Hologryph and tinyBuild Games have officially released Update #11 for the PC version of SAND. This latest patch brings a variety of content additions and quality-of-life improvements designed to streamline team coordination and combat encounters. Players can now explore the new Archipelago point of interest, which expands the current map layout. To assist with team formation, the developers have introduced a dedicated recruitment office, allowing users to find teammates directly within the game environment.
Combat and Looting Enhancements
The update focuses on expanding the tactical arsenal available to players. New EMP-based weaponry and specialized repair items have been integrated into the loot pool. Furthermore, the looting process has been optimized with the addition of a 'Take All' mechanic, which allows players to clear out containers more efficiently. These changes are intended to reduce downtime during scavenging runs and provide more options for dealing with mechanical threats.
- New Location: Archipelago point of interest added to the map.
- Recruitment: New in-game office for finding teammates.
- Combat Gear: EMP Grenade and EMP Rocket added.
- Repair Items: V1 Repair Patch and Advanced Repair Kit Fuel introduced.
- Looting: 'Take All' mechanic implemented for faster inventory management.
- Audio: Official SAND soundtrack now available on music streaming platforms.
Technical Adjustments and Beta Features
Players should be aware of several technical changes accompanying this release. The development team has initiated a beta rework for gamepad controls, which includes updated button mapping. Because this is a beta implementation, users relying on controllers may need to adjust their settings. Additionally, the developers noted that keyboard and controller configurations might reset following the installation of this update. Players may also encounter temporary performance fluctuations, such as frame rate drops or brief freezes, for approximately 20 minutes after launching the game as the system completes shader compilation. The full list of additions is summarized below:
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New POI | Archipelago |
| Combat Items | EMP Grenade, EMP Rocket |
| Repair Items | V1 Repair Patch, Advanced Repair Kit Fuel |
| Gamepad Status | Beta rework with new button mapping |
These updates represent a significant shift in how players interact with the game world, particularly regarding team management and inventory speed. By providing more robust tools for recruitment and combat, the developers aim to improve the overall flow of gameplay sessions on PC.