After seventeen years, the robots are coming back. Amanita Design has officially announced Machinarium 2, a sequel to their 2009 wordless point-and-click masterpiece. The original told the story of a small robot named Josef trying to rescue his robot girlfriend Berta from the center of a crumbling machine city. The follow-up picks up right where that story ended.
CEO and designer Jakub Dvorský explained the timing with characteristic directness: time is not on the studio's side, and global uncertainty made this the moment to act. "We couldn't have done it without them," he said of the patient fanbase.
What's New in Machinarium 2
After escaping the city, the pair find themselves in an isolated valley populated by two robot communities. One resides in the Elektrona monastery, while the other has built a settlement called Oilton. Both face an uncertain future as their energy sources dwindle. The robots must collaborate to solve environmental puzzles and help these societies survive.
For the first time, players control both Josef and Berta. Switching between them happens instantly, with each robot likely possessing distinct capabilities required for particular challenges. The series' signature hand-drawn industrial aesthetic returns, rendered with greater clarity while retaining its distinctive look.
The Return of Floex
Tomáš Dvořák, performing as Floex, is composing the soundtrack. His work defined the original game's atmosphere, and the composer has confirmed his involvement in the sequel. His philosophy centers on enjoyment rather than replicating past achievements.
Dvořák has established clear objectives for the new score: increased melodic focus achieved through stripped-down arrangements rather than dense layering. He acknowledges the compositions will reflect his own growth as both a person and a musician.
Dvořák reflected on the unexpected impact of his earlier work, crediting his success to embracing the creative process. That same mindset guides his approach to this project.
The visual design provides an environment where Dvořák feels compositions develop organically. Music in the announcement trailer carries echoes of the original while demonstrating these refinements.
Why It Matters
The original Machinarium established Amanita Design's signature approach: hand-drawn aesthetics, wordless storytelling, and puzzle-first design. Over the past 17 years, the studio has released several acclaimed titles, but Machinarium remained their most requested sequel.
Machinarium 2 arrives in a changed landscape. Point-and-click adventures have found renewed audiences, with titles like Stray demonstrating appetite for atmospheric, narrative-driven puzzle games. The addition of dual playable characters addresses one of the original's few criticisms: that single-character puzzles could feel limiting. Whether this deepens the experience or fragments it remains to be seen.
The bigger question is pacing. Modern gaming trends favor faster experiences and constant action. Machinarium was deliberately slow, letting players savor its environments. Dvorský's decision to return suggests confidence in that approach, but the sequel must justify its contemplative rhythm to new audiences while delivering enough novelty for returning fans.
Who Should Care
| You should care if… | You might skip if… |
|---|---|
| You played and loved the original Machinarium | You prefer fast-paced action games |
| You enjoy atmospheric puzzle adventures | You need constant combat or movement |
| Hand-drawn art styles appeal to you | You don't have patience for deliberate pacing |
| Wordless storytelling interests you | You need dialogue-heavy narratives |
| You're following the indie renaissance in adventure games | You're looking for competitive multiplayer |
What to Watch Next
No release date has been announced, and Machinarium 2 is available for wishlisting on Steam and GOG. Amanita Design typically requires several years between announcement and launch, so patience is advised. Major gaming showcases may reveal gameplay footage—these titles communicate their appeal best through visual and audio presentation.
Those unfamiliar with the series can find the original on most platforms, often at promotional pricing. Catching up before the sequel arrives seems wise.
Key takeaways
- Machinarium 2 continues Josef and Berta's story in a hidden valley between two robot tribes
- Both characters are now playable and swappable for puzzle-solving
- Composer Floex returns with a goal of making the music more melodic
- The distinctive hand-drawn industrial aesthetic is back and sharper than before
- No release date announced yet; wishlisting available on Steam and GOG
Frequently asked questions
When does Machinarium 2 take place?
It picks up right after the first game ended, with Josef and Berta crashing in a hidden valley populated by two robot tribes facing an energy crisis.
Can I play as both characters?
Yes. For the first time in the series, both Josef and Berta are playable, and you can swap between them freely.
Is the original composer returning?
Yes. Tomáš Dvořák (Floex) is composing the soundtrack and aims to make it more melodic while staying true to the original's atmosphere.
What platforms will Machinarium 2 be on?
No platforms have been confirmed yet, but the original is available on many platforms, so broad availability is likely.
When is Machinarium 2 coming out?
No release date has been announced. Amanita Design typically takes several years between announcement and release.