Looking for Game Recs to Stop My Doom Scrolling!

Looking for suggestions
1

Guys, I have a problem—I’m a doom scroller, and with all the bad news lately, it’s wrecking my mental health. I need something to replace it, a game I can pick up in short bursts when I’d otherwise be scrolling news.

I have a Steam Deck for serious gaming, so I’m looking for something casual, quick, and engaging on mobile. Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • (Optional but preferred) Works in vertical screen mode
  • Simple controls (just tapping buttons, no complicated movement)
  • Not time-sensitive (I want to look away for a few seconds without penalty)
  • Quick play sessions (no long save screens or commitments)
  • Sustainable gameplay loop (not just repeating the same action endlessly)
  • Not a clicker (they make me anxious, which is what I’m trying to avoid)
  • I like gacha games, but no waifu-collecting anime games like Nikke
  • Paid is fine, but no subscriptions
  • No competitive multiplayer (I just want to chill)
  • Text-based RPGs okay if they have replayability
  • Nothing embarrassing to play in front of family
  • Genres I enjoy: Collection-based games, Gacha, Management, RPG

I love deep RPGs with build optimization—stuff like Path of Exile, Diablo IV, Runescape, and Honkai Star Rail. I enjoy researching builds and optimizing gear, but I’m not sure if that’s too much for a mobile game.

I’ve played Raid: Shadow Legends for a long time before but unsure if I should go back. Also, I know the usual recs like Slay the Spire and Stardew Valley, but I’m looking for something more addictive than artistic.

There are tons of fantasy idle RPGs, but they all look the same, and I don’t know which ones are worth playing. So hit me with your best recs!

2

Some solid picks:

  • Knights of the Old Republic – Classic RPG, but horizontal screen
  • Balatro – PC card-based roguelike, but great on mobile
  • Roller Coaster Tycoon – Classic management game, works well on mobile
3

I’ve spent a ton of time on Catan (digital board game) and Wingspan. Both are great for casual, turn-based play.

4

Vertical/Portrait Games:

  • Knighthood RPG Knights (Casual RPG)
  • Souls (Gacha RPG)
  • Archero 2 (Action/Roguelike RPG)
  • Questland (Turn-Based RPG)
  • Endless Frontier (Incremental RPG)
  • Dungeon Valley (Action RPG)
  • Invincible: Guarding the Globe (Gacha RPG)
  • Dislyte (Gacha RPG)
  • Blade Idle (Idle RPG)
  • Last Cloudia (More complex RPG)
5

Star Traders: Frontiers – Deep space RPG, lots of build optimization.

6

Idle Slayer is a good one.

7

[dev] My game Vrakys might be what you’re looking for.

It’s a character-building, turn-based adventure RPG with a skill-based battle mechanic (drawing symbols to determine attack strength). Battles aren’t random, and you can play at your own pace.

:white_check_mark: No ads, no pay-to-win, optional IAPs for support
:white_check_mark: F2P, no required subscription
:white_check_mark: Beta testing right now – DM me for a promo code!

Google Play Store Link