Tide table · time per day
How often each game wants you back.
A browser RPG is rarely one long session. Most ask for short visits spread over a day, and some work on while the tab is closed. This page draws that rhythm for all nine.
5–15 min a dayRuns on for up to 24 h
10–20 min a dayRuns on for 8 h
10–20 min a dayA work shift runs on
10–30 min a dayBuilds and raids go on
10–30 min a dayProduction waits
10–30 min a dayRaids go on
20–60 min a dayWaits for you
45–120 min a dayNothing decays
60–120 min a dayRent at an inn
An illustrated day, midnight to midnightA typical visitMinutes are our estimates; see the method.
While you are away
What happens when the tab is closed
Ironwood RPG
Your chosen action keeps going for up to 24 hours, by the figure in the game's own code (we did not time it). Each Offline Time perk adds 12 hours, up to 72.
Idle Pixel
Skills keep ticking for up to 8 hours with the tab closed, or 12 hours with the donor perk (figures from the player wiki). After that the timers wait for you.
Tanoth
A work shift of 1 to 12 hours pays out while you are offline, and adventures finish on their own timers. Ten free adventures a day cap how much there is to do.
Ikariam
Building, research and ships keep moving in real time, and other players can raid your towns while you are offline.
Elvenar
Workshops and factories finish their production while you are away and keep it until you collect. Research and buildings complete on their own timers.
OGame
Mines produce and queues run in real time, and other players can raid you while you sleep. Regular players send their fleet away overnight so it cannot be caught, a habit called fleet-saving.
Angband
Nothing at all. Angband is turn-based and waits for your next key, so you can stop mid-fight and come back next week.
Discworld MUD
Nothing happens to your character. Skills grow only when you use them, and nothing decays if you stay away for a month.
MUME
Your character waits in a rented room at an inn, which costs game gold for each real day. Quit without renting and your gear falls to the ground.