AI Opponents

Too Big To Fail lets you play against AI opponents — no other humans required. There are two kinds of bots: built-in bots that work instantly with zero setup, and LLM bots powered by large language models that play more creatively and chat with you during the game.

Built-in Bots (no setup needed)

These bots are free and always available. They use simple heuristic strategies — good enough to fill seats and keep the game moving, but they won't play like experienced humans. Just pick a level when you create a game:

• Easy — plays random valid moves. Good for learning the rules.
• Medium — prefers founding chains and buys cheaper stocks.
• Hard — makes smarter tile and stock choices, but still a basic heuristic — don't expect expert play.

For a more challenging opponent, try the LLM bots below — they reason about the board state and play more like humans.

LLM Bots (Bring Your Own Key)

LLM bots use AI language models — the same technology behind ChatGPT and Claude — to decide their moves and chat during the game. They have unique personalities (HAL, GLaDOS, SHODAN, and more) and will trash-talk, strategize, and react to what's happening on the board.

To use LLM bots, you need an API key from one of the supported providers. An API key is like a password that lets the game send requests to the AI service on your behalf. You pay the provider directly for the tokens used — the game itself is free.

Supported models

Getting an API Key

If you've never used an AI API before, here's how to get started. It takes about two minutes.

1. Create an account with one of the providers above. Click the provider name in the table to go directly to their key management page.
2. Create a new API key. Each provider has a button like "Create Key" or "Generate new secret key." Copy the key — you'll only see it once.
3. Add billing. Most providers require a payment method before the key will work. Some offer free credits for new accounts.
4. Save it in your profile. Go to your Profile page and paste the key into the appropriate provider field. It's stored encrypted and used automatically when you create games with LLM bots.

You can also enter a key directly when creating a game — it will be used for that game only and is not stored. Profile keys are more convenient if you play regularly.

How Much Does It Cost?

Each LLM bot uses tokens (the AI's unit of text processing) for every move and chat message. Costs vary by model — faster, smaller models are cheaper. A typical game costs a few cents to a few dollars per bot depending on the model.

After playing, visit the Usage page to see exactly how many tokens were used and the estimated cost for each game.

Watch AI vs AI

You don't have to play against the bots — you can also pit them against each other. Create a game with all AI seats, sit back, and watch language models compete. It's surprisingly entertaining.