SAND | April Development Update - Q&A Edition
Hello folks!
For this months development update, we've collected all of your most pressing questions about SAND and stuck them in front of the wonderful development team at Hologryph for some answers.
So let's jump into your questions and see what the devs had to say...
[h2]Release Date & Pricing[/h2]
“When is the game coming out?”
We haven’t set a new release date for SAND yet, as our focus is on getting the game right, not just getting it out. Once we’re happy with the additional work these extra few months of development have afforded us and we’re confident SAND will meet the expectations of our players, a release date will be finalized and we’ll announce it, so stay tuned!
“How much will the game cost?”
We haven’t announced the price yet, but our goal is to make the game accessible to as many players as possible and to foster a strong online community. This will be reflected in the price, which we’ll share a little closer to release.
“Will there be another playtest?”
Playtests have been an incredibly important part of SANDs development to date, and of course we'll need to confer with our community to make sure everything is up to scratch before our eventual launch, so it's a safe bet.
[h2]Consoles & Platforms[/h2]
“Will the game be available on consoles?”
Our current focus is on the PC version, but we’re definitely interested in bringing SAND to consoles in the future.
“Will it run on midrange gaming laptops?”
We’re hard at work optimizing the game to work across a broad variety of setups and configurations and should have our updated system specs available in the near future.
“Will it support Linux (e.g. Proton/Debian)?”
We’re not currently working towards Linux support, but should we see enough demand from our community in the future it’s something we’re open to exploring.
[h2]Servers & Regions[/h2]
“Will there be more server regions available upon launch than there were during the playtests”
We’re working on regional server support and hope to have as many regions available on launch as feasibly possible. Stay tuned for updates.
“Can I choose my server region?”
Yes, you can select from the available regions. However, your progress won't transfer between regions for now.
[h2]Trampler Customization & Features[/h2]
“Will there be stylized or more trampler skins?”
We’re exploring more visual customization options and already have some cool ideas in the pipeline.
“Will there be weaponized or ramming builds?”
Yes, a ramming compartment will be available at launch and we might even share some early looks at that very soon...
“Can I test my trampler before entering a match?”
Not currently. We may add an option to view your Trampler more closely in the editor, but full test-driving won’t be possible at launch. We’re keeping the idea in mind for the future however…
[h2]Weapons & Combat Systems[/h2]
“Will there be more weapons and gun mods?”
Yes! More weapons are being added, and you can customize them at a workbench, either on your Trampler (if equipped with a crafting compartment) or at workbenches found on islands.
“Will there be melee or unique weapons like sandworms, grappling hooks, or mine layers?”
These types of unique weapons are under consideration, we’ll share more details as development progresses. Knuckle dusters are currently being tested, so we’ll have at least one melee type weapon at launch.
[h2]Progression & Gameplay Loops[/h2]
“What will long-term progression look like?”
We’re working on a system where you’ll build relationships with factions on the space station to unlock advanced compartments. To do that, you’ll need to explore the surface and collect valuable resources. This is another thing we’re hoping to share some more details about very soon!
“Will there be skill trees, crafting, or side quests?”
Crafting: yes.
Skill tree: no, but there is a tech tree.
Side quests: not at launch but it’s something we’ve discussed extensively and would like to explore.
“Will there be more to do on expeditions (missions, NPCs, factions)?”
We’re working to better integrate strategic and tactical goals. Strategically, your aim is to upgrade your Trampler. Tactically, it’s about surviving, finding resources, and making smart choices. Expect diverse surface locations like refineries, abandoned factories, or military outposts, and more to be added in the future each with different challenges and rewards.
[h2]PvE / PvP Balance[/h2]
“Will solo play be viable?”
Yes, SAND is designed to be enjoyable whether you play solo or with friends.
“Will there be non-combat progression?”
Absolutely. A significant amount of the tech tree can be advanced through non-combat activities.
“What about griefing or overly competitive PvP players?”
We’re aware of these concerns and working to balance the experience to support a wide range of playstyles and will do everything we can to combat griefers.
[h2]Building & Systems[/h2]
“Will you continue developing the Trampler editor?”
For now, development on the Trampler editor has paused as we focus on other features. But let us know what additions you’d like to see!
“Can I build bases in the world, not just on Trampler?”
Your Trampler is your mobile base. You won’t be able to build permanent structures on the surface, only explore and return to the space station.
“Will there be tutorials?”
Yes, basic tutorials will be available via F1 on each screen. More advanced tutorials will come later.
[h2]World & Exploration[/h2]
“How big is the map?”
We’re currently testing a 12x12 km map internally.
“Will there be different biomes (snow zones, coral graveyards)?”
Yes, additional biomes are planned for future updates.
“Will there be sandstorms or other dynamic events?”
We’re actively designing new events. Two are in concept right now, but we’re not ready to reveal them yet (but we can say that you won’t be disappointed…).
[h2]Other[/h2]
“Will there be proximity chat?”
There certainly will! We’re planning mid-range proximity chat so nearby Trampler crews can communicate.
“Will tramplers get 45° angled cannons?”
It’s on our to-do list!
“Can we drink the crates of booze we find?”
Nope! It’s so rare and valuable that it’s basically undrinkable. Your throat won’t even let you try!
“Will there be tournaments or ranked modes?”
Not at launch.
“Can I play with friends but avoid PvP?”
Technically yes, if you avoid every smoke pillar you see. But SAND isn’t a PvE-focused game, so it’ll be tough but not impossible.
“Why can’t I buy ammo in space before a drop?”
We’re finishing up the orbital shop! Soon, you’ll be able to buy basic items, weapons, and ammo before expeditions.
“Can we control drones or build mini-vehicles?”
No, that won’t be a feature, as cool as it sounds!.
“Will you release the game’s soundtrack?”
If there’s enough demand, we’d certainly be open to the possibility.
“Will there be whimsical decorations like ‘date night’ tables?”
We’d love to add more fun and quirky items like that, but performance optimization comes first. “Can I squish players with my trampler?”
We tested this, but friendly trampler deaths were so frequent it broke the game. It’s on hold while we figure out a better way to implement it.
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Thank you to everyone who submitted questions, and if you have any questions on topics we didn't cover in the Q&A, feel free to drop them in the replies and we'll try and get them answered for you!
Wishlist SAND on Steam now to be notified when it launches into Early Access later this year!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1431300/Sand/
Come and join us on our social media pages to keep yourself up to date with all the news and updates for SAND or join the discussion over on Discord now!
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- Hologryph & tinyBuild Games