Find a mechanism, understand its tradeoffs and smallest useful scope, then build your game with a design card and sample project.
192 Mechanisms32 Mechanism domain48 Art styles12 Genre guides
Logistics and automationLinked states
Start early to avoid shortage or reduce switching and overproduction?
Reference gamesFactorio · Timberborn
Logistics and automationOne rule
Power essential protection or briefly redirect it to production?
Reference gamesFTL: Faster Than Light · Mindustry
Logistics and automationLinked states
Enter an empty junction now or wait until its exit is available?
Reference gamesFactorio · OpenTTD
Cooperation and rolesOne rule
Keep working with the tool or hand it to someone closer to the next job?
Reference gamesUnrailed! · Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
Cooperation and rolesOne rule
Risk an immediate rescue or control threats and wait for a safer window?
Reference gamesDeep Rock Galactic · Hunt: Showdown 1896
Cooperation and rolesOne rule
Turn together while connected or release and regrip to pass a narrow obstacle?
Reference gamesHeave Ho · Moving Out
Covers are original AI-generated style illustrations. Game names reference publicly visible design choices and remain the property of their owners. This atlas does not supply screenshots or assets from those games. Prompts and combinations are original drafts for new games.
