Machine Party Arcade Mode

Machine Party Arcade mode is the quick-session option added in v1.5 on August 4, 2026. Where the standard fixed-order playlist runs all fifteen minigames and takes roughly one hour, Arcade mode selects ten random simulations in random round order and strips away the intro and outro segments. It is the right choice when your group has thirty minutes instead of ninety, or when you want exposure to the full roster without committing to a marathon.

This guide covers what Arcade mode actually does, what stays the same versus the standard flow, and which groups benefit most from the shorter format.

What Arcade mode is

Arcade is the only officially named game mode alongside the standard flow. The v1.5 announcement described it as:

• 10 random simulations — the game picks ten from the fifteen-minigame roster
• Random rounds — the sequence is shuffled, not fixed order
• No intro or outro — the vessel-insertion segment and credits are skipped

Arcade is available both online (as a session type when hosting a private lobby) and in the Local menu (from v2.0 onwards). The mode rules are identical in both contexts.

Machine Party - All Simulations & Full Game Walkthrough

Arcade vs Standard flow

	Arcade mode	Standard flow
Simulations per session	10	15
Round order	Random	Fixed
Intro / outro	Removed	Present
Typical session length	30-40 minutes	50-60 minutes
Available online	Yes	Yes
Available in Local	Yes (v2.0+)	Yes
Achievements	Work normally	Work normally

The standard flow is not an official mode name — it is the label for playing with the regular fifteen-minigame fixed order and full presentation intact. Arcade is the explicitly named alternative.

What Arcade does not change

Arcade does not alter minigame rules, player count (2-4), or achievement conditions. Every minigame in Arcade plays the same as it does in the standard flow — only the session length, simulation selection, and round order differ.

One nuance: with only 10 slots, Arcade cannot include every minigame in a single run. If your group specifically needs to practice one mode (for example, grinding Leg it! in Minefield), use Custom instead of Arcade.

When to choose Arcade

Choose Arcade when:

• You have 30-40 minutes instead of an hour
• You have played the standard flow several times and want faster variety
• You are introducing new players who might not commit to a full session
• You want to cycle through more distinct minigames over an evening than the fixed order allows

Choose Standard flow when:

• It is your first time playing Machine Party — the full presentation with intro and outro sets the tone
• You are grinding specific achievements that require long sessions
• Your group prefers predictability over random variety

Online and Local setup

Online: Host a private lobby, then select Arcade as the session type before launching. You do not need to adjust anything else — the mode handles simulation selection and ordering automatically.

Local (v2.0+): From the main menu, select Local, connect controllers (up to four), choose Arcade, and launch. This is the fastest way to run Arcade with friends in the same room.

For lobby setup details, see lobby setup and local co-op.

Arcade and achievements

Achievements unlock the same way in Arcade as in the standard flow. The 10-simulation limit means some cumulative achievements (Will it blend?, Full Pack) take multiple Arcade runs to complete, but the mode itself does not prevent any unlock.

v2.1.1 fixed achievement registration for Local mode. Make sure you are on a current build before hosting achievement runs.

Quick comparison: Arcade, Custom, and Original

Machine Party offers three session types:

• Original — 15 minigames, fixed order, full intro and outro
• Arcade — 10 random simulations, random order, no intro or outro
• Custom — host picks specific minigames and order; Shuffle option (v2.1.1+) randomizes the sequence

Use the table above to pick the right format for your session length and goals.

Related pages

• All minigames list — full roster
• Local co-op — Arcade in shared-screen play
• Lobby setup — online hosting
• Updates hub — v1.5 origin details
• Patch v2.1.1 — Shuffle added to Custom

FAQ

How many minigames are in Arcade mode? Ten random simulations from the fifteen-minigame roster, in random order.

Does Arcade mode have the intro and outro? No. Arcade removes the intro vessel-insertion segment and outro credits. Original keeps both.

Can I use Arcade mode locally? Yes. From v2.0 onwards, Arcade is available in the Local menu alongside Original and Custom.

Is Arcade faster than the standard flow? Yes. A typical Arcade session runs 30-40 minutes versus 50-60 minutes for the full fifteen-minigame standard run.

Do achievements work in Arcade mode? Yes. All fifteen Steam achievements can unlock in Arcade sessions.