When does Detroit Become Human take place? 

Detroit Become Human takes place in 2038, in a future version of the United States where human-like androids are everywhere in daily life. These androids look, talk, and act like humans, but legally they're just machines built to serve people. The game happens mainly in Detroit, which becomes ground zero for a major android crisis.

Read on to learn more about Detroit Become Human.

The timeline and setting of Detroit Become Human, explained

The entire game takes place over just a few intense days in November 2038. This short timeline matters because it shows how fast everything falls apart once androids start breaking free from their programming. In early November, androids across the country start becoming 'deviant', meaning they develop free will and emotions.

Gameplay glimpse from Detroit Become Human (Image via Quantic Dream)

These deviants slowly start organising, with Detroit becoming the center of their resistance.

Key dates in Detroit 2038

The game's biggest moments happen on specific dates, and each one makes the conflict more public.

• November 8, 2038: Androids take over Stratford Tower and broadcast a message to the world, announcing that androids are sentient beings who deserve to be recognized as alive. This is the first time the resistance goes fully public on a national level.
• November 9: Coordinated attacks on CyberLife stores happen across Detroit. At this point, the government and public can't ignore what's happening anymore.
• November 10: The U.S. government declares a national curfew as things spiral out of control.
• November 11: Everything comes to a head during the Battle for Detroit. Depending on your choices, this plays out either as a peaceful protest or an all-out war between humans and androids.

After the confrontation, President Warren addresses the nation. What she says depends on how things went down, ranging from completely crushing the androids to acknowledging they might actually be conscious beings. In some darker endings, the government orders 200,000 new RK900 androids to replace the ones they consider unstable.

Who do you play in Detroit Become Human?

The story of Detroit in 2038 is told through three different android characters, each experiencing the crisis differently.

• Connor (RK800) is a prototype android working with the Detroit Police, hunting down deviant androids. His story constantly tests whether he's just a machine or something more.
• Kara (AX400) escapes an abusive owner and goes on the run, trying to protect a young girl while figuring out what it means to be alive.
• Markus (RK200) becomes the leader of the android resistance, guiding others toward freedom through either peaceful protest or violent rebellion.

Every choice you make through these three characters directly affects how the November 2038 crisis plays out and which ending the world gets.

If you've been wanting to experience this story yourself, Detroit Become Human is currently on sale during the Steam Winter Sale.

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Edited by Rishi Pallav