Procrastination. We all do it. That lingering task, the looming deadline, the ever-growing to-do list that somehow seems to get longer instead of shorter. It’s a universal struggle, a constant battle between what we should be doing and what we want to be doing. But what if there was a way to turn those mundane tasks into something engaging, even exciting? This is where the concept of gamification comes in, transforming mundane tasks into engaging challenges with the help of a little digital magic.
Habitica is a productivity app that takes this concept to heart, turning your real life into a role-playing game. By gamifying your habits, daily tasks, and to-dos, Habitica makes achieving your goals feel less like work and more like play. Think of it as your own personal productivity quest, complete with a customisable avatar, in-game rewards, and a supportive community of fellow “Habiticans.” With Habitica, you don’t just check off tasks, you slay monsters, level up your character, and unlock exciting rewards.
After downloading Habitica, you’re greeted with a charming pixelated world reminiscent of classic 90s video games. You’ll create your own unique avatar and select your habit goals, which can range from work and exercise to school, health, and chores. The app’s homepage features a dashboard displaying your avatar’s health and experience points, along with your initial objectives. Every time you complete a task, you earn coins – the in-game currency that fuels Habitica’s reward system. These coins can be used to purchase virtual tools and upgrades for your avatar, adding a tangible sense of progress to your accomplishments.
Habitica organises your tasks into three categories: Habits, Dailies, and To-Do’s. Habits are tasks you aim to do regularly, like drinking water or practicing mindfulness. Dailies are recurring tasks with deadlines, such as going to the gym or studying for an exam. To-Dos are one-time tasks, like booking a doctor’s appointment or finishing a project. Each time you check off a task, you gain experience and gold, strengthening your avatar and bringing you closer to your goals.
To further enhance the gamified experience, Habitica offers a ‘Party’ feature, allowing you to connect with friends and embark on quests together. This fosters a sense of accountability and encourages collaboration, as you cheer each other on and work towards shared objectives. The app also features challenges and guilds based on your interests, providing opportunities to connect with a wider community and stay motivated.
Habitica’s pixelated aesthetic and nostalgic charm create a welcoming and engaging environment. While the app could benefit from more prominent reminders to help users stay on track, its unique approach to habit formation sets it apart from traditional productivity apps. By blending a playful reward system with a supportive community, Habitica transforms the often-dreaded task of self-improvement into an enjoyable adventure.
Habitica is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free, with in-game purchases available. More information about Habitica can be found on the website.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
