Changelog.ggBeta
HomeGamesUpdatesPricingMethodology
Steam News20 February 20264mo ago

The 3x3 Grid and Why Placement Matters

One of the first big questions when we were making Order Automatica was simple: how big should the battlefield actually be? The answer we landed on might surprise you: a tiny 3x3 grid. That’s it. Nine squares.

In this update3

Full notes

Full Order Automatica update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

0 fixes1 addition8 changes0 removals
  • Maps
  • Gameplay
changedOne of the first big questions when we were making Order Automatica was simple: how big should the battlefield actually be?
changedThe answer we landed on might surprise you: a tiny 3x3 grid. That’s it. Nine squares. But don’t let the size fool you - this little battlefield is where a lot of the game’s depth lives.
changedWhy Placement Feels So PowerfulEven though each unit is simple on its own - stats, abilities, maybe a special effect - how you arrange them makes all the difference. The grid isn’t just a place to drop units; it’s a puzzle you get to solve every battle.
changedWhy Placement Feels So PowerfulAdjacency bonuses: Some units get stronger next to allies.
changedWhy Placement Feels So PowerfulCell effects : Positive and negative cells change the game subtly but meaningfully.
changedWhy Placement Feels So PowerfulAttack order : Who strikes first can completely swing a battle.

Order Automatica changes

changedOne of the first big questions when we were making Order Automatica was simple: how big should the battlefield actually be?
changedThe answer we landed on might surprise you: a tiny 3x3 grid. That’s it. Nine squares. But don’t let the size fool you - this little battlefield is where a lot of the game’s depth lives.
changedEven though each unit is simple on its own - stats, abilities, maybe a special effect - how you arrange them makes all the difference. The grid isn’t just a place to drop units; it’s a puzzle you get to solve every battle.
changedAdjacency bonuses: Some units get stronger next to allies.
changedCell effects : Positive and negative cells change the game subtly but meaningfully.

One of the first big questions when we were making Order Automatica was simple: how big should the battlefield actually be?

The answer we landed on might surprise you: a tiny 3x3 grid. That’s it. Nine squares. But don’t let the size fool you - this little battlefield is where a lot of the game’s depth lives.

Small Grid, Big Decisions

At first glance, a 3x3 grid seems limiting. But that’s exactly the point. Every decision about where to put a unit matters. There’s no “throw them anywhere and hope for the best” strategy here. You need to think ahead, consider adjacencies, and predict what the enemy might do.

Why Placement Feels So Powerful

Even though each unit is simple on its own - stats, abilities, maybe a special effect - how you arrange them makes all the difference. The grid isn’t just a place to drop units; it’s a puzzle you get to solve every battle.

  • Adjacency bonuses: Some units get stronger next to allies.

  • Cell effects: Positive and negative cells change the game subtly but meaningfully.

  • Attack order: Who strikes first can completely swing a battle.

Combine all of this, and a 3x3 space suddenly feels like it has endless possibilities.

Teaching Through the Grid

Early in the game, we ease players into placement. The first ranks are simple: no tricky cell effects, few units. This lets you experiment without feeling overwhelmed. As you progress, new units, indulgences, and effects gradually make the grid feel more like a living, breathing battlefield.

By the time you hit higher ranks, you’re thinking about protection, adjacency bonuses, enemy manipulation, and timing all at once. It’s a lot - but in a way that feels rewarding, not punishing.

A 3x3 grid might look tiny - but the space itself isn’t the challenge. The fun is in how you use it. Small battlefield, big brain energy. Follow Mickey here:

🐍 https://bsky.app/profile/mickeysanchez.bsky.social

And don’t forget to follow better. publishing’s channels:

🔷 X: https://x.com/betterpubpro

🔷FB: https://www.facebook.com/betterpubpro

🔷 Discord: https://discord.gg/wPDpn7gDYe

Source

Steam News / 20 February 2026

Open original post

Changelog.gg summarizes and formats this update. How we read updates.