development direction

Roadmap

ROOTLINE is being developed as a systems-driven hacking simulation. This roadmap describes the current direction, not a fixed feature contract or release schedule. Priorities will move as playtesting exposes what needs more depth, balance or clarity.

Playtest activeEarly Access release: TBAPlans subject to change

Current focusPlayable foundation

● In active development

Make the core hacking loop deep, legible and reliable.

The current game establishes the shared world and the basic path from discovery to access. Development here is about making those systems stronger before stacking more complexity on top.

Core recon & servicesNetworks, machines, domains, ports, running services, files and remote connections.

Contracts & objectivesMore robust mission flow across website, file, credential, machine and investigation objectives.

Vulnerability loopClearer paths from software/version discovery to exploitation and access.

Usability & stabilityOnboarding, terminal feedback, balance, performance and presentation improvements.

PlannedExpand depth

○ Planned direction

Turn access into a larger chain of decisions.

As the foundation settles, ROOTLINE is planned to deepen offensive and defensive play so a compromised machine is the beginning of a situation, not the end of one.

Privilege escalationMore complete exploitation paths, permissions and post-compromise decision making.

Defence & patchingMore meaningful ways for systems and players to respond to known weaknesses.

Tracing & evidenceInvestigation, traces, consequences and signals left behind by activity.

World & mission varietyMore organisations, websites, networks, contracts, story missions and procedural content.

Longer termPlayer-driven infrastructure

◇ Longer-term goal

Give players more to build, operate, defend and attack.

The longer-term direction expands what players can own and automate, creating more reasons for player infrastructure to matter inside the persistent world.

Progression & hardwareExpanded player progression, hardware upgrades and capability growth.

Social engineeringManipulate users behind the targets, exploit trust, and gather access through people as well as systems.

Economy & multiplayerDeeper player interaction, PvP opportunities and systems that create economic stakes.

In-Game RadioTune into music stations while you hack, explore, and work.

Early AccessIterate with players

○ Release date TBA

Broaden the simulation without losing the systems-first core.

Once ROOTLINE enters Early Access, the published plan is to develop alongside player feedback, expanding both the breadth and depth of the game over an estimated 18–24 month Early Access period.

Community feedbackUse playtesting, reports and discussion to identify weak loops, confusing interfaces and unintended strategies.

Continuous refinementBalance, performance, usability and presentation continue alongside new systems and content.

Roadmap note: no item above should be read as a guaranteed feature, scope or delivery date. ROOTLINE’s priorities will change as the simulation evolves and player feedback reveals what works.

follow development

Wishlist ROOTLINE on Steam.

Steam is the best place to follow release information and request access to the current Playtest. You can also join the Discord to discuss development and share feedback.

Join the Discord ↗ Wishlist on Steam ↗