This might be the catnip talking, but I’m exceptionally hyped for SAND, an open-world PVPVE extraction shooter taking place on the post-apocalyptic dunes of a fallen planet (called Sophie), in an alternative history. That’s a mouthful, sure, but SAND, from publisher tinyBuild and developer Hologryph just looks so darn good.
It’s like a steampunk mashup of Mad Max and Far Cry, with a little bit of Outer Worlds throne into the mix for good measure. Let’s take a look at some important details.
SAND Early Access Release Date
SAND releases into Early Access via Steam on 3 April 2025. The developers expect the game to stay in an Early Access state for approximately one year.
The developers have previously held several closed and open Playtests to improve SAND before its Early Access release date. Click on the button below to navigate to the SAND Steam Store page and add the game to your wishlist!
What Is The SAND Game? Features Overview
In SAND, you’ll battle rival players, extract a bunch of valuable resources and loot, and explore to your heart’s content in an “ever-changing world.”
To survive on the dangerous planet, players must build their own Tramplers. These are giant mechs that function as walking bases, shielding you from elements such as sandstorms. It’s all about being a pirate in the dunes! Check out a list of features of official SAND features below.
Build, Customize and Command gigantic mechanical walkers
“Tramplers, your most loyal companion, act as a mode of transport, a main base, primary storage, protection from the elements and most formidable weapon for its captain and their crew. You can build your trampler from the ground up, customizing the size, layout and placements of its engine, compartments, storage and mortal weapons.”
An industrial alternate history of 1910
“In their desperation, Galicians, citizens of a region within the Austro-Hungarian Empire are returning to the desolate remains of the once-resource-rich world of Sophie, in order to uncover hidden riches in the barren wastelands, rectify historical injustices and claim what they believe is rightfully theirs.”
Thrilling first-person PvPvE combat
“Team up with a group of friends or enter the world solo and go head to head with other players and the undead former inhabitants of this once prosperous planet with a variety of weapons in frantic first-person combat, or weaponize and fortify your trampler and engage in massive scale combat upon the dunes of Sophie.”
Explore a fallen civilization, loot and extract
“The cities left in ruin upon Sophie hold untold riches, but danger lurks around every corner. Sail the world, scour the abandoned streets, monuments, and wrecks, recover valuable loot, weapons, and resources, and fight off rival pirates before extracting with your spoils.”
Check out the official SAND release date trailer below to get a feel of what the gameplay is all about.
