Sandustry Mods Guide: Mod Loader, Workshop, Custom Maps & EA Compatibility

Current Early Access modding status

Sandustry has built-in modding ambitions, and the official Steam page says the game is designed for visual tweaks, hand-crafted maps, new buildings, and new production processes. Because the game is now in Early Access, every mod should be checked against the current build before installation. The September 3, 2026 v0.5.6 changelog also notes new mod hooks and that the experimental mods branch is now on 0.5.6.

Demo-era mod posts are useful historical notes, but they should not be treated as current instructions unless the author explicitly marks Early Access compatibility.

Current version and branch checks

Before installing a Sandustry mod, confirm whether it targets the separate mods experimental branch and which game version it supports. The developer has said mods currently require an experimental Steam branch, so do not assume a subscribed Workshop item will run on the default vanilla branch. Some older mod notes mentioned separate 0.5.2 and 0.5.5 compatibility branches; for the current v0.5.6 window, start by checking whether the Workshop item or author page explicitly supports 0.5.6 or the current mods branch.

If the mod page does not name a supported game version, branch, loader, or API requirement, treat it as unverified. Test it in a new save before adding it to a factory you care about.

Fast safety checklist

Getting Started: Installing the Mod Loader

Before installing Sandustry mods, confirm which loader the mod author recommends for the current Early Access build. Do not reuse a Demo loader just because the folder names look similar.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

For Steam users, the old Demo path was typically:

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

For Early Access, use the actual Sandustry install directory shown by Steam. Right-click the game in Steam, open Manage, then browse local files. Once the correct loader has been run at least once, the generated "mods" folder becomes your central hub for future modifications.

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.

Steam Workshop status

Steam has a Workshop area for Sandustry community content, and the developer has pointed players to active Workshop mods during Early Access. If a mod author gives both a Workshop page and a manual download, prefer the path they mark as current for your game version. Workshop installs are easier to update; manual installs are easier to inspect and back up.

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 Demo-era Sandustry mods is Sandustry Together, an experimental co-op multiplayer modification built on the Fluxloader platform. Treat it separately from vanilla Sandustry. The official Early Access game should still be considered single-player unless the Steam feature list or patch notes add native multiplayer.

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
• Steam Workshop — Check for current Early Access-compatible maps or mod packages when available

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.

Demo mods vs Early Access mods

Older Demo notes are preserved in the Demo Mods archive, but they are not the primary install instructions for today's build.

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 in Early Access or only the demo?

Demo compatibility does not guarantee Early Access compatibility. Check the mod's Discord post, GitHub release, or Workshop page for the supported game version 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.

Sources

Modding scope is checked against the official Sandustry Steam page, which describes custom maps and new buildings/processes as part of the game's modding direction, the Sandustry Workshop, and the official v0.5.6 Update #3 Steam changelog. Multiplayer status is separated into the co-op guide so Demo-era modded co-op does not get confused with vanilla Early Access support.