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Most video games allow you to reload and try sections again if you make a mistake. OneShot: World Machine Edition spins this expectation by saving everything you do in a playthrough. Such a premise can intimidate new players if they don't know what to expect from this unique game. After all, you must go through this world, solve puzzles, and make decisions.

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The game takes a meta approach, so it treats you, the player, as a separate entity from the playable character, Niko. As you play this indie game, you'll have to change your mindset to complete challenges and succeed. It doesn't seem easy, but as you apply some beginner tips, you and Niko will grow encounter journey.

While you won't see story spoilers, you'll come across some puzzle spoilers.

Become Comfortable With The World Machine

An image of the desktop from OneShot: World Machine Edition. It has Niko in the background, multiple icons, and the Help folder open.

OneShot emphasizes the world machine you use, which is a computer. The original game used your desktop to add to the experience, so the World Machine Edition gives you a virtual machine. Not only do you use the computer to open OneShot and play it, but you'll interact with the game through it.

You have a Help icon on the desktop. Go through it and learn how to perform different actions, such as moving files, to help you succeed in OneShot.

Ensure you get used to the machine since you'll need to navigate it regularly. For example, one part of the experience requires you to access a document file to get a code you can use in OneShot. You'll need to go outside the OneShot window regularly, so ensure you know how to perform the different actions necessary to succeed.

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Take Screenshots As You Play

The desktop changed to a six-by-five rectangle with lights on it in OneShot: World Machine Edition.

Since OneShot gets meta and expects you to use the virtual computer outside the game, you should take it a step further to give yourself more advantages. Luckily, modern consoles allow you to take in-game screenshots, so you can use those shots to track essential details in the game.

For example, one part of the game gives you a hint by changing your background on the world machine. However, it disappears after a while, so a screenshot will help you access it when you need it. Suppose the game hints that you must input as a code later. Always take a screenshot to make it easier to use. You can take a picture with your phone if you don't want to use in-game screenshots.

Recognize The Consequences

Niko explores the barren land while walking next to a building in OneShot: World Machine Edition.

The game emphasizes you only have one shot at succeeding. Every choice you make gets saved, so you must carefully decide what you plan to do. For example, the game warns you not to close OneShot before sleeping in a bed. Not only do beds save your progress, but they automatically close the game and return you to the world machine, so you don't face the consequences.

Tabbing out of the game doesn't count as closing it. For example, you can go to the home screen on the Nintendo Switch by pressing the Home Button. Doing so will keep the game open while allowing you to navigate your Switch without impacting your playthrough.

Clicking the close button and closing the application will count as ending the game without saving. Niko will talk about how the world went dark if you do that. If you don't want that to happen, never close the game without Niko going to bed.

Use Beds Wisely

Niko standing next to a bed and commenting now how they don't feel sleepy anymore in OneShot: World Machine Edition.

The game doesn't expect you to play through it in one go, so it offers you beds. As you visit different areas, you can have Niko rest on a mattress to let you close the game without any consequences. As a bonus, when you open OneShot again, Niko will have a dream for you to learn more about them. You can use the chance to learn about the world and improve your relationship with Niko.

However, these rest areas are limited. You can use each location once, so decide when you want to use it to make the most out of it. For example, if you use the bed at the start of an area, you may have a large gap until you can save again.

Plan Out When You'll Play

A title screen of Niko holding the sun when you open the game OneShot in OneShot: World Machine Edition.

Since you can't close OneShot, you'll have to plan out when you want to play. You don't want to stop in the middle of the game suddenly, so knowing when you can play will help you succeed. Do your best to set aside a few hours at a time to avoid closing the game unexpectedly.

You can leave the game in sleep mode to avoid consequences. While it may seem excessive, you must treat the game like you have one chance if you want to get the whole experience. If you share a system with others, let them know about the game, so they don't close it before you can reach a rest spot.

Interact With Everything, Talk With Everyone, And Search Everywhere

Niko going through a room with book shelves and a glowing box in OneShot: World Machine Edition.

OneShot expects you to explore the world to complete the puzzles. You'll notice out-of-place locations and items, so interact with them. You'll learn more if you interact with objects. For example, you come across a TV with a spark at one point in the game. You can use that TV to light a branch you found in the bathroom. Getting that information requires you to interact with everything and search the world.

The game provides you with a large map and encourages exploration. If you aren't supposed to go somewhere yet, the game won't let you go there. You should also talk with the robots and creatures you meet to see what they can share about the world, how they can help you, and what hints they offer.

Niko talks often and gives hints to help you on the adventure. For example, they'll let you know if you should go to a different area, continue with what you're doing, or try something else.

Do your best to explore maps and interact with anything you think can help you. Even insignificant objects, like a fireplace, can make a difference and help you with a puzzle.

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Consider Your Items And Combine Them

A picture of different inventory items in OneShot: World Machine Edition, such as a lightbulb, a bottle of acid, a crowbar, and more.

Items play a significant role in this game and its puzzles. Every object you pick up has a description that hints at how to progress through the game. For example, you'll see a broken camera that mentions a screwed-in lens. You can find a screwdriver and use it to remove the lens from the camera.

You'll need to combine the items if you want to use a screwdriver on the camera. You can open the inventory and select both objects to see if you can combine them. The game expects you to mix and hold things regularly, so watch them and read the descriptions to keep track of them.

If you try to combine items that don't have a combination, Niko will simply comment that they don't think you can combine them, so you won't have to worry about accidentally combining things that don't go together. You can also try to combine everything in your inventory if you can't figure out what to do. Doing so can give you some ideas and help you figure out your current puzzle.

Even though OneShot: World Machine Edition seems intimidating, you can tackle the puzzles and challenges it presents. The game focuses heavily on its narrative and expects you to get involved with the world. As you play the game carefully and do your best to make decisions, you can help Niko navigate this world and see the ending.

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