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
Survival and environmentsOne rule
Collect one more resource or return while the route remains affordable?
Reference gamesSubnautica · Astroneer
Survival and environmentsOne rule
Fetch fuel in the cold or spend reserves until conditions improve?
Reference gamesThe Long Dark · Oxygen Not Included
Survival and environmentsLinked states
Clean every affected item now or isolate the source before recontamination?
Reference gamesOxygen Not Included · RimWorld
Ecology and populationsMultiple systems
Add predators to control herbivores or restore plants first to prevent a later food collapse?
Reference gamesEco · Rain World
Ecology and populationsLinked states
Create one mixed habitat or two smaller areas that better satisfy distinct needs?
Reference gamesTerra Nil · Planet Zoo
Ecology and populationsLinked states
Select one strong trait or preserve diversity for a changing environment?
Reference gamesNiche - a genetics survival game · Wobbledogs
Maps and explorationOne rule
Continue outward or revisit a remembered obstacle to test the new ability?
Reference gamesMetroid Dread · Hollow Knight
Maps and explorationOne rule
Take the nearby fork or climb higher to reorient against the tower and coastline?
Reference gamesSea of Thieves · A Short Hike
Maps and explorationOne rule
Keep looking for a key or apply a newly understood rule to an old barrier?
Reference gamesOuter Wilds · TUNIC
Collecting and expressionOne rule
Complete a nearly finished set or pursue a rare discovery in another category?
Reference gamesStardew Valley · New Pokémon Snap
Collecting and expressionOne rule
Take a clear ordinary shot now or wait for a rare behavior and risk losing the view?
Reference gamesNew Pokémon Snap · Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
Collecting and expressionOne rule
Order by size or group by purpose for easier use?
Reference gamesA Little to the Left · Unpacking
Growth and inheritanceOne rule
Choose piercing attacks for lined-up enemies or keep rapid attacks for scattered targets?
Reference gamesHades · Hollow Knight
Growth and inheritanceOne rule
Carry a reliable tool for a stable start or a rare ability with a tighter opening?
Reference gamesRogue Legacy 2 · Into the Breach
Growth and inheritanceOne rule
Keep using a practiced tool or train another skill for a later challenge?
Reference gamesValheim · Melvor Idle
Idle and incrementalOne rule
Raise production rate or expand storage for a longer absence?
Reference gamesMelvor Idle · Kittens Game
Idle and incrementalOne rule
Reset now for a faster next run or wait to reach the next persistent-reward threshold?
Reference gamesCookie Clicker · Antimatter Dimensions
Idle and incrementalLinked states
Put everyone into research or retain food production to support the research period?
Reference gamesKittens Game · Melvor Idle
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.
