graphics and whimsical soundtrack, creating a lighthearted and immersive environment that enhances the cookie-collecting experience. Players appreciate the delightful and quirky tone, which is complemented by a mix of humor and a cozy ambiance, making it inviting and engaging. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both captivating and enjoyable, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “The game's tongue-in-cheek humor, quirky upgrade names, and amusing achievements create an endearing atmosphere that draws players in and keeps them coming back for more.”
    • “Its lighthearted tone and playful aesthetics create an inviting atmosphere that encourages players to immerse themselves in the delightful world of cookie baking.”
    • “The music and presentation is good, and it has a delightfully weird and unsettling atmosphere later on.”
    • “He could sense a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere, a heaviness that made him shiver.”
    • “Cookie factory's destroying the earth's atmosphere.”
    • “The soundtrack creates a comfortable cozy atmosphere.”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highly praised for its compelling storyline and emotional depth, with players noting a particularly impactful ending. However, there is a contrasting opinion that suggests a lack of depth in the development of secondary characters, such as the "cookies." Overall, the main character's journey resonates strongly with players, despite some criticisms.

    • “Best game ever! This game has the best storyline of any game I have ever played, with great character development. The ending was very sad when the main character died. :(”
    • “The character development of the cookies feels shallow and uninspired, lacking any real depth or growth.”
    • “I was disappointed with how the characters evolved; their arcs were predictable and didn't resonate with me.”
    • “There seems to be little to no meaningful progression in character development, making it hard to connect with them.”
Skip Critic Reviews

90%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Cookie Clicker

86h Median play time
389h Average play time
23-278h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 186 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Cookie Clicker

Games Like Cookie Clicker

Clicker Heroes Image
80%28.4kreviews

Clicker Heroes

2015Casual Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchAndroidPlaystation 5+15
Leaf Blower Revolution: Idle Game Image
94%22.3kreviews

Leaf Blower Revolution: Idle Game

2020Casual Simulation
PCTabletAndroid+5
AdVenture Capitalist Image
76%10kreviews

AdVenture Capitalist

2015Casual Management
AndroidPlaystation 5Playstation 4+11
NGU IDLE Image
96%10.4kreviews

NGU IDLE

2019Simulation
PCTabletSteam Deck+1
THE BUTTON Image
86%1.3kreviews

THE BUTTON

2022Action
PCWindows
More games like Cookie Clicker
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Cookie Clicker is a casual strategy game with horror, comedy, business and science fiction themes.

Cookie Clicker is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 389 hours playing Cookie Clicker.

Cookie Clicker was released on September 1, 2021.

Cookie Clicker was developed by Orteil.

Cookie Clicker has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Cookie Clicker is a single player game.

Similar games include Clicker Heroes, Leaf Blower Revolution: Idle Game, AdVenture Capitalist, NGU IDLE, THE BUTTON and others.