Chains on Sand News

[p]Hey contenders,[/p][p]It's been a busy week in the arena, and we’re back with a big update on what’s new in Chains on Sand—plus some exciting news about our growing visibility![/p][h3] New Features: More Tools, More Tactics[/h3][p]• Belts & Quick Slots:
You can now equip a belt to gain access to quick slots during battle. Store potions, poisons, or extra weapons for instant use when things get hairy. No more digging through your entire inventory mid-fight![/p][p][/p][p]• Weapon Swapping:
Change your fighting style on the fly! Instantly switch between your main and spare weapons using the new quick slot interface—whether it’s to react to an enemy’s armor, or just to look stylish for the crowd.[/p][p]• Potions & Poison Use:
Use health potions, buffs, or deadly poisons right from your belt quick slots during combat. Plan your loadout, then react to the chaos![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3] Chains on Sand Featured on TurnBasedLovers![/h3][p]We’re thrilled to share that Chains on Sand was featured this week on TurnBasedLovers—one of the top destinations for tactics fans!
They highlighted our tactical combat, brutal permadeath, and unique legacy system. Check out their write-up if you haven’t already, and thanks to everyone who helped get us noticed![/p][h3]What’s Next? Upcoming Demo Patch[/h3][p]We’ve been listening to your feedback and tracking how people play the demo.
A new demo patch is coming soon, with:[/p]

• [p]Usability improvements (faster first battles, better tooltips, more “juicy” combat feedback)[/p]
• [p]More quick slot item options[/p]
• [p]Balance tweaks to keep every run interesting[/p]
• [p]...and maybe a few surprises![/p]

[p]Thanks for playing, wishlisting, and spreading the word.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to follow Chains on Sand and share your feedback in the community—your suggestions are shaping the game every week.[/p][p]See you in the arena![/p]

[p]Hi contenders![/p][p]The new demo version of Chains on Sand is now live!
We want to be clear: This demo is not a fully representative slice of the finished game, but it is our way of opening up the project for real feedback—like an “Early Access,” but free and focused on core combat and systems. We don’t want to charge for feedback, but we do want your honest thoughts and bug reports![/p][hr][/hr][h3]Why This Demo?[/h3][p]Chains on Sand is a tactical arena roguelike where every choice matters—from building your fighter to surviving brutal battles. The full version will have much more content, variety, and polish, but we’re opening up the core now to collect your experiences and impressions. The game is far from done, and what you play here is just the beginning.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]What’s In the Demo (So Far)?[/h3]

• [p]Tactical Arena Combat with stat-driven mechanics, injury, stamina, and active defense.[/p]
• [p]Character Creation with multiple races, traits, skills, and equipment choices.[/p]
• [p]Loot, Quality & Durability: Equipment can be found, looted, equipped, and has quality and durability that actually matter.[/p]
• [p]Special Bosses & Legacy Bosses:[/p]
  • [p]The demo features early versions of a "bosses" system, and the start of the legacy boss system—where common enemies that defeat the players are "promoted" and can come back in later runs.[/p]
  • [p]These systems will be massively expanded in the full game, with more unique boss personalities and more ways for your own legacy to shape future runs.[/p]
• [p]Highscore, Progression, and Popularity:[/p]
  • [p]Survive, climb the ranks, and see your name in the arena’s records.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]What’s New in This Update?[/h3]

• [p]Major bugfixes to stat/race systems—Orc and Goblin bonuses are now consistent.[/p]
• [p]Extra Attack feat is working.[/p]
• [p]Interface to show ammount of movement and attacks left before the end of the turn.[/p]
• [p]Hit location selection by mouse improved (locks in like keyboard).[/p]
• [p]Trait/XP exploit bugs fixed; secondary stats always update.[/p]
• [p]Weapon and spell visuals polished—sprites now point the right direction.[/p]
• [p]Visuals and paperdoll updates for character and equipment in all screens.[/p]
• [p]Improved AI behavior - expect smarter enemies. [/p]
• [p]Some minor comestic polishing.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]What’s Still Missing / Needs Feedback?[/h3]

• [p]The demo is NOT the full game.[/p]
  • [p]No story content, limited bosses, and some unfinished features.[/p]
  • [p]Legacy and special boss systems are only lightly touched on here—the finished game will have a much deeper, more “persistent world” feeling where your victories (or defeats) echo for future players.[/p]
• [p]Saving/loading is experimental: Not fully implemented yet. [/p]
• [p]Bugs or confusion? Please let us know! Steam forums, Discord, or wherever you prefer.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]Help Shape Chains on Sand![/h3][p]We believe the best games are built with the community. If you enjoy deep tactical combat, brutal choices, and leaving your mark on the arena, give the demo a try and tell us what you think. We’re listening![/p][p]Chains on Sand will only get better with your input—
Wishlist, play, share, and let us know where you want the arena to go![/p][p]Our Discord: https://discord.gg/w89ERG8X4t[/p]

[p][/p][p]– Major bugfixes:
• Shields now correctly grant defense
• Improved combat feedback for slasher/impaling attacks
• Secondary stats (HP, SP, Move, Init) now update instantly in character creation
• Fixed rare trait and looting bugs[/p][p] We're back to adding features and listening to your feedback![/p][p]Try the new demo on Steam – and let us know what you think![/p][p][/p]

[p]This update brings our first Steam Leaderboard integration—now you can see how your arena performance stacks up against the world (or just your friends)! Compete for the top spot with our new composite “Final Score” system that rewards both fighting skill and efficiency.[/p][p]What’s New:[/p]

• [p]Steam Leaderboards: Upload your final score at the end of each run and see who’s truly the arena’s champion.[/p]
• [p]Composite Score: Rankings now reflect fights survived, XP earned, and debt managed. Details are shown on the leaderboard for bragging rights.[/p]
• [p]Bug Fixes:[/p]
  • [p]Stance changes are now properly tracked and reflected in combat.[/p]
  • [p]Scores are correctly saved on both defeat and demo completion.[/p]
  • [p]Various small fixes to improve stability and polish.[/p]

[p]Thank you for all your feedback and bug reports!
More features and improvements are on the way—let us know how far you make it up the leaderboard![/p]

[p]The Chains on Sand Demo is now available for everyone to play and wishlist. Step into a brutal fantasy arena, build your gladiator, and fight for your life against relentless foes and the whims of the crowd![/p][p]What’s in the demo:[/p]

• [p]Gritty tactical combat with deep RPG mechanics[/p]
• [p]Randomly generated opponents and loot[/p]
• [p]Crowd judgment: will you show mercy or become an executioner?[/p]
• [p]Powerful traits and gear customization[/p]
• [p]A surprise at the end - will you get there? [/p]

[p]Can you survive and earn your freedom?[/p][p]If you enjoy the experience, don’t forget to wishlist the full game and leave us your feedback! Your support will shape the future of Chains on Sand.[/p]

[p]PLAY THE DEMO NOW![/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Want to help?[/p]

• [p]Wishlist the game![/p]
• [p]Join our community discussions[/p]
• [p]Report bugs and tell us what you want to see next[/p]

[p]Thank you for helping us build a better gladiator RPG!
— The Chains on Sand Dev Team[/p]