Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play incremental game from the German studio Shugasu, on Steam since 27 May 2016. The hook is Shadow Clones: you spend time creating copies of yourself, assign them to training, fighting and creating, and absorb their accumulated stats even while the game is closed. Progression runs through killing gods, starting with Hyperion, who each teach you a new Creation and hand over an achievement stack that multiplies your stats. Rebirths wipe your numbers and hand back multipliers, and past Tyrant Overlord Baal the game switches to Baal Power, Ultimate Beings and Challenges. It is text menus and spreadsheets rather than graphics, and it expects years rather than weekends.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Training clones | A | Balanced | Physical stat | Yes |
| Mystic Training clones | A | Balanced | Mystic stat | Yes |
| Fighting clones | A | Balanced | Battle stat | Yes |
| Creating clones | A | Balanced | God Power | Yes |
| Powersurge clones | A | Balanced | Baal Power | Yes |
New player? Start with Mystic Training clones. See our beginner's guide for why.
Physical Training clones
Physical Training clones is a strong option in Idling to Rule the Gods.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Physical stat |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Shadow Clone creation |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Physical stat
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Hyperion to learn Physical Training clones-specific mechanics
- Focus on Shadow Clone creation. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Physical stat as your first major upgrade
- See our full Physical Training clones build guide for the optimal gear progression
Mystic Training clones
Mystic Training clones is a strong option in Idling to Rule the Gods.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Mystic stat |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Physical and Mystic training |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Mystic stat
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Hyperion to learn Mystic Training clones-specific mechanics
- Focus on Physical and Mystic training. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Mystic stat as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mystic Training clones build guide for the optimal gear progression
Fighting clones
Fighting clones is a strong option in Idling to Rule the Gods.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Battle stat |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Rebirth multipliers |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Battle stat
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Hyperion to learn Fighting clones-specific mechanics
- Focus on Rebirth multipliers. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Battle stat as your first major upgrade
- See our full Fighting clones build guide for the optimal gear progression
Creating clones
Creating clones is a strong option in Idling to Rule the Gods.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | God Power |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | God fights and Creations |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with God Power
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Hyperion to learn Creating clones-specific mechanics
- Focus on God fights and Creations. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize God Power as your first major upgrade
- See our full Creating clones build guide for the optimal gear progression
Powersurge clones
Powersurge clones is a strong option in Idling to Rule the Gods.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Baal Power |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Divinity and Monuments |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Baal Power
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Hyperion to learn Powersurge clones-specific mechanics
- Focus on Divinity and Monuments. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Baal Power as your first major upgrade
- See our full Powersurge clones build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Mystic Training clones is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Physical Training clones is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Physical stat for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Powersurge clones offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Creating clones shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Idling to Rule the Gods Guides
- Idling to Rule the Gods Idling to Rule the Gods Overview
- Idling to Rule the Gods Best Builds
- Idling to Rule the Gods Tier List
- Idling to Rule the Gods Walkthrough
- Idling to Rule the Gods Beginner's Guide
- Idling to Rule the Gods Tips & Tricks
- Idling to Rule the Gods Weapons Guide
- Idling to Rule the Gods Combat Guide
- Idling to Rule the Gods Boss Guide
- Idling to Rule the Gods Maps & Locations
- Idling to Rule the Gods Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Idling to Rule the Gods, check out these related guides:
- Stardew Valley Classes Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- Satisfactory Classes Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- The Sims 4 Classes Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
