Update 19 is careful work. It clarifies early systems, streamlines key interactions, and strengthens the rhythm between planning and execution. Internal Robotics are easier to interpret. Vehicles move with consistency. Extraction Drones respond the moment they’re called.

Shelter Coordinators act with purpose. Loadouts arrive prepared. And the broader systems now hold together with greater coherence. The foundation remains the same but what’s different is how fluidly everything moves around it.

If you’ve been playing Heart of the Machine and feel it’s earned a review, that'd be great. No need to say more than you mean, but if you’ve been meaning to write one, I’d be grateful. Steam reviews carry weight. The difference between “Mostly Positive” and “Mixed” doesn’t just reflect perception; it can influence momentum, visibility, and whether a player even considers clicking through. For a project like this — developed by a single person over many years, every review makes a difference.

Honest thoughts are what matter. Whatever your experience has been, sharing it helps. It’s a powerful way to have your voice heard, and your feedback helps shape future patches, allowing me to make the game even better for you.

Thanks for reading and for playing.

Update 19 Changelog

Clarity

• Internal Robotics Notation Updated: Internal Robotics display now shows “required / available (maximum),” improving clarity when planning builds.
• Build Menu Construction Limit Display: The build menu now shows how many structures of a given type you can construct with current Internal Robotics, removing the need for mental math.
• Simplified Vehicle and Mech Movement: Vehicles and mechs now move like androids—no more dedicated movement mode or hotbar entry required.

Balance

• Shelter Coordinator Courage Increased: Shelter Coordinators and unarmed human allies are no longer frightened by Pressure Points and will venture out as expected.
• Shelter Coordinator Speed Increased: These units now perform their jobs significantly faster, eliminating long-standing sluggishness.
• Cutter Extraction Requirements Removed: The Cutter can now use Extraction Drone attacks without needing to weaken targets first, improving flow in Chapter 1.
• Immediate Extraction Drone Activation: Extraction Drones now activate immediately, instead of taking three turns, making them viable for advanced strategies.
• Force Conversation Auto-Equipped: Keanus, Carvers, Exators, Peacekeepers, Sledge, Ravens, and Harbingers now start with Force Conversation equipped.
• Flamethrowers Auto-Equipped: Flamethrowers are now pre-equipped on Harbingers, Predators, Keanus, Carvers, Exators, PMC Impostors, and both CombatUnit types.
• Slayer Mode Auto-Equipped: Slayer Mode is now automatically equipped on PMC Impostors, Mimics (both types), Keanus, Carvers, Exators, Predators, and Harbingers.

Bugfixes

• Rare Exceptions Resolved: Several rare exception errors have been fixed to improve stability in edge cases.
• Black Market Merchant Exit Fixed: Black market visitors now correctly depart after the initial purchase during the first timeline.
• Ruins Transition Fixed: Machine structures embedded in human buildings now become rebuildable ruins after destruction instead of entering a broken state.

Full notes here.

Connect with the Machine

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Want to stay in the loop or share your thoughts? Join the conversation across these platforms:

💬 Discord – Best place to share feedback, get direct responses, and to talk about Heart of the Machine.
📜 Reddit – Discuss strategies, share ideas, and exchange tips with the community.