TL;DR — Quick Verdict
Choose MainQuest if: You want a modern, ADHD-friendly app with offline support, built-in focus timer, and a clean interface — all completely free.
Choose Habitica if: You specifically want desktop browser access, 8-bit pixel art aesthetics, or social guild features with group quests.
Two Approaches to Gamified Productivity
Both MainQuest and Habitica turn boring tasks into RPG adventures with XP, leveling, and rewards. But they take fundamentally different approaches to design, features, and user experience.
Habitica launched in 2013 as "HabitRPG" and pioneered the gamified habit tracking category. MainQuest is the modern evolution — built from the ground up in 2025 with lessons learned from Habitica's limitations and specifically designed for users with ADHD.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | MainQuest | Habitica |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 100% Free | Freemium ($4.99+/mo) |
| Offline Mode | ✓ Full offline support | ✗ Requires internet |
| Focus Timer | ✓ Built-in Pomodoro + XP | ✗ Not included |
| Interface | Modern, clean, dark mode | 8-bit pixel art, busy UI |
| ADHD-Friendly | ✓ Core design focus | Partial — can be overwhelming |
| HP System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mana & Spells | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leaderboard | ✓ Global ranking | Party-based only |
| Social Guilds | Coming Q2 2026 | ✓ |
| Web App | Coming soon | ✓ |
| Onboarding | Simple, guided | Steep learning curve |
| Ads | None | None |
Where MainQuest Wins
1. Offline Mode
Habitica's biggest limitation is requiring constant internet connectivity. On a plane? In the subway? Poor signal? Habitica doesn't work. MainQuest works fully offline and syncs when you're back online. Your productivity shouldn't depend on WiFi.
2. Built-in Focus Timer
MainQuest includes a Pomodoro-style focus timer that rewards you with XP for focused work sessions. Habitica has no focus timer — you need a separate app like Forest. With MainQuest, everything is integrated.
3. Modern, Clean Interface
Habitica's 8-bit pixel art and cluttered UI was charming in 2013 but feels dated today. MainQuest features a beautiful dark theme with smooth animations and a clean design that doesn't overwhelm. You can actually find what you need.
4. Designed for ADHD
MainQuest was built from day one with ADHD users in mind. Quick wins, instant dopamine hits, visual progress, and clear priorities. Habitica's complexity can actually trigger overwhelm for ADHD users — MainQuest keeps things simple and motivating.
5. Truly Free
While Habitica is "freemium" with subscription upsells for cosmetic features, MainQuest is 100% free with no paywalls, no ads, and no subscription tiers. Everything is available to everyone.
Where Habitica Wins
1. Social Features
Habitica's guild system and party quests are mature features developed over a decade. If you want to team up with friends to battle monsters together, Habitica currently offers more. (MainQuest is adding guilds in Q2 2026.)
2. Web Browser Access
Habitica works in any web browser, great for desktop users. MainQuest is currently mobile-first with a web app coming soon. If you primarily work at a desktop, Habitica may be more convenient for now.
3. Established Community
Habitica has 10+ years of community building with active forums, subreddits, and Discord servers. MainQuest is newer and building its community, but growing rapidly among ADHD and productivity communities.
What Users Are Saying
"I used Habitica for years but the offline requirement and cluttered interface drove me crazy. MainQuest is exactly what I needed — clean, simple, and actually works on my commute."
— Former Habitica user, ADHD
"The focus timer alone is worth switching. I was using Habitica + Forest + three other apps. MainQuest does everything in one place."
— Switched from Habitica
The Bottom Line
Habitica deserves credit for pioneering gamified habit tracking. But in 2026, it feels like a product of its time — internet-dependent, visually cluttered, and missing modern features like integrated focus timers.
MainQuest represents the evolution of gamified productivity — taking the best RPG mechanics that made Habitica great and wrapping them in a modern, accessible, ADHD-friendly package that works anywhere.
If social guilds are critical to you right now, Habitica is still a solid choice. For everyone else — especially ADHD users, mobile-first users, and anyone frustrated with Habitica's limitations — MainQuest is the clear winner.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Try MainQuest free and see why thousands of Habitica users have already switched.