Frequently asked questions
What is Big Mech Energy Idle?
A free browser idle game. Your mech auto-fights the machine uprising while you salvage parts and wire them into its power graph, a system we call MechMaxxing. Beat 11 AI Overlords, ascend through 12 ever-bigger war-frames and eventually take the sun back.
Is it really free?
Yes. The web version you are playing now is free: no price, no ads, no account, no microtransactions and nothing to download. Open the page and play.
Does the game progress while I am away?
Yes. Offline progress accrues while the tab is closed, up to a cap, and drone sorties keep running and pay out when you return.
Where is my save stored?
In your browser. The game autosaves every 15 seconds to localStorage and nothing leaves your machine. Export a save code from Settings for a portable backup; the Saving guide covers the details and the code format.
Can I play it on my phone?
It runs in any modern browser, but it is a desktop-first game. The MechMaxxing board likes a big screen and a mouse.
What other games is it like?
If you enjoy incremental games with prestige loops and build-crafting, like Cookie Clicker, Melvor Idle, NGU Idle or Leaf Blower Revolution, this is that genre with a wireable damage pipeline and a lot more mech.
How long does it take to finish?
Your first overlord falls in the first session. The full ladder of 11 overlords and 12 mechs is weeks of mostly idle progression, tuned so each unlock changes how you play.
Is there multiplayer?
No. It is single-player and fully deterministic, running entirely on your machine. No server, no leaderboard, no waiting on anyone.
Will it be on Steam?
Maybe. If there is enough demand, a Steam build is possible. Whether that version would be free to play or paid is still undecided, but the web version you are playing now stays free either way. Progress notes land on the Updates page and in the Discord.
Can I build fan tools, planners or save editors?
Please do. The save code format is documented in the Saving guide, including the exact compression recipe and schema pointers. Show off what you build in the Discord.
How do I report a bug or suggest something?
Join the Discord and post it. The developer reads everything.
Who made this?
Big Mech Energy Idle is built by lifeingray, a solo developer. The About page has the full story.