How to Reset Progress Without Regret in Idle Games
Resetting in Idle Games: When Starting Over Means Moving Forward
Idle games—also known as incremental or clicker games—have a unique mechanic that sets them apart from traditional games: resetting progress to get stronger. At first glance, the idea of losing all your upgrades and starting from scratch sounds like a punishment. But in idle games, it’s often the smartest move you can make.
In this article, we’ll dive into why resetting your progress is not only normal in idle games—but essential. We’ll look at how this mechanic works, how to know when it’s the right time, and why it feels surprisingly good.
What “Resetting” Really Means in Idle Games
Resetting, or “prestiging,” is a mechanic that lets players restart from the beginning in exchange for a long-term benefit. In most idle games, that benefit is a currency, multiplier, or bonus that makes your next run much faster and more rewarding.
For example, in the popular game Adventure Capitalist, you can reset your business empire to earn “Angel Investors.” These angels then boost your earnings permanently, letting you rebuild faster every time.
It’s not a punishment—it’s a strategy.
The Psychology Behind the Reset
Why do players actually enjoy starting over? Because resetting taps into a powerful human drive: progress with purpose. You’re not just replaying the same game—you’re building smarter, stronger, and more efficiently with every loop.
Each time you reset, the early stages become easier and quicker. That sense of mastery is deeply satisfying. You remember the days when it took 20 minutes to earn your first upgrade? Now it takes 20 seconds.
Real-Life Example: Josh, a 25-year-old software engineer, says, “Idle games scratch this itch in my brain. Resetting feels like I’m investing in future speed. It’s weird, but it works.”
When Is the Right Time to Reset?
So, how do you know when to hit that reset button?
Here are some signs:
- Progress has slowed dramatically: You're earning upgrades much more slowly.
- The game nudges you: Many idle games will show you when a reset would be “worth it.”
- You’ve unlocked all upgrades for this cycle: If there’s nothing new to achieve, resetting lets you explore more content.
Some players reset every day, others wait a week—it depends on the game and your playstyle. The important thing is to reset when the bonus outweighs the cost.
What You Keep After Resetting
You don’t lose everything. Most games let you keep some important progress, such as:
- Permanent bonuses (like angel investors or multipliers)
- Special upgrades bought with premium currency
- Certain achievements or unlocks that carry forward
This mechanic encourages long-term play and turns resets into a rewarding loop.
Reset Strategies That Work
If you want to reset smart, here are a few tips:
- Wait until the bonus is significant: Some games show you how much of a bonus you’ll earn. Don’t reset too early.
- Use all your currency before resetting: Spend what you can, so nothing is wasted.
- Plan your next run: Know which upgrades or paths you’ll take on your next cycle.
Pro Tip: Look for automation upgrades that make the next cycle easier—things like auto-clickers, offline earnings, and manager unlocks.
Games That Nail the Reset Mechanic
Here are some idle games that make resetting fun:
- Adventure Capitalist – The gold standard of prestige loops. Reset for angel investors and fly through early levels.
- Realm Grinder – Reset to join new factions with unique powers.
- Egg, Inc. – Reset your chicken farm to earn soul eggs and epic research upgrades.
- Clicker Heroes – Reset for hero souls and ancient upgrades.
- Trimps – A browser-based idle game where resetting opens up deeper mechanics and bonuses.
Each of these games uses the reset to expand gameplay, not restrict it.
Real Player Insight: Emma’s Reset Revelation
Emma, a 30-year-old teacher from Ohio, was skeptical at first. “I didn’t understand why anyone would want to give up all that progress. But once I tried it, I got hooked. My next playthrough felt ten times faster—and I felt smarter for doing it.”
That’s the magic of a good reset: it turns short-term loss into long-term gain.
The Reset Loop: Why It’s So Addictive
In traditional games, progress is linear. In idle games, it’s cyclical—and that’s part of the appeal.
You grow → plateau → reset → grow faster. This loop keeps you coming back. It’s simple, but deeply satisfying.
- You feel smart for optimizing.
- You feel powerful for flying through earlier content.
- You feel in control because you decide when to restart.
It’s gaming as a feedback loop—and it works incredibly well.
Optional vs. Forced Resets
Some games give you the freedom to choose when to reset. Others tie it to milestones (e.g., reaching a certain level or earning a rare resource).
Optional resets are usually better for casual players who want control over their experience. If you’re playing on your commute or in short bursts, having the option to reset when you want is ideal.
Final Thoughts on Resetting in Idle Games
Resetting isn’t about loss—it’s about unlocking power. The best idle games reward players for stepping back and rebuilding stronger. If done right, it becomes the very thing that keeps players engaged for weeks, even months.
