Gearsmith Tycoon

Gearsmith Tycoon puts you behind the counter of a tiny clockwork repair shop that slowly grows into a proper workshop. You assign apprentices, buy better tools and decide which orders to take, all while the clock ticks toward each deadline. It's a comfortable loop that scratches the optimisation itch.

Where it shines is the mid-game, when you can start automating the fiddly tasks and focus on the bigger builds. Watching a workshop you shaped hum along efficiently is quietly satisfying. The early game drags a little before you unlock that freedom.

It leans on some familiar sim patterns, and there's the occasional wait timer, but nothing aggressive. If you like numbers slowly going up in a cosy setting, you'll settle right in.

What we liked

• Satisfying automation once it opens up
• Cosy, charming workshop theme
• No pushy monetisation