Hologryph and tinyBuild Games have released a fresh update for the PC title SAND, prioritizing technical stability and security. The development team is currently focused on rolling out enhanced anti-cheat protections, with hopes to have these systems fully implemented within the week. This security push is the primary reason for the temporary suspension of the ability to capture enemy Tramplers, a feature the team intends to reactivate once their latest safeguards are in place.
Quick Facts
- Security: New anti-cheat protections are currently in development and expected to launch this week.
- Server Status: West US and Central US issues are resolved, though OCE servers are still experiencing outages.
- Core Fixes: Improvements to hit registration on moving Tramplers are the main focus of this patch.
Trampler and Hit Registration Improvements
A significant portion of this update is dedicated to refining the interaction between players and moving Tramplers. Developers have implemented a round of fixes aimed at making combat more reliable when mobile:
- Killed characters now correctly position on moving Tramplers.
- Item drops on moving Tramplers have been stabilized.
- Occlusion, parkour, and shooting mechanics now function more accurately while on a Trampler.
- Interactions on fast-moving Tramplers have been improved.
While these adjustments target hit registration, the team acknowledged that work is ongoing and encourages players to report any further issues encountered on the official Steam Forums and Discord.
Gameplay and Quality of Life Changes
Beyond technical stability, the update introduces several gameplay tweaks:
- Visuals: Smoke from destroyed Tramplers no longer renders player silhouettes, preventing unfair visibility.
- Audio: New sound effects have been added for EMP explosions and when shooting at Upiors helmets.
- Crows Nest: This feature now requires support. Tramplers with a Crows Nest that violate existing rules will be automatically sold, with resources returned to the player.
- Bug Fixes: A duplication method has been patched, and players will now properly receive damage during the final Storm Dive sequence.
- Editor: Colliders in the Trampler Editor have been adjusted to make compartment interactions more intuitive.
Known Issues
The developers have provided a list of ongoing issues that they are currently tracking for future patches:
- Character transparency in Spectator mode.
- Inability to crouch while carrying a Repair Kit.
- Invulnerability to melee damage when interacting with steering wheels or turrets.
- Bullets passing through characters on speed-boosted Tramplers.
- Shotguns potentially failing to register damage at close range.
The team is actively working with providers to resolve the remaining server outages affecting the OCE region and warns that some Upiors may appear in different positions on the client versus the server, which can cause them to appear invulnerable.