Sand

Sand is a Ukrainian online multiplayer-focused open-world FPS. It was developed by Hologryph, also responsible for the warmly received Secret Neighbour - a spin-off of the Hello Neighbour series. TowerHaus helped develop the game and it was published by tinyBuild Games.

Plot

Sand is set in the alternate early 20th century. Thanks to the discovery of a new energy source humanity began conquering space early, the Austro-Hungarian Empire being the largest pioneer in their travels. A huge ecological disaster occurs on the planet Sophie, however, forcing the colonizers to hastily flee.

Although many settlers have written off the world as uninhabitable, many are tempted by Sophie's natural resources. These adventurers, driven by bravery or desperation, are willing to do anything to reach the dying planet and seize its riches. Many of them are residents of the poor region of Galicia, including Ukrainians and Poles.

Mechanics

Sand is an open-world first-person shooter, in which players face both each other and AI-controlled enemies. The game revolves around Tramplers - massive walking machines serving as mobile bases for the colonists. Their interiors and combat capabilities can be freely personalized.

Not everything can be done from the Trampler though, while traveling through Sophie alone is very risky. Players must thus stay together, watch out for anomalies and dangers, search for resources and clues as to what caused the planetary disaster.