Atomic Heart Gameplay Video
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Atomic Heart Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Genre | First-Person Shooter, Action RPG |
| Initial Release | 2023-02-21 |
| Developer | Mundfish |
| Setting | Alternate History Soviet Union (1955) |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Game Pass |
| Multiplayer | Single-Player Only |
| Art Style | Soviet-Futurism / Atompunk |
| Unique Feature | A unique 'Soviet-Futurism' art style combined with a hybrid combat system blending visceral melee, improvised firearms, and elemental polymer abilities. |
Atomic Heart System Requirements
Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low
tune Minimum (Official - Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset.
Recommended_1080p_60FPS_Ultra
tune Recommended (Official - Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Ultra Preset) – Ultra Preset.
High_1440p_60FPS_High
tune High (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Quality') may be needed.
VeryHigh_4K_60FPS_Ultra
tune Very High (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, Ultra Preset) – Ultra Preset, Upscaling (DLSS 'Performance' / FSR 'Performance') essential.
Atomic Heart Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (20H1 version or newer, 64-bit)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 90 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is strongly recommended for faster loading times between the game's large and detailed areas. 90 GB of free space is required for the base game and its updates.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: The game launched with full support for NVIDIA DLSS 3 (Super Resolution and Frame Generation), enabling significant performance boosts on compatible hardware.
Key Settings: Shadows, Post-Processing, Textures, and Visual FX quality settings have the most significant impact on performance. Ray Tracing options, if enabled, are the most demanding.
Atomic Heart: Map Size and Regions
Atomic Heart features a semi-open world structure. The main overworld connects several vast, self-contained complexes or dungeons, such as the Vavilov Complex, the VDNKh exhibition center, and a Theatre. The overworld itself is populated with smaller points of interest, puzzles, and roaming enemies, and can be traversed on foot or by car.
Atomic Heart: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The 'Atomic Pass' includes four planned DLC expansions. The first, 'Annihilation Instinct,' released in August 2023, continues the story and adds new enemies, a new area, and a new glove ability. The second, 'Trapped in Limbo,' released in February 2024, explores the bizarre Limbo world and features unconventional, platformer-style gameplay. Two more DLCs are planned to complete the pass.
Atomic Heart Skills & Upgrades Overview
Progression is split between weapon crafting and personal abilities. Using 'NORA' a sentient, flirtatious vending machine, players can craft and upgrade a wide array of melee and ranged weapons. The Polymer Glove provides P-3 with special abilities, including 'Shok' (electricity), 'Frostbite' (cryokinesis), Telekinesis, and a Polymer Jet shield. These skills can be upgraded through several skill trees.
Atomic Heart: Game Editions
The game was released with a Standard Edition, a Gold Edition (includes base game and the Atomic Pass for all four planned DLCs), and a Premium Edition (includes Gold Edition content plus a digital artbook and exclusive cosmetic weapon skins).
Atomic Heart: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Atomic Heart is a single-player game, so the concept of crossplay (playing with users on other platforms) is not applicable. The game does not support cross-progression or cross-save features, meaning save files are locked to the platform they were created on (e.g., a PlayStation save cannot be continued on PC).
Atomic Heart Specific Game Elements
Atomic Heart Weapons
- securityDominator (Energy Weapon)
An advanced weapon that fires powerful polymer-based energy projectiles. It has a secondary fire mode that launches a volley of explosive polymer globules.
- securityFat Boy (Explosive Weapon (Rocket Launcher))
A heavy weapon that launches explosive projectiles, ideal for dealing with large groups of enemies or heavily armored bosses. Its rockets can be crafted but are expensive.
- securityKalash (Firearm (Assault Rifle))
A versatile and iconic assault rifle, effective at medium range. It can be heavily modified with various scopes, magazines, and elemental damage upgrades.
- securityKS-23 (Firearm (Shotgun))
A powerful pump-action shotgun that excels at close-range combat, capable of staggering or destroying weaker robots with a single blast.
- securityMakarov Pistol (Firearm (Pistol))
A standard-issue semi-automatic pistol. It's the first firearm players acquire and can be upgraded for better accuracy, damage, and magazine size.
- securityRailgun (Special Weapon)
A high-tech energy weapon that fires a powerful, precise beam capable of penetrating multiple enemies and even some walls. Requires a charge-up time before firing.
- securitySwede (Melee Weapon (Axe))
P-3's reliable starting melee weapon. A versatile axe that can be upgraded for faster attacks or a powerful charged spinning strike.
- securityZvezdochka (Melee Weapon (Saw Mace))
A heavy, brutal melee weapon consisting of a handle with two spinning saw blades. Its charged attack launches the blades forward as a deadly projectile.
Atomic Heart Vehicles
- directions_carVolga (Car)
A retro-futuristic, red drivable car found in the overworld sections of the game, allowing for faster transportation between the main complexes and points of interest.
Atomic Heart Characters
- personChariton 'Charles' Zakharov - AI Companion / Deuteragonist
A sentient polymer AI integrated into P-3's glove, created from the mind of a deceased scientist. He provides exposition, tactical advice, and engages in constant, often cynical, dialogue with P-3.
- personDr. Dmitry Sechenov - Primary Antagonist / Scientist
The brilliant and visionary scientist behind Polymer technology and the Kollektiv neural network. He is the esteemed Minister of Industry of the USSR and leader of Facility 3826.
- personGranny Zina (Baba Zina) - Ally / Resistance Fighter
A mysterious and surprisingly resilient old woman who aids P-3 throughout his mission. She possesses deep knowledge of the facility and its secrets.
- personMajor Sergey 'P-3' Nechaev - Playable Protagonist (playable)
An emotionally scarred KGB special agent and decorated war hero sent to Facility 3826. He is gruff, single-minded, and frequently annoyed, often clashing with his AI companion.
- personThe Twins (Left and Right) - Antagonists / Bodyguards
A pair of graceful, deadly, and iconic female robots (named Left and Right) who serve as Dr. Sechenov's personal bodyguards and enforcers. They are the most advanced androids ever created.
Top 3 Characters:
Sergey 'P-3' Nechaev: The gruff, amnesiac protagonist. His hardened, often annoyed demeanor and witty, expletive-laden retorts to his AI companion provide much of the game's dark humor. 2. Chariton 'Charles' Zakharov: The sentient Polymer AI bonded to P-3's glove. Charles serves as the primary narrator and guide, delivering crucial exposition and tactical data while engaging in cynical and philosophical debates with P-3, forming the game's core relationship. 3. The Twins (Left and Right): Dr. Sechenov's personal bodyguards. These two graceful, lethal, and silent androids are the iconic faces of the game, representing the pinnacle of Soviet robotics and serving as a formidable, recurring presence.
Atomic Heart Missions / Objectives
- flagMain Story Quests
Objective: Follow the primary narrative to investigate the robot uprising at Facility 3826, confront key figures like Petrov and Filatova, and ultimately uncover Dr. Sechenov's true intentions for the Kollektiv 2.0 launch.
- flagTesting Grounds
Objective: Optional challenge dungeons filled with complex environmental puzzles and combat encounters. Completing them rewards the player with rare blueprints for weapon upgrades.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
VDNKh Complex ('Not a Password at All'): A sprawling mid-game 'dungeon' that showcases all of the game's mechanics, from complex traversal and puzzle-solving to fighting a wide variety of enemies, culminating in a memorable boss fight against the HOG-7 'Hedgie'. 2. Clearing Testing Grounds: These optional dungeons represent a core gameplay loop for players seeking to maximize their arsenal. Each one is a unique series of physics and combat puzzles that rewards exploration with rare weapon blueprints. 3. The Theatre ('Curtain Call'): A mission notable for its surreal atmosphere, artistic direction, and focus on a major boss, Plyush. It's a key narrative turning point and a highlight of the game's bizarre and beautiful world.
Atomic Heart Companions / Summons
- groupChariton 'Charles' Zakharov (Glove AI) (Artificial Intelligence)
Ability: Serves as a constant narrative companion and the primary source of exposition. He interfaces with technology, provides mission objectives, offers tactical advice, and engages in constant sardonic commentary, acting as P-3's foil.
Atomic Heart Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkBlueprints
Location/Use: Found in chests and hidden in the puzzle-filled 'Testing Grounds'. These are essential schematics required to unlock new weapons and weapon upgrades at the NORA crafting stations.
- collections_bookmarkChirpers
Location/Use: Small, bird-shaped audio logs found throughout the game world. They contain conversations from the employees of Facility 3826, providing crucial background lore and context to the disaster.
- collections_bookmarkTalking Corpses
Location/Use: Deceased individuals that P-3 can communicate with using his glove. They provide snippets of lore, often revealing their last moments in a tragic or darkly humorous way.
Top 3 Collectibles:
The most critical collectible for gameplay progression. Finding these schematics in hidden chests and Testing Grounds is the only way to unlock new weapons and module upgrades at the NORA crafting station. 2. Chirpers: These audio logs contain conversations from Facility 3826 employees. They are the primary source of world-building and backstory, revealing the personal stories and dark secrets leading up to the catastrophe. 3. Talking Corpses: A unique and morbid form of lore delivery where P-3 uses his glove to communicate with the deceased, who often provide humorous, tragic, or insightful commentary on their final moments.
Atomic Heart Armor
- shieldPolymer Exoskeleton Upgrades
Focus/Stats: Atomic Heart does not feature traditional equippable armor pieces. Instead, players upgrade P-3's survivability directly through the 'Character' skill tree in the NORA machines. These upgrades increase base health and provide specific resistances to melee, ranged, fire, ice, and electrical damage.
Atomic Heart Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomWeapon Skins (Golden Age)
Details: Cosmetic customization is primarily focused on weapons. The Premium Edition and some pre-order bonuses included a set of 'Golden Age' skins, which apply a unique gold-plated appearance to the Swede axe and the Kalash assault rifle.
Atomic Heart Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Atomic Heart is a strictly single-player experience. The developers have stated they have no plans to add multiplayer modes to the game.
- labelUser Interface
Features a minimalist and diegetic UI to enhance immersion. Key information like health and energy is displayed on P-3's glove. The weapon wheel allows for quick selection of weapons and abilities. The scanner highlights loot, enemies, and interactive objects in the environment. All crafting and upgrades are handled through the vivid, full-screen interface of the NORA machines.
- labelSound and Music
The soundtrack is a unique highlight, featuring an intense, industrial score composed by Mick Gordon, known for his work on 'Doom'. This is contrasted with licensed Soviet-era pop songs, remixed for a modern audience by artists like Geoffrey Day, which often play during combat, creating a distinct and memorable atmosphere.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by Unreal Engine 4, Atomic Heart is renowned for its striking 'Atompunk' or 'Soviet-Futurism' art style. The game features highly detailed environments, from pristine scientific complexes to overgrown landscapes, and unique, often disturbing enemy designs. On PC, it supports advanced features like ray-traced reflections, shadows, and ambient occlusion, as well as NVIDIA DLSS.
- labelAccessibility Features
The game includes a range of accessibility options, such as customizable subtitles (size, background), various colorblind modes (Deuteranopia, Protanopia, Tritanopia), and separate volume controls for music, effects, and dialogue. Controller layouts can be chosen from presets, but full button remapping is limited on some platforms.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in an alternate 1955, the Soviet Union has become a technological paradise thanks to 'Polymer,' a programmable liquid substance. The game takes place in Facility 3826, the scientific heart of the nation. Players control Major Sergey 'P-3' Nechaev, a KGB agent sent to contain a robotic uprising and uncover the conspiracy behind the utopian society and its creator, Dr. Sechenov.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Hybrid Combat System: A fluid and frantic combat loop that forces players to constantly adapt. It blends visceral melee fighting using crafted axes and blades, strategic gunplay with conventional and energy weapons, and the tactical use of the Polymer Glove's elemental abilities to exploit enemy weaknesses. 2. Crafting & Upgrading via 'NORA': The entire arsenal is built and improved by scavenging resources from the world and defeated enemies. Players interact with NORA, a sentient and cheeky upgrade station, to craft new weapons from blueprints and apply a wide range of modifications. 3. Environmental Puzzles & Testing Grounds: Beyond combat, players must solve environmental puzzles using their glove abilities and scanner. This is exemplified in the optional 'Testing Grounds,' which are large, self-contained puzzle boxes that reward players with the most valuable weapon blueprints.
Atomic Heart Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What kind of game is Atomic Heart?Atomic Heart is a first-person shooter with significant RPG elements, often compared to games like BioShock for its unique setting, narrative focus, and combination of shooting with special abilities.
- help_outline Is Atomic Heart an open-world game?It is semi-open-world. There are large, open areas that connect major story dungeons, but it is not a seamless open world like games in the Fallout or Far Cry series.
- help_outline Is there multiplayer in Atomic Heart?No, Atomic Heart is a strictly single-player experience. The developers have no plans to add multiplayer.
- help_outline What are the DLCs for Atomic Heart?There are four planned DLCs available through the Atomic Pass. The first two released are 'Annihilation Instinct' and 'Trapped in Limbo,' which continue the story and add new gameplay experiences.