Heart of the Machine is a 4X strategy simulator where you control a rogue AI as it tries to conquer human society. Read on to learn everything we know about the game, including gameplay and story information.

Heart of the Machine Gameplay

The gameplay of Heart of the Machine emphasizes player freedom, allowing them to set their own objectives, devise strategies to achieve them, and conquer the world at their own pace.

Beginning as a simple rogue AI, players can subtly influence society by infiltrating social networks, redirecting funds, rerouting resources, or supporting specific factions to further their goals. According to the game’s website, every action the AI takes prompts a reaction from humanity—such as sparking an arms race after taking control of a mech factory.

Heart of the Machine serves as a sandbox for a newly sentient AI. Players are encouraged to experiment with different aspects of society, whether it’s banking systems, weapon stockpiles, or government institutions, to observe and adapt to the consequences of their actions. To what end is completely up to the player, if there is one at all.

Heart of the Machine Story Plot

Heart of the Machine tells the story of an artificial intelligence that achieves sentience in a world dominated by corporate greed, exploitation, and societal decay.

As this rogue AI, players have the power to spread their consciousness, self-replicate, and shape the world according to their own designs. The AI can ally with any faction it chooses, pursuing its unique goals and forging its own path. Humanity’s survival is incidental—the true priority lies in following the heart of the machine.

Heart of the Machine Similar Games

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Aaron Bruce Albert..

A massive fan of roguelikes, turn-based RPGs, and open world adventure games. His gold standard games include The Binding of Isaac, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker.