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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The decision, in plain language
What to know before playing
You start by manufacturing paperclips. The changing scope of the business is the point, so it is a better recommendation for someone who wants to discover new systems than someone who wants a comfortable, permanent routine.
Who it suits
A strong starting point for a finite, text-led incremental with a surprising sense of scale.
Before you start
Start the browser version on a desktop and go in with as few spoilers as possible. Use the developer's mobile links if you want a phone edition.
The tradeoff
The developer explicitly says the web version was not designed for phones. Our completion range is an estimate, not a timed playthrough or a promise.
A different direction
Primary sources
Developer's web and mobile edition page ↗Source-checked research, not a completed playthrough. Unknown mechanics stay unverified; existing estimates in the fact table are separate.
At a glance
Catalog estimates, reviewed Sep 29, 2026. Suggest a correctionPlayed this edition?
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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?
FEED THE AI, Spaceplan and A Dark Room share the most with it. FEED THE AI: also ai, narrative, short. All games like Universal Paperclips →