<p>The utilization of hydraulic fracturing technology to create an intricate network of hydraulic fractures in hard rocks to improve its cuttability, subsequently followed by the non-explosive mechanized mining through tunnel boring machines, is poised to emerge as a novel production paradigm for hard rock mines. In this study, a discrete element model of mechanized mining assisted by hydraulic fracturing techniques for hard rock cutting was established, and the evolution characteristics of the peak cutting force (PCF) of rock cutting recorded by drill bit after hydraulic fracturing were explored under various variables. Based on this, the hydraulic fractures recognition system was developed, wherein the hydraulic fractures network was projected onto the X/Y axis. The results demonstrate that the distance between the pressure hole and the top boundary (DT) is an important factor influencing the average cutting force of rock. Furthermore, a significant improvement in cuttability is observed at DT = 50&#xa0;mm. Among all variables, the angle of guiding groove in double hole (DGA) has the most significant impact on rock cutting. When DGA = 20°, the PCF reaches the lowest value among all variables, and the hydraulic fractures are regarded as the ideal morphology of hydraulic fracture network under all variables. In terms of its longitudinal projection distribution, hydraulic fractures generate a central projection and gradually diminishes to zero pixels on both sides. Horizontally, the hydraulic fracture is distributed all over the horizontal direction of the rock, resulting in a double-peaked projection distribution at the two pressure holes.</p>