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As an alchemist-engineer, program mechanical arms and tracks to turn reagents into products, then refine each machine for efficiency.
Released 07 Dec 2017
Automate Alchemical Recipes
Optimize Cost, Speed, Space
Export Machine GIFs
Opus Magnum is the latest open-ended puzzle game from Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem, Infinifactory, and SHENZHEN I/O. Design and build machines that assemble potions, poisons, and more using the alchemical engineer’s most advanced tool: the transmutation engine!
Developed by Zachtronics · Published by Zachtronics





You play Anataeus Vaya, a rising alchemist appointed Head Alchemist of House Van Tassen. The campaign follows his work for the city’s powerful Houses, where alchemical engineering and political intrigue provide the setting for each challenge.
Each puzzle asks you to build a machine that repeatedly produces a specified alchemical product. Place and program mechanical arms, tracks, and other components to move, rotate, transform, and combine reagents; run the machine to see whether it completes the task.
Solutions are open-ended, and the main goal is to make a working machine. Afterward, you can refine it around measures such as cost, runtime, and occupied area, and compare results with other players. The game also includes optional puzzles, player-made challenges and puzzle creation, animated GIF exports, and Sigmar’s Garden, an alchemy-themed solitaire game.
In the supplied reviews, players often enjoy the freedom to build their own working solutions and the satisfaction of revisiting them to improve their efficiency. Many describe planning and watching the machines run as rewarding, with the cost, runtime, and area comparisons providing an incentive to keep refining. Some also appreciate the visual style and atmosphere, while others find the later or optional puzzles demanding.

| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 6 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 1 listed on Steam |
| Content notices |
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| Metacritic | 90/100 View on Metacritic |
| Website | Official website |