14 Best Merge Games to Play in 2025 (And Ones to Avoid)

Merge games are a favorite pastime of mine. There’s something about making combos into improbable objects that scratches a specific itch in my brain. These are not the kind of games you can play all the time — or, well, at least I can’t — but I download them once in a while when I feel like it and need something to kill boredom.

Because of that, I tried them all, some even multiple times. And let me tell you, no other genre of mobile games is so littered with ads or endless waiting for more energy. Except maybe hidden object games (but more on that here, if you’re curious!).

But there are some gems out there, and I’ve rounded them up here, to save us all some time. So, if you’re like me, and you like a bit of mindless fun from time to time, check out the best merge games available (at least in my opinion).

1. Merge Mansion

Price	Free-to-play with optional in-app purchases.
Offline Play	Partial; some merges possible, story sync needs online
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional rewarded video ads for energy boosts.
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate to high – boosters, premium currency, and event passes.
Energy System	Actions consume energy, which regenerates over time: • Standard Energy – 1 energy per 2 min, max 100. • Event Energy (Blue/Purple) – regenerates 1 per 10–20 min depending on event.

Merge Mansion is probably the most famous merge game out there. It’s so popular, in fact, that Pedro Pascal made a cameo as a detective in one of the lore videos. So yeah, it’s totally earned its #1 spot.

In this game, you step into the shoes of a granddaughter helping her grandma restore—what else?—a mansion. Along the way, you’ll uncover some mysteries and meet quirky characters from the town.

The gameplay is straightforward—you merge items to create the tools and objects you need to fix up the house. At first, it’s all about gloves and basic tools, but as you progress, the tasks get more complex. Once you complete a task, you get to redecorate or clear out the area.

Now, as the merging gets trickier (and it definitely will), you’ll burn through energy quicker. At first, it’s easy to top off your energy since you level up fast, but it gets tougher as you go. I found it a little annoying, but if you’ve got more patience than me, you’ll probably be fine.

2. Merge Cartoon: Renovate Town

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – rewarded video ads provide extra energy or resources
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases speed up progression or unlock items
Energy System	Energy regenerates over time; players can watch ads to get energy boosts

Merge Cartoon is a fun and simple merge game without too many bells and whistles. You get a cute, cartoony aesthetic and some relaxing background music. And you get a task of merging items in order to renovate and redesign this town. 

The gameplay is pretty much the same as in any other merge game — you fuse items and get the tools you need to clear out the area. In this case, it’s a town. Each tap on the crates that produce these items will cost you one energy. As the things you need get more complicated, you’ll spend more energy. 

One thing I did notice was different about Merge Cartoon — and might put you off as well — is how quickly the production items are spent. And when that happens you’ll need to wait a fairly long time for them to recharge. 

But if you’re patient — unlike me —  and want a game you can play occasionally, over several days, this shouldn’t bother you. 

3. Merge Survival

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional rewarded ads for energy or items
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – allows faster progression and additional resources
Energy System	Energy is consumed when creating new blocks; can be replenished with ads or IAPs

If you want more of a storyline and merges that feel purposeful, I recommend playing Merge Survival. It’s beautifully designed and also quite sad. 

The story is set in a dystopian future where we’ve destroyed our planet. In order to survive, you have to create various items that will help you in the harsh conditions. As you progress, you’ll meet more people who will become your villagers and you can send them out to find things if you can’t make them. It’s like a blend of Frostpunk and a standard merge game, but with lower stakes.

This game is the perfect blend of purposeful gameplay where merging makes sense. You only need one or two items per task and your board will stay clear most of the time. And each loading screen will offer tips on how to be more mindful and help save our planet in real life (like recycling, water usage, etc.). 

4. Longleaf Valley: Merge Garden

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Low – minimal ads
IAP Intrusiveness	Low – minimal in-app purchases
Energy System	Energy restores at a rate of 1 point every 90 seconds, with a max of 200 energy at level 1

This is another game that puts an eco-friendly spin on merging, and it comes with real-world benefits (don’t worry, only good ones). As you play, you earn tree tokens, and for every 250 tokens, a tree gets planted in real life. That’s a pretty great incentive to keep merging!

The gameplay is both fun and nature-focused. You’ll help your character clean up and restore a nature park, tackling tasks like crafting items to solve specific problems (for example, making rope to rescue someone from the lake). It’s a bit like Merge Survival, but with an environmental twist.

The graphics are lovely, the storyline keeps you hooked, and you’ll appreciate the generous energy system—no need to stress about running out mid-game!

5. Merge Restaurant: Makeover

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	High – players can watch up to 40-50 ads daily for energy boosts and item retention
IAP Intrusiveness	High – frequent prompts for purchases
Energy System	Energy is required for various actions; players can watch ads for energy boosts

If you like cooking games, this one might be fun for you. In order to progress, you need to merge different foods to create meals for your customers. Once you collect enough money, you can use it to update the design of your restaurant. 

Your creations won’t always make sense, but it is pretty enjoyable and there are many things you can make. It’s fortunate that Merge Restaurant gives you more energy than most, and options of endless energy for a certain amount of time. I will say that it’s pretty salesy. Like, when you open the game, it offers you at least three packs, and you can see on the home screen above that it’s full of offers. But it’s not too bad overall.

There are plenty of events and it’s overall a fun game. One big perk is that it will save your progress even when you uninstall. For example, I played it probably two or three years ago but when I downloaded it again just a few days ago, I was able to pick up right where I left off.

6. Merge Family

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for rewards
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases offer advantages
Energy System	Energy system is generous; players can progress without frequent interruptions

To clarify, you’re not really merging a family (although you may get one if you play long enough). Instead, you’re fixing up a house. Unfortunately, there aren’t any design options, so you can’t choose what your house looks like. But there is plenty of story, if that’s what you like. 

One big plus of Merge Family is that you can skip the tutorial, which is not offered by many. Usually these merge games won’t leave you alone until they go through their spiel, but this one gives you a chance to opt out. 

7. Travel Town

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Earn 1 energy every 2 minutes; watch ads up to 4 times for 25 energy each; complete daily challenges for additional energy

This is another game that saves your progress even after years of not playing. The main point of the game is to merge items to sell and then get to progress the story, which is told to you through text messages. 

It’s a typical merge game, with the added bonus of having a power boost that allows you to increase the level of basic items you get. 

Travel Town is not my favorite, simply because merging gets difficult quickly and I don’t really care about the story. But give it a go if it’s something you enjoy. 

8. Gossip Harbor

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	High – players can watch ads for energy boosts; the option to collect free energy through ads might be removed after spending money on the game
IAP Intrusiveness	High – frequent prompts for purchases
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; players can watch ads for energy boosts

If you enjoy a merge game with a little more flair and a story-driven twist, Gossip Harbor is worth a look. You play as a character navigating a bustling coastal town, uncovering secrets, and renovating spaces as you progress.

You merge everyday items into more complex tools and structures, which then help you restore buildings, unlock new areas, and advance the storyline. Energy management is part of the challenge, but it regenerates over time, and you can supplement it with optional ads or in-app purchases if you want to play longer sessions.

Monetization is noticeable. In-app purchases speed up progress, and special event passes give access to exclusive rewards, but you can still enjoy the game without spending money. Optional ads provide small boosts or energy refills, and the game generally lets you choose whether to watch them.

9. Seaside Escape

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; players can purchase energy chests, which may provide more energy than direct refills

In Seaside Escape, you step into the shoes of Rowan, a former celebrity trying to rebuild her life and her coastal town. Each merge is progressing the story, unlocking new areas of the town, and slowly bringing the seaside community back to life.

You’ll merge shells, flowers, and tools to create more advanced items, which then let you restore cottages, gardens, and public spaces. The pacing is excellent—you never feel completely blocked, but you do need to manage your energy if you want to keep going for long sessions. Speaking of energy, it regenerates at a steady rate, with each merge costing a few points. You can refill it with optional ads or in-app purchases, but it’s never pushy.

You can buy energy refills, boosters, or participate in special event passes to progress faster, but the core game is fully playable without spending a cent. Ads are completely optional, typically offering energy or other small rewards in exchange for your time.

10. Merge Inn

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	Yes
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; specific regeneration rates not detailed

Merge Inn is all about helping Maisie breathe life into a rundown diner. Merge ingredients, unlock new recipes, and expand your café while serving quirky customers.

Energy is part of the game, but it doesn’t feel punishing. You can play for a few minutes, take a break, and come back without losing momentum. Ads and in-app purchases exist, sure, but they’re mostly optional; you never feel forced to spend, and that’s a huge plus for anyone who just wants to enjoy the merging and cooking without pressure.

11. Merge Dragons

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	Partially
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; players can watch ads for energy boosts

Merge Dragons is set in a mystical world where you can merge dragon eggs, trees, treasures, and magical flowers to restore life to a cursed land. One of the game’s unique aspects is the Dragon Power system, where merging dragons increases your power, allowing you to clear more land and access additional game features.

You can purchase in-game currency, gems, and other items to expedite progress, but these purchases are optional. The game offers various ways to earn resources through gameplay.

12. Merge Cooking

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; players can earn energy by progressing through the Game Pass

Merge Cooking is a delightful choice. In this game, you step into the shoes of a chef, traveling the globe to master iconic dishes like Eggs Benedict in New York, Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok, and Escargot in Paris. Each city introduces new recipes and challenges!

The core mechanics revolve around merging ingredients to create higher-level items, which are then used to prepare exquisite dishes. The game also allows you to renovate and design Michelin-star-worthy restaurants.

Of course, you can purchase in-game currency to speed up progress or acquire special items. Ads are available if you want to earn additional rewards, but they aren’t forced on you.

13. Merge Hotel Empire

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; players can watch ads for energy boosts

Merge Hotel Empire lets you assist Elsa in transforming a dilapidated mansion into a thriving hotel. Each successful merge brings you closer to unveiling the mansion’s mysteries and breaking the “curse of hoteliers” that haunts the property.

Energy refills at a steady pace, so you can make progress without long waiting times. Plus, you can earn it in various ways. While there are in-app purchases available, you don’t really need them.

14. Midas Merge

Price	Free-to-play with optional IAPs
Offline Play	No (some merging possible, but most of the game is off limits)
Ad Intrusiveness	Moderate – optional ads for energy boosts
IAP Intrusiveness	Moderate – in-app purchases for energy and items
Energy System	Energy is used for various actions; players can watch ads for energy boosts

Midas Merge is set in a magical world where King Midas’ enchanted crown has shattered, plunging the realm into darkness, and your task is to restore the Gardens of Gold through strategic merging and puzzle-solving. And you can play it entirely offline!

The game offers optional in-app purchases for energy refills, boosters, and special items. However, these are not necessary to progress, and the game provides ample opportunities to earn rewards through gameplay. Ads are entirely optional and can be skipped.

Best Merge Games at a Glance

Game	Price	Offline Play	Ads	IAPs	Energy System
Merge Mansion	Free	Partial (story sync requires online)	Optional, not forced	Progress boosters	Yes – regenerates ~1 energy per 2.5 mins
Merge Cartoon: Renovate Town	Free	No	Fairly frequent	Cosmetic & boosters	Yes – standard regen
Merge Survival	Free	No	Occasional	Progress speedups	Yes – regenerates slowly
Longleaf Valley: Merge Garden	Free	No	Light	Eco-themed donations/IAPs	Yes – moderate regen
Merge Restaurant: Makeover	Free	No	Frequent	Cosmetic & skips	Yes – regenerates over time
Merge Family	Free	No	Moderate	Progress items	Yes – fairly standard regen
Travel Town	Free	No	Optional	Boosters & resources	Yes – standard regen
Gossip Harbor	Free	No	Optional	Cosmetic / event bundles	Yes – regenerates, moderate
Seaside Escape	Free	No	Optional	Event boosts	Yes – standard regen
Merge Inn	Free	Yes	Light, opt-in	Cosmetic & boosters	Yes – regen but forgiving
Merge Dragons	Free (w/ premium packs)	Partial	Optional	Heavy event IAPs	Yes – regen + limited camp energy
Merge Cooking	Free	No	Moderate	Boosters & recipes	Yes – standard regen
Merge Hotel Empire	Free	No	Optional	Skips & resources	Yes – moderate regen
Midas Merge	Free	No	Occasional	Event bundles	Yes – typical regen

Merge Games: What They Are + Examples

Merge games are typically games that involve fusing two or more items in order to get something new. It’s a satisfying process, which is what makes these games interesting. There’s usually an overarching aspect to them as well — designing a town/restaurant/mansion, solving a mystery, survival, etc. 

Most of these games have several production items, which you’re meant to tap to get different items. Each tap spends one energy. As the game progresses, you’ll need more and more energy to get what you need. 

Once you complete the set task (either create a tool or earn enough coins/stars), you’ll get to move the overarching plot forward. 

Things to Look Out for in Merge Games

Look, let’s be honest — merge games aren’t really the highest form of entertainment you can get. They’re simple, mindless and you’ll probably deinstall whatever merge game you installed after a few hours of gameplay. The only one that might have a bit more storyline and is worth sticking around for is Merge Mansion, which as I mentioned, even gets guest appearances from famous actors.

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look out for yourself. 

Make sure that the game you downloaded isn’t filled with ads. This will make it nearly unplayable and extremely tiring. Some of them offer you to watch ads to get free energy, which is great, as long as it’s not at every turn. And let’s be honest, if you get an opportunity to watch more ads to get more energy, you’ll quickly fall into a trap of endless ad simulator, and you’ll spend more time watching than playing.

You should also make sure that the game you choose isn’t too much of a money grab. All of them will offer some money-spending opportunities, but you shouldn’t get pop ups at every turn.

Is there a merge game without energy?

Merge games without energy are rare these days, but they do exist. For example, you could try Scrap Clicker 2, where you’re meant to merge to get scrap materials (barrels). The problem is, it’s a bit boring at the start, which turns a lot of people off. Later on, it gets a bit more interesting.

There’s also Midas Merge, but it’s an open space merge game (like I mentioned above), so that might not work for you. But it doesn’t require any energy and a lot of people love it.

You can also try Dinner Out, which is a Netflix game. Although it has energy, it also doesn’t have any microtransactions nor ads, so that might work for you instead.

Merge Games to Avoid

I tested and played probably dozens of merge games. Some just for fun, when I was bored, and some specifically for the purpose of this article. And I have to say that while some of them are truly fun and worth your time, and some are only mildly ad watching simulators, some are truly a waste of time. 

And in order to save you from the dire trenches of downloading a game only to be slammed with like a hundred ads, I’ve compiled a short list of merge games to avoid at all costs. 

1. Merge Memory: Town Decor

This one used to be decent — and it still might be, if you’re okay with a giant ad taking up half your screen. The gameplay itself isn’t terrible, and the art is pretty standard, but the constant ads make it hard to enjoy anything about Merge Memory.

Right after you open the app, you’re hit with pop-ups and redirected to your browser. Even after closing everything, that persistent half-screen ad sticks around.

Honestly, it’s more frustrating than fun. I’d skip this one.

2. Alice’s Dream

This is another game that has a problem with non-stop popups for packs. There’s also way too much storyline and dialogue, and tutorials that seem never-ending. I wouldn’t recommend it.

3. Merge Villa

Merge Villa doesn’t have quite as many ads and packs to sift through, but it’s not very satisfying either. The art is unappealing, and the merging offers no satisfaction or variety. It’s a skip.  

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