Roblox has become the go-to platform for gaming entertainment, with millions of players exploring creative and competitive experiences every day. Whether you’re looking for relaxing simulations, intense action-packed adventures, or social hangouts with friends, Roblox delivers something for everyone. This guide walks you through 26 of the best Roblox games for 2026, helping you find your next favorite title to play.
Understanding Roblox Game Genres
The beauty of Roblox lies in its incredible diversity. Unlike traditional gaming platforms that focus on one style, Roblox hosts games across nearly every genre you can imagine. Understanding these different categories helps you figure out what kind of experience you’re actually looking for.
Simulation games are all about running or managing something. Think of them as digital sandboxes where you build, create, and watch your efforts grow. You might run a pet sanctuary in one game and manage a business empire in another. These games reward patience and strategy, making them perfect for players who enjoy long-term progression.
Action RPGs and adventure games focus on combat, exploration, and leveling up your character. These titles let you battle enemies, complete quests, and unlock new abilities as you progress. If you love anime-inspired fighting or pirate adventures, this is your category.
Competitive games put you against other players in skill-based challenges. Whether it’s team battles, fighting tournaments, or survival modes, competitive games test your reflexes and strategy. The adrenaline rush and the chance to prove yourself against real opponents make these games incredibly engaging.
Social and roleplay games prioritize creative expression and community. You can design your avatar, decorate your virtual home, attend school, or participate in fashion shows. These games are less about winning and more about expressing yourself and connecting with other players.
Horror and survival games deliver thrills and suspense. These titles challenge you to stay alive, solve puzzles, or escape dangerous situations. If you enjoy being scared (in a fun way), these games provide heart-pounding excitement.
Puzzle and exploration games focus on discovery and problem-solving. You’ll navigate mysterious worlds, uncover secrets, and complete challenges that make you think. These games are perfect for players who enjoy a mental workout alongside their entertainment.
What Makes a Roblox Game Popular
With thousands of games available on Roblox, you might wonder why some games attract millions of players while others struggle for attention. Several key factors determine a game’s success and popularity on the platform.
Regular updates and fresh content keep players coming back. Games that introduce new features, seasonal events, and cosmetics stay exciting month after month. When developers consistently improve their games and listen to player feedback, the community grows stronger.
Easy accessibility matters tremendously. The best Roblox games let new players jump in without feeling confused or overwhelmed. Good tutorials, clear objectives, and straightforward mechanics welcome players of all skill levels, which naturally leads to larger player bases.
Social connectivity plays a huge role in popularity. Games that let you play with friends, trade items, or work together toward goals create lasting communities. When people can share their gaming experience with others, they’re more likely to keep playing.
Balance between free and paid content is crucial. The best games let you enjoy core gameplay without spending money, while offering cosmetics and convenience items for those who want to spend. Games that feel pay-to-win rather than play-to-win tend to lose players quickly.
Engaging progression systems give you something to work toward. Whether it’s unlocking new abilities, collecting rare items, or climbing leaderboards, progression keeps you motivated. Games without clear goals or rewards feel pointless and get abandoned fast.
Strong community and streamer support amplify popularity. When content creators and streamers feature a game, new players discover it and join in. A welcoming, non-toxic community encourages people to stick around longer.
Simulation Games: Casual Fun and Progression
Simulation games stand out as some of Roblox’s most addictive experiences. These games let you build something from nothing, watching your efforts grow over time. The satisfaction comes from steady progress and achieving goals you set for yourself.
Bee Swarm Simulator

Bee Swarm Simulator captures the joy of building something meaningful. You start with a single bee and gradually expand your swarm, sending them to collect pollen from flowers. As your honey production increases, you unlock new bees with unique abilities, each with their own appearance and special powers.
What makes this game special is how it respects your time. You can set your bees to work and come back later to harvest honey. There’s no pressure to grind constantly. The progression feels natural, and each new bee you unlock feels like a genuine achievement. The game offers hundreds of hours of content without feeling like a chore.
Pet Simulator 99

If you love collecting and trading, Pet Simulator 99 is your playground. You hatch eggs to discover cute pets, each with different rarities and values. The trading system lets you negotiate with other players, creating a mini-economy within the game.
This game thrives on completionism. Hunting for that one elusive rare pet becomes incredibly rewarding when you finally obtain it. The game constantly updates with new pets, worlds, and features, ensuring there’s always something new to chase.
Adopt Me!

Adopt Me! combines pet simulation with home decorating and social interaction. You adopt virtual pets, care for them by feeding and playing with them, and watch them grow. The game lets you design your dream home with thousands of furniture and decoration options.
What sets Adopt Me! apart is its strong community. Trading rare pets becomes a social event, and the regular introduction of new animals keeps the game fresh. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious collector, there’s something here for you.
Farming and Tycoon Games

Tycoon games let you build a business empire from the ground up. You might start a pizza restaurant, design an amusement park, or run a mining operation. The core loop is simple: earn money, invest in upgrades, and watch your profits grow exponentially.
Popular tycoon titles like Best Tycoon Games offer incredible depth. Some games reward pure strategy, while others emphasize creativity. Theme Park Tycoon 2, for example, lets you build custom roller coasters with intuitive building tools. Restaurant Tycoon 2 has you managing staff and menus to satisfy hungry customers.
These games appeal to players who enjoy planning ahead and watching their strategies pay off. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a small operation into a thriving business empire.
Adventure and Action RPGs: Epic Journeys
Adventure RPGs combine exploration, combat, and progression into epic experiences. These games let you embark on quests, level up your character, and unlock powerful abilities. If you’re inspired by anime and fantasy worlds, action RPGs deliver exactly what you’re looking for.
Blox Fruits

Blox Fruits stands as one of the most popular anime-inspired games on Roblox. Inspired by One Piece, you explore vast seas as a pirate discovering powerful fruits that grant unique abilities. You might gain fire powers, become a T-Rex, or summon earthquakes depending on which fruit you consume.
The game respects player choice. You can pursue a pirate path focusing on combat, become a marine enforcer, or join a crew with friends. The leveling system gives you constant targets to work toward, and completing quests rewards you with gold and experience. Whether you prefer solo play or crew adventures, Blox Fruits accommodates your playstyle.
With many different fruits to discover and master, every playthrough feels different. The game’s active community and regular updates ensure the experience stays fresh and exciting.
Jujutsu Infinite

Jujutsu Infinite brings the world of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime to life. You develop cursed techniques, improve your powers, and battle other players in intense duels. The combat system rewards skill and timing, making victories feel earned rather than handed to you.
This game appeals to players who want PvP combat with depth. You’ll spend time mastering your techniques, understanding matchups against other cursed techniques, and climbing ranking systems. It’s less about grinding and more about becoming genuinely skilled at combat.
Other Anime-Inspired Combat Games

The anime RPG genre on Roblox extends far beyond these two titles. Games like Anime Dimensions, Attack on Titan Revolution, and Project Slayers offer similar experiences with their own unique twists. Each focuses on a different anime universe while maintaining core RPG mechanics like questing, leveling, and combat.
These games thrive because anime fans already have attachments to the source material. Playing as a favorite character or unlocking iconic techniques creates emotional resonance beyond typical gameplay loops. For even more recommendations, you can explore guides like Best RPG Games, which dive deeper into this genre.
Competitive Fighting Games: Battle It Out
Competitive games pit you directly against other players in skill-based challenges. Victory goes to those with sharp reflexes, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making. If you enjoy proving your worth against real opponents, competitive games deliver unmatched thrills.
The Strongest Battlegrounds

The Strongest Battlegrounds focuses on pure one-on-one combat. You select a character, master their fighting style, and battle other players in tournaments. The game demands precision and understanding of frame data, combos, and matchups.
What makes this game special is how it rewards learning and improvement. New players might lose initially, but as you understand your character’s strengths and practice timing your attacks, you’ll start winning. The competitive community constantly discovers new strategies and techniques, keeping the metagame dynamic.
Tower of Hell

Tower of Hell takes competition in a different direction. Instead of fighting other players, you race against time and randomized obstacles. This parkour challenge tower features hundreds of stages of increasingly difficult jumps, dodges, and wall runs.
What’s brutal about Tower of Hell is that a single mistake sends you back to the start. No checkpoints means one misstep after a long climb costs you everything. This extreme difficulty appeals to hardcore players who view completing the tower as a badge of honor.
The psychological challenge makes Tower of Hell unique. You must manage pressure, stay focused, and push through exhaustion. Watching elite players complete this tower demonstrates incredible skill and perseverance.
Arena and Other Skill-Based Challenges
Beyond specific titles, Roblox hosts numerous arena-style games where skill determines outcomes. Games like Untitled Boxing Game, Blade Ball, and various sword-fighting simulators all prioritize pure mechanical skill over gear or level advantages.
These games attract competitive players who value fairness and skill expression. When everyone starts with equal resources, victories feel meaningful and losses become learning opportunities.
Team-Based and Strategy Games: Work Together
Team-based games transform gaming from a solo activity into a collaborative experience. These titles emphasize communication, coordination, and working together toward shared objectives. You’ll need to trust your teammates and adapt strategies on the fly.
BedWars

BedWars is Roblox’s answer to popular multiplayer battle games. Your team must defend your bed while destroying opponents’ beds. You collect resources, build defenses, and push toward enemy bases in intense team battles.
Success requires constant communication and coordination. Should you rush the enemy early or farm resources for stronger gear? Should your team focus on defense or offense? These strategic decisions happen in real time, making every match feel unique.
The game’s skill ceiling is incredibly high. Beginners can pick it up and have fun, but mastering resource management, positioning, and teamwork takes dedicated practice. This balance between accessibility and depth makes BedWars popular with both casual and competitive players.
Anime Defenders
Anime Defenders is a tower defense game where you place anime characters to defend against incoming waves. You coordinate towers with teammates, share resources, and adapt to escalating threats. The cooperative nature means your team’s survival depends on everyone contributing.
Different characters have different abilities and purposes. Some characters specialize in area damage while others provide crowd control or healing. Team composition becomes critical, creating strategic depth beyond simple tower placement.
All Star Tower Defense X
All Star Tower Defense X continues the cooperative tower defense tradition. You collect character cards, upgrade your towers, and defend against increasingly powerful enemies. Teamwork multiplies your effectiveness, making cooperation rewarding and necessary at higher difficulties.
The collection aspect adds depth. You’ll pursue rare characters and synergies, creating teams that work together perfectly. This blend of collection, strategy, and cooperation keeps players engaged long term.
Horror and Survival Games: Test Your Nerves
Horror and survival games deliver suspense, fear, and adrenaline. These titles challenge you to stay alive, escape dangerous situations, or uncover mysteries. If you enjoy being scared in a controlled environment, these games provide unforgettable thrills.
DOORS

DOORS is one of Roblox’s most innovative horror games. You progress through hotel doors, each containing unique dangers and puzzles. Some doors hold simple challenges while others contain deadly creatures that hunt you relentlessly.
What makes DOORS brilliant is how it respects player intelligence. Rather than jump scares every few seconds, it builds atmosphere and tension. You’ll find yourself genuinely nervous about opening the next door, not knowing what waits behind it. The game encourages cooperation in multiplayer mode, where you must decide whether to trust teammates or split up.
Piggy

Piggy is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game. One player controls Piggy, a masked killer hunting down survivors. The other players must work together, solving puzzles and avoiding the killer long enough to escape.
The cat-and-mouse dynamic creates incredible tension. Survivors must stay alert while collaborating, and Piggy must hunt strategically rather than rushing blindly. The role reversal between matches keeps both sides engaged.
Murder Mystery 2

Murder Mystery 2 puts you in a thrilling whodunit scenario. One player becomes the murderer, another becomes the sheriff, and everyone else must survive. The murderer hunts, the sheriff investigates, and innocents try to escape or identify the killer.
Each match tells a different story. The murderer might play stealthily or aggressively. The sheriff makes crucial decisions about who to trust. Innocents band together or scatter in panic. The social deduction aspect makes every match unpredictable and engaging.
Survive the Killer
Survive the Killer combines horror with parkour challenge. You flee from a relentless killer through detailed environments, jumping and dodging obstacles while running for your life. It’s intense, fast-paced, and demanding of your reflexes.
The environmental design creates natural choke points and escape routes, making survival about more than pure speed. You must know the map, predict the killer’s movement, and take intelligent risks. To discover even more titles in this style, you can explore dedicated Survival Games collections.
Social and Roleplay Games: Creative Expression
Social and roleplay games prioritize community and creative expression over winning or competing. These games let you build your identity, express yourself, and connect with other players. If you’re more interested in the social side of gaming, these titles thrive on interaction.
Brookhaven RP

Brookhaven RP is one of the most visited games on Roblox. It’s a freeform roleplay game where you create a character and live out a virtual life. You might be a teacher, doctor, parent, student, or anything you imagine.
There’s no objective or winning condition. Gameplay emerges from player interaction. You might buy a house, go to work, raise a family, or simply hang out at cafes chatting with friends. The game is whatever the community makes of it.
This freedom appeals to creative players who want space to express themselves. You design your character, furnish your home, and write your own stories within the game world. The thriving community ensures you’ll always find other players to interact with.
Royale High
Royale High combines magical school roleplay with fashion and social activities. You attend classes (optional), collect outfits, and explore fantasy realms. The game emphasizes customization, letting you express your style through millions of clothing and accessory options.
Fashion shows, dances, and school events create community gatherings. Players collaborate on group fashion shows or attend competitions. The game thrives on social interaction and creative expression.
Other Social Hangout Experiences
Beyond specific roleplay games, Roblox hosts numerous social hangout spaces. These aren’t games in the traditional sense—they’re digital gathering places where you meet friends, hang out, and socialize. Games like MeepCity and Welcome to Bloxburg offer social hubs where you can customize spaces and spend time with others.
These games appeal to players seeking community and connection. They’re perfect for chilling with friends, making new buddies, and simply enjoying the social experience gaming provides.
Exploration and Puzzle Games: Discover Worlds
Exploration and puzzle games reward curiosity and problem-solving. These titles hide secrets throughout beautifully crafted worlds, encouraging you to investigate every corner. If you enjoy taking your time and discovering things at your own pace, these games deliver satisfying experiences.
Scuba Diving at Quill Lake
Scuba Diving at Quill Lake drops you into a peaceful underwater world. You explore the lake bed, discovering bioluminescent creatures, hidden caves, and mysterious structures. There’s no combat or threat—just pure exploration and discovery.
The game rewards attention and curiosity. Some players spend hours documenting creatures, while others hunt for every hidden location. It’s a meditative experience that lets you explore at your own pace without pressure or time limits.
Mirror Muse
Mirror Muse challenges you with puzzles and mysteries. You navigate intricate environments, figure out solutions to environmental puzzles, and uncover the story hidden within the game. Each puzzle reveals more of the narrative, creating motivation to continue.
The game respects your intelligence, never holding your hand or making solutions obvious. You must observe carefully, think creatively, and test your theories. Solving a challenging puzzle provides genuine satisfaction.
Expedition Antarctica
Expedition Antarctica combines exploration with survival. You trek across frozen landscapes, discover landmarks, and uncover Antarctic mysteries. The beautiful environment and sense of discovery make exploration feel rewarding.
These games thrive on player engagement with the world itself. Rather than pursuing external objectives, you’re drawn forward by curiosity and the desire to see what lies beyond the next hill.
Party and Mini-Game Collections
Party games compile dozens of mini-games into single packages. You play quick-fire challenges, often competing against other players for victory. These games are perfect for casual fun, especially when playing with friends.
Hide and Seek Extreme
Hide and Seek Extreme is exactly what the name suggests: intense hiding and seeking. One player hunts while others hide, and both roles require strategy. Hiders must find clever spots and move quietly, while seekers must search systematically and think strategically.
The psychological side makes this game special. Hiders panic when the seeker gets close, and seekers obsess over potential hiding spots. The social pressure of being found or finding someone creates memorable moments.
Pass The Bomb
Pass The Bomb is a chaotic party game where you pass a virtual bomb around, answering questions quickly before it explodes. You must think fast, come up with answers under pressure, and keep the bomb moving.
The stress and urgency create hilarious moments. You’ll make ridiculous decisions when panicked, and watching others panic is equally entertaining. It’s pure, simple fun perfect for group gaming sessions.
Epic Minigames
Epic Minigames offers dozens of quick mini-games back to back. One moment you’re racing, the next you’re solving puzzles, then you’re dodging obstacles. The constant variety prevents boredom and keeps everyone on their toes.
Success comes from quick adaptation. You must shift your thinking between completely different challenges, making each round unpredictable. The leaderboard system encourages competition while keeping things lighthearted and fun.
Sports and Competitive Games: Game-Changing Fun
Sports games recreate real-world sports within Roblox. You can play football, basketball, soccer, or participate in other athletic activities. These games appeal to sports fans and competitive players who enjoy traditional sports dynamics.
Blue Lock: Rivals
Blue Lock: Rivals brings competitive soccer to life with anime flair. You compete in intense matches, using skills and teamwork to score goals. The game captures the drama and strategy of sports competition while maintaining anime aesthetics.
Team coordination determines outcomes. You must communicate positioning, pass effectively, and adapt tactics to counter opponents. It’s soccer with the stakes and intensity of esports competition.
NFL Universe Football
NFL Universe Football lets you experience American football. You build teams, develop players, and compete in leagues. The strategic element of play-calling adds depth beyond simple reflexes.
Whether you’re managing a franchise or playing matches directly, this game combines sports management with athletic competition. Fans of real-world football will appreciate its structure and pacing.
Other Skill-Based Sports Experiences
Beyond these titles, Roblox hosts numerous basketball games, parkour competitions, and other athletic challenges. These games appeal to players who enjoy competition rooted in physical skill and strategy.
Sports games thrive because they tap into universal appeal. People understand sports intuitively, making these games accessible while maintaining competitive depth for serious players.
Beginner-Friendly Games: Perfect Starting Points
Not all games require extensive knowledge or hours of grinding to enjoy. Beginner-friendly games welcome new players, teach mechanics clearly, and provide fun within the first minutes. If you’re new to Roblox, this is a great place to start.
Natural Disaster Survival
Natural Disaster Survival throws random disasters at you—earthquakes, tsunamis, meteor showers—and you must survive them. The concept is straightforward, but survival requires quick thinking and awareness.
This game teaches core Roblox mechanics naturally. You’ll learn how to jump, climb, swim, and navigate obstacles while fleeing disasters. It’s chaotic, fun, and doesn’t punish mistakes too harshly.
Rainbow Friends
Rainbow Friends is a colorful adventure game with puzzle and story elements. You solve challenges in a bright, welcoming world. The non-threatening atmosphere makes it perfect for younger or new players.
Progression feels rewarding without being punishing. You’ll explore the environment, discover secrets, and feel genuine accomplishment as you progress. The bright aesthetic and cheerful tone create a positive gaming experience.
Why These Games Work Well for New Players
Beginner-friendly games share common traits: clear objectives, intuitive controls, forgiving difficulty curves, and supportive communities. They teach you how to play without overwhelming you with complex mechanics or harsh punishments.
Starting with these games builds confidence and helps you understand what you enjoy. Once you’ve experienced basic gameplay, you’re ready to explore more complex titles in your preferred genres.
How to Choose the Right Game for You
With thousands of games available, choosing where to invest your time can feel overwhelming. A smart approach narrows your options and leads you toward games you’ll genuinely enjoy.
Consider Your Gaming Style
Think about what you enjoy in games. Do you like calm, meditative experiences or fast-paced action? Do you prefer playing solo or cooperating with teams? Are you competitive, or do you prefer purely relaxing experiences?
Your answers point toward specific genres. Competitive players should explore fighting games and PvP titles. Social butterflies will thrive in roleplay games. Collectors gravitate toward simulator games with progression systems.
Think About Time Commitment
Some games demand hours daily to stay competitive or progress meaningfully. Others reward you for casual, short sessions. Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate.
If you have 30 minutes daily, party games and quick challenges work better than grindy tycoons. If you want to log in sporadically and still feel productive, simulators with idle mechanics suit you better than competitive games where skill atrophy matters.
Join Communities and Try Before Committing
Most Roblox games are free to try. Spend 15–30 minutes in a game before deciding whether you like it. Watch gameplay videos to see how a game really feels. Join communities or check guides like Games to Play With Friends if you want social experiences, or explore single-player options if you prefer solo adventures.
Community matters tremendously. A game with a friendly, helpful community feels better than mechanically superior games with toxic players. Before committing time, check how the community treats new players.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Game
Once you’ve chosen a game, maximize your enjoyment with smart strategies and habits.
Use In-Game Tutorials and Guides
Most games include tutorials for new players. Pay attention rather than skipping them. These tutorials teach crucial mechanics and save you frustration later. For complex games, video guides can help you understand deeper systems.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions in-game. Many Roblox communities welcome new players asking for help. Experienced players often enjoy mentoring newcomers, turning learning into a social experience.
Connect with Other Players
Gaming becomes exponentially more fun with friends. Join community servers, groups, or in-game teams. Playing together creates shared memories and motivation to keep playing.
Even solo-focused games become more enjoyable with a community. Sharing achievements, comparing progress, and discussing strategy adds depth to the experience.
Participate in Events and Seasonal Updates
Game developers regularly introduce limited-time events and seasonal content. These events often reward participation with exclusive items and provide fresh reasons to play. Mark your calendar for major updates.
Events create natural gathering times. You’ll encounter more players during events, meet new friends, and experience content alongside the broader community. Missing events means missing limited rewards and unique experiences.
Balance Grinding with Fun
Many games reward grinding—repeating tasks to gain resources or experience. While some grinding is necessary, never let it consume all your enjoyment. If grinding feels like a chore rather than fun, take breaks or shift to different games.
Remember why you started playing. If you’re grinding so hard that you stop enjoying the game, reconsider your approach. Games should entertain you, not stress you. The best players take breaks, play casually sometimes, and remember that games exist for enjoyment.
The Future of Roblox Gaming: What’s Coming
Roblox continues evolving rapidly. Developers constantly create new titles, update existing games, and push technical boundaries. The platform’s future looks bright.
Graphics and physics engines continue improving, enabling more realistic and detailed games. Cross-platform play improvements mean you can team up with friends regardless of device. Creator tools become increasingly powerful, allowing developers to build more ambitious experiences.
The gaming landscape shifts constantly. New games become viral sensations while older titles adapt to stay relevant. What matters is finding communities and developers you trust, games that respect your time, and experiences that genuinely entertain you.
The best Roblox games aren’t necessarily the most popular. They’re the games that align with your interests and values. Whether that’s a deeply strategic competitive game, a relaxing simulator, or a social hangout, Roblox has countless options waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Roblox game for complete beginners?
Natural Disaster Survival and Rainbow Friends are ideal starting points. These games feature clear objectives, forgiving difficulty curves, and intuitive controls. They teach basic Roblox mechanics naturally while remaining fun and non-threatening.
Which games require the most time investment?
Tycoon games, simulator games, and competitive PvP titles demand substantial time investment if you want to compete seriously or reach endgame content. Games like Bee Swarm Simulator, Pet Simulator 99, and The Strongest Battlegrounds reward dedicated players with rare items and high rankings.
Are there free-to-play options without pay-to-win mechanics?
Yes, absolutely. Games like Brookhaven RP, Hide and Seek Extreme, and most competitive fighting games are completely free and don’t pressure you to spend money for competitive advantages. For a larger list, you can explore collections such as Free Roblox Games, which highlight titles that respect your wallet.
How do I find games that match my interests?
Use Roblox’s search function to explore specific genres, check gameplay videos to see real experiences, and read community feedback. Ask for recommendations in Roblox groups or from friends who already play.
What are the most popular games among competitive players?
Competitive players often gravitate toward BedWars, The Strongest Battlegrounds, Blox Fruits, and various anime fighting games. These titles feature skill-based gameplay, active competitive communities, and leaderboard systems that reward dedication.
Can these games be played solo or do they require friends?
Most games accommodate both solo and group play. Competitive games and RPGs work fine solo, though multiplayer enhances the experience. Social and roleplay games don’t require friends but become more enjoyable with them. Party games shine with groups but still offer fun when playing alone.
How often do popular games receive updates?
Popular games typically receive updates monthly or quarterly. Major titles like Adopt Me, Blox Fruits, and Brookhaven often update regularly with new content, features, and seasonal events. Established games maintain activity through consistent developer support.
What should I know about in-game purchases and currency?
Most Roblox games use Robux, which is a premium currency purchased with real money, for cosmetics and convenience items. Responsible developers ensure core gameplay remains accessible without spending. Be cautious with games where spending money directly impacts combat power or progression speed. Cosmetic purchases are usually fine; pay-to-win mechanics can hurt the overall experience.