Sandustry Map and World Generation Guide
Learn which parts of Sandustry maps are fixed or procedural, how Random Seed works, and how to unlock the Minimap and custom maps.
Sandustry worlds combine a fixed progression framework with random tiles. The route connecting the starting area to the first Portal is structured, while tile contents are selected under biome rules and outer regions continue procedurally.
Is the Map Procedurally Generated?
The answer is partly. The world is not one fixed handcrafted map, but it is also not completely unconstrained randomness.
- The connection from the start to the first Portal follows a fixed framework.
- Tiles within that framework are selected according to biome constraints.
- Outer areas continue with procedural generation.
This combination keeps progression readable while allowing different resource pockets, terrain, and exploration routes between worlds.
Using a Random Seed
The current build provides a Random Seed setting that controls world generation. Save the seed alongside your game version when sharing a map.
Early Access updates may change tile pools, biome rules, or generation code. No current source promises that the same seed will create an identical world in every future build.
Unlocking the Map and Minimap
The current WIP Research page lists:
| Unlock | Tier | Research cost |
|---|---|---|
| Map / Minimap | Tier 1 | 100 Gold |
| Activity Heatmap | Tier 3 | 700 Gold |
These are research costs, not a fee for opening the map. The Minimap displays nearby world areas outside the main view, and the active objective is indicated by a yellow direction arrow.
Activity Heatmap behavior, update timing, and color meaning still need current-build documentation.
Custom Maps and Steam Workshop
The official Sandustry Workshop is labeled for “Mods and maps.” The Steam store also describes hand-crafted maps as part of the game’s mod support.
Check that a Workshop map targets the current Early Access version. Old Demo custom-map loader instructions are not the correct installation flow for the released Early Access build.
Early Access Map Changes
World dimensions, biome tile pools, generation limits, and seed stability may change. When publishing or using a route, include both the Random Seed and build version.
Sources: Map, Research, Beginner’s Guide, Steam, and the Workshop.