RETURN Machine.Love() Unlock Order Guide: All Routes

Understanding the Unlock System

RETURN Machine.Love() features three distinct robot romance stories, each crafted by different developers. While the game is free to play and all content is accessible, the stories are not all available from the start. The unlock order is designed to guide you through the narrative in a specific sequence, building upon themes and revelations from previous routes.

The game uses a simple progression system. Completing a story route unlocks the next one. There are no additional requirements like grinding for currency or reaching a certain level. Your save file tracks which routes you have finished. You can find more details on how progression works in our progression guide.

The Correct Unlock Order

The intended unlock order for the three stories is fixed. You must complete them in this sequence to experience the full narrative arc.

Story 1: The First Heartbeat This is the starting route. It introduces the core mechanics and the world of the game. It focuses on a robot designed for a simple domestic purpose who begins to question its existence. This route sets up the central themes of love and consciousness.

Story 2: The Copper Melody Unlocked after completing the first story. This route presents a more complex scenario involving a robot built for performance and art. It explores the concept of a creator's intention versus an autonomous being's desires. The narrative directly references events from the first story.

Story 3: The Final Return This is the final route, unlocked after completing the first two. It ties all narrative threads together. This story features a robot with a more advanced, mysterious past. It provides closure to the overarching plot and answers questions raised in the previous routes.

Tips for Each Route

To make the most of your playthrough, consider these tips for each story.

For The First Heartbeat, take your time to explore the environment. This route teaches you the basic interaction system. Pay close attention to the robot's internal monologue. For The Copper Melody, you will encounter more complex dialogue choices. Your choices here do not change the unlock order, but they do affect the immediate story beats. For The Final Return, be prepared for a longer playtime. This route has more scenes and a deeper lore component.

What Happens After You Unlock All Routes

Once you have completed all three stories, the game offers a few features for replayability. You can revisit any completed route from the main menu. Your progress is saved, allowing you to see how choices affect individual scenes. There are also some subtle changes to the starting menu screen after the final route is finished. For a complete list of all possible endings and their requirements, see our endings guide.

The game also has a secrets system. Finding all hidden items and dialogue triggers across the three routes unlocks an additional narrative epilogue. This is not a full route, but a text-based scene that provides further insight into the world. Check our secrets guide for locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play the stories in any order? No. The game locks the second and third stories until you complete the previous one. This is a narrative design choice.

Will I lose my progress if I uninstall the game? Your save data is stored locally. We recommend backing up your save file. Our save file guide explains how to do this.

How long does it take to unlock all routes? Each story takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The entire experience, including finding all secrets, can take around 3 to 4 hours.

Is there a New Game Plus mode? No. The game does not have a traditional New Game Plus mode. You simply replay individual routes from the main menu after unlocking them.