Habitica
Self-HostedOpen-source gamified productivity app to build habits and stay motivated
Overview
Habitica turns real-life tasks (habits, dailies, to-dos) into an RPG where you level up, earn rewards, and join quests by completing goals. It supports team collaboration, custom challenges, and personalized game elements (classes, items). Self-hostable via Docker or manual setup (Node.js + MongoDB), allowing full data control. Sync across devices works with proper configuration, ideal for users wanting gamified motivation while retaining privacy.
Key Features
- Gamified task management with RPG progression
- Collaborative quests and team challenges
- Self-hostable via Docker or manual deployment
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Habitica hard to install?
Habitica is easy to install via Docker (using the official Compose file) for container-savvy users. Manual setup needs Node.js and MongoDB knowledge, but community guides in the GitHub repo simplify the process for beginners.
? Is it a good alternative to proprietary apps like Todoist?
Yes—Habitica adds gamification to task management (unlike Todoist’s focus on organization) and lets you self-host, giving full control over your data, a key edge over proprietary tools.
? Is Habitica completely free?
Absolutely—Habitica is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, self-host, or modify. No paid tiers or hidden costs exist for core features.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
- ⊕ No subscription fees
- ⊕ Highly customizable game mechanics
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for setup
- ⊖ Initial configuration may take time
- ⊖ Some advanced quest features need manual setup