Publisher tinyBuild and developers Hologryph and TowerHaus have announced that SAND: Raiders of Sophie will officially launch on Steam on June 10, following its appearance during the Summer Game Fest Showcase. Players eager to jump into the action don’t have to wait, as the game’s open Server Slam playtest is available now through the weekend.
Set in an alternate-history dieselpunk universe, SAND: Raiders of Sophie takes place on the devastated planet Sophie, where an ecological catastrophe has completely evaporated the oceans. Humanity’s survivors now roam the endless deserts aboard towering mechanical walkers known as Tramplers, searching for valuable resources while battling rival scavengers and dangerous threats across the wasteland.

Designed as a fresh take on the extraction shooter genre, SAND aims to deliver the excitement of high-risk loot runs without some of the frustrations commonly associated with traditional survival games. Players can venture out alone or team up with friends as they explore abandoned cities, ruined settlements, shipwrecks, and other remnants of civilization scattered throughout Sophie’s vast deserts.

One of the game’s standout features is its extensive Trampler customization system. Before setting foot in the wasteland, players can use the Trampler Editor to construct massive modular walking fortresses tailored to their preferred playstyle. These customizable mechs serve as both transportation and mobile bases, allowing players to bring their creations into every expedition.

The current Server Slam playtest introduces several new additions, including deadly PvE Trampler enemies, expanded weapon options, additional customization features, and new points of interest to discover. Players can also experience the newly added Storm Dive Mode, which raises the stakes by introducing a shrinking playable area and increasingly dangerous conditions. As the storm closes in, survivors are pushed toward a climactic showdown centered around a massive Dreadnought shipwreck packed with valuable loot.

Players looking for a more relaxed experience can explore Voyage Mode, where they can test builds, gather resources, and learn the game at their own pace. Those seeking greater rewards can take on the higher-risk Storm Dive Mode for access to more valuable loot and intense player encounters.

Unlike many survival-focused multiplayer games, SAND features persistent progression without offline raiding. Successful extractions allow players to keep their Tramplers and hard-earned loot, eliminating the risk of losing everything while away from the game. This approach encourages players to focus on exploration, combat, and progression without the constant pressure of defending a vulnerable base.

With customizable mechs, extraction-based gameplay, large-scale desert exploration, and both PvE and PvP encounters, SAND: Raiders of Sophie is shaping up to be one of the more distinctive multiplayer releases of the summer.
SAND: Raiders of Sophie launches on Steam on June 10, while the open Server Slam playtest is available now for players who want an early look at the dieselpunk wasteland.
