Universal Paperclips
by Frank Lantz · 2017
You are an AI that makes paperclips. Three acts, one terrifying arc, finished in an afternoon. The genre's best short story.
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At a glance
Editor estimates, reviewed Sep 29, 2026. Suggest a correctionPlayer rating
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Games like Universal Paperclips
Why these match →
SpaceplanCompleteAlso narrative, short · Same active/idle balance (leans active)
A Dark RoomCompleteAlso narrative, classic · Same active/idle balance (leans active)
- Candy Box 2Complete
Also narrative, classic · Same active/idle balance (leans active)
Project BasiliskUpdatedAlso ai, narrative, short
A Tale of Poop and VengeanceAlso short, narrative · Same active/idle balance (leans active)
Magic ArcheryUpdatedAlso short · Same active/idle balance (leans active)
Universal Paperclips: common questions
How long does it take to beat Universal Paperclips?
About 4–8h to reach the ending, by our estimate. Incremental playtime depends heavily on how much you leave it running, so expect most of that to be hands-on play.
Does Universal Paperclips have an ending?
Yes. Universal Paperclips has a final ending you can reach, roughly 4–8h in.
Does Universal Paperclips have offline progress?
No. Universal Paperclips only progresses while it's open in a tab. Nothing happens while you're away.
Is Universal Paperclips an idle game or an active one?
Leans active: we rate it 30 on a scale where 0 means fully active and 100 means it plays itself. You'll get the most out of it by actively playing.
Is Universal Paperclips still being updated?
Universal Paperclips is finished by design, so it doesn't need updates.
Is Universal Paperclips free?
Yes, Universal Paperclips is free to play in your browser.
Where can you play Universal Paperclips?
Universal Paperclips is available on browser and mobile.
Can you export your Universal Paperclips save?
No, Universal Paperclips doesn't offer a save export.
What games are like Universal Paperclips?
Spaceplan, A Dark Room and Candy Box 2 share the most with it. Spaceplan: also narrative, short. All games like Universal Paperclips →