Crank

About Crank

Crank is an indie incremental game by yummypotato99 where you’re trapped in a room and forced to turn a crank 1 million times to escape. Released on October 15, 2025, it’s a minimalist experiment in repetitive gameplay. The premise is bleak but straightforward: you’re a captive with no backstory, just a mechanical task. Played on PC or web, it leans into the grind, offering upgrades to automate or speed up the process. The game’s charm, if it has any, is in its absurd simplicity. It’s not about exploration or story but the psychological tension of monotony. Think of it as a digital Sisyphus, but with levers.

Gameplay

The core loop is brutal: use your mouse or keyboard to rotate a crank, tracking your progress toward the 1 million target. Each turn feels physically slow, emphasizing the tedium. Upgrades like electric motors or gear multipliers reduce manual effort, but unlocking them requires grinding through earlier stages. A typical session involves alternating between direct cranking and watching automated helpers inch closer to the goal. The UI is sparse, just a counter and a few buttons. There’s no music or dialogue, only the sound of a crank handle creaking. Sessions average 4.2 hours to complete, with most players quitting before the end. The challenge isn’t skill but patience.

What Players Think

PlayPile users rate Crank 72% positive, with 41% calling it “Addictive” and 28% labeling it “Frustrating.” The average completion rate is 78%, but only 12% finish without quitting. Most play sessions last 4.2 hours, though 35% of players abandon it before reaching 100,000 cranks. Community moods split between “Meditative” (19%) and “Annoying” (23%). One review says, “The simplicity is its charm, I didn’t expect to care about upgrading a gear.” Another gripes, “Feels like punishment. Why would anyone pay for this?” Achievements are minimal, focusing on milestones like 10,000 cranks. The game’s polarizing appeal lies in its commitment to the grind.

PlayPile's Take

Crank is a niche experiment that works only if you enjoy slow, incremental progress. At $9.99 (if priced like similar indies), it’s a cheap curiosity but not a must-play. Fans of games like Cookie Clicker might appreciate the upgrade mechanics, while others will find it maddening. The lack of narrative or variety makes it a polarizing choice. If the idea of grinding through a million repetitive actions appeals, give it a shot. Otherwise, save your time.

Storyline

The player was locked inside of a room, forced to move a crank 1.000.000 times before being allowed to leave.