Chillquarium is a cozy and relaxing idle game. Buy fish and raise them in real time, then sell them to turn a profit! Customize your aquarium as you progress from a simple starter tank to your dream setup by filling your collection with rare exotic fish and ultra-rare color variants!
The game primarily operates in an idle fashion, allowing players to make progress even when not actively playing. Fish grow and generate income in real-time, even when the player is away from the game. This "hands-off" approach enables a relaxing experience, where players can check in periodically throughout the day.
Players buy random fish packs, which contain 4 baby fish of varying rarity - common, rare, epic, legendary, or mythic. They then wait for these fish to mature, at which point the players can sell them for a profit. As players earn more in-game currency, they unlock the ability to purchase larger aquariums and higher-tier fish packs, steadily expanding their collection. Many players express satisfaction in collecting all the different fish variants, including the rarer painted and golden color morphs. Completing the comprehensive "Pokedex" of fish species is a common goal for dedicated players.
While the fish are the main focus, players can also customize their aquarium with various decorative elements like lighting, plants, and substrate. These cosmetic additions do not directly impact gameplay, but allow players to personalize their underwater habitat.
The game's progression feels well-paced, providing a steady sense of growth as players gradually earn more money and unlock new content. However, some reviewers note that the extreme rarity of certain fish, like golden variants, can lead to a "grindy" experience for completionists.
The developer has implemented helpful quality of life features, such as an "auto-feeding" mode that reduces the need for constant clicking. Reviewers appreciate these additions, as they allow the game to be enjoyed in a more passive, "hands-off" manner.