The Complete Guide to Sandustry Mods: Installation, Maps & Multiplayer

Why Sandustry Mods Are Transforming the Game

Sandustry has quickly become a sandbox favorite, but the base experience is only the beginning. Sandustry mods unlock custom maps, quality-of-life improvements, and even experimental online co-op that the vanilla game doesn't offer yet. Whether you're playing the demo or the full release, modding breathes new life into every dig, build, and particle simulation.

The modding community has been growing rapidly, with players sharing creations on Discord, Reddit, and dedicated mod-hosting platforms. According to community reports, even the demo version supports a surprising range of modifications — from full-content unlockers to multiplayer functionality. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Sandustry mods, from initial setup to advanced co-op play.

Getting Started: Installing the Mod Loader

Before you can enjoy any Sandustry mods, you need a proper mod loader. The community has built a straightforward tool that creates the necessary folder structure and configuration files. Here's how to get it running.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

For Steam users, the default installation path is typically:

C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Sandustry demo

Once the mod loader has been run at least once, the generated "mods" folder becomes your central hub for all future modifications. Every mod file you download goes directly into this directory.

Tips for a Smooth Setup

• Read the instructions on each mod's Discord post before downloading — some mods have specific dependency requirements
• Back up your save files before installing multiple mods at once
• Create a desktop shortcut for the mod loader so you don't have to navigate through Steam folders every time
• Check for updates periodically, as mod authors frequently push bug fixes and new features

Installing Custom Maps and Gameplay Mods

One of the most popular categories of Sandustry mods is custom maps. These let you play on community-designed terrain with unique challenges and layouts. The process is slightly different from installing standard gameplay mods.

Custom Map Installation

Player experience suggests that the map loader adds a convenient dropdown menu to the mod loader interface, letting you pick from any installed custom maps before launching a new game.

Standard Mod Installation

Regular gameplay mods follow an even simpler process. For example, a popular mod called "New Game+" unlocks all content from the moment you start a new save. To install it:

1. Download the latest version from the mod's Discord post
2. Copy the downloaded file into your "mods" folder
3. Launch the game through the mod loader
4. Start a new game — the mod's effects activate automatically

This same workflow applies to most Sandustry mods. As long as the file is placed correctly in the mods directory, the loader handles the rest.

Sandustry Together: Online Co-op Multiplayer

One of the most ambitious Sandustry mods available is Sandustry Together, an experimental co-op multiplayer modification built on the Fluxloader platform. This mod allows two players to dig and build in the same world simultaneously — a feature not available in the vanilla game.

How Multiplayer Works

The host creates a world, and a second player joins using a room code. Both players interact with the host's world in real time, sharing the same terrain, buildings, and particle simulations. The mod has gone through several iterations, with version 0.5.0 introducing a public room lobby system.

Version History and Features

What Works and What Doesn't

Community reports indicate that the mod is functional but still considered experimental. Here's a breakdown of the current state:

Working Features:

• All tested buildings sync properly between players
• Particle effects and building placement synchronize correctly
• Terrain modifications are accurately reflected for both players
• The flamethrower weapon syncs as expected

Known Issues:

• Most firearms don't sync bullet visuals (though terrain damage still works)
• Border region chunks may not sync correctly, as only the current player's radius is loaded
• Occasional desyncs and crashes can occur
• Save corruption is possible, so always back up your worlds

Multiplayer Controls and Hotkeys

The multiplayer menu is accessible from both the main menu and the pause screen. Players can set their display name and color, which are remembered between sessions. If the host disconnects, the client must return to the main menu — there's no host migration yet.

Note: Sandustry Together requires corelib version 3.1.0 or higher as a dependency. Make sure this is installed before attempting multiplayer.

Best Practices for Managing Your Mod Library

As you explore more Sandustry mods, organization becomes critical. A cluttered mods folder can lead to conflicts, crashes, and hard-to-diagnose issues.

Recommended Mod Management Strategy

• Test mods individually before combining them — install one, launch, verify, then add the next
• Keep a text file in your mods folder listing each mod, its version, and where you downloaded it
• Remove mods you don't use rather than leaving them inactive in the folder
• Check Discord regularly for update announcements and compatibility notes
• Use the official Sandustry community resources for troubleshooting: the Sandustry Discord, Reddit, and Wiki all offer active support

Common Mod Categories

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, Sandustry mods can occasionally cause problems. Here are the most frequently reported issues and their solutions.

Mod Loader Won't Create the Mods Folder

If running the mod loader doesn't generate the expected folder structure, verify that you've placed the .exe in the correct game directory. The path must match your actual installation location, which may differ if you installed Steam on a non-default drive.

Game Crashes on Launch with Mods Installed

This usually indicates a mod conflict or missing dependency. Remove all mods from the folder, then add them back one at a time, launching after each addition to identify the culprit. Check whether the problematic mod requires a specific version of corelib or another dependency.

Custom Maps Don't Appear in the Dropdown

Ensure the map files are properly extracted and placed in the mods/Maps/ subfolder — not in the root mods directory. Compressed files must be unzipped before the loader can detect them.

Multiplayer Desyncs and Connection Issues

Since Sandustry Together is explicitly labeled as experimental, some desync is expected. Community reports suggest staying within a reasonable distance of each other in-game minimizes chunk synchronization issues. If problems persist, try hosting a new world rather than continuing from an existing save.

Where to Find More Sandustry Mods

The modding ecosystem is still growing, but several reliable sources exist for discovering new content:

• Sandustry Discord — The primary hub for mod releases, updates, and community support
• Sandustry Reddit — Player discussions, mod recommendations, and troubleshooting threads
• Sandustry Wiki — Documentation for both vanilla mechanics and popular mods
• Fluxloader Site — Hosts specific mods like Sandustry Together with detailed readmes
• GitHub — Where the mod loader and many open-source mods are published

When downloading mods, always prefer official Discord links or GitHub repositories over third-party file-sharing sites. This reduces the risk of outdated or modified files that could cause issues.

FAQ

Are Sandustry mods safe to install?

Most Sandustry mods distributed through the official Discord and GitHub are community-vetted and safe. However, always back up your save files before installing new mods, especially experimental ones like the multiplayer mod, which the developer notes may cause save corruption.

Can I use multiple Sandustry mods at the same time?

Yes, you can run multiple Sandustry mods simultaneously by placing all mod files in the "mods" folder. However, some mods may conflict with each other. Test each mod individually first, then combine them gradually to identify any compatibility issues.

Do Sandustry mods work with the full release or only the demo?

Community experience indicates that mods work with the demo version, and most should be compatible with the full release as well. However, major game updates can break mod compatibility, so check the mod's Discord post or GitHub page for version-specific notes before installing.

Is the Sandustry Together multiplayer mod stable enough for regular play?

The mod author explicitly labels it as experimental, with known issues including bullet desync and border chunk problems. That said, many players report satisfactory co-op sessions for building and digging. For the best experience, avoid combat-heavy scenarios and stay relatively close to your co-op partner.