- Mod Loader: Essential utility required to run any mods or custom maps in the demo.
- Installation: Requires downloading specific files from the official Discord and placing them in the game directory.
- File Path: Default Steam path is
C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Sandustry Demo. - Custom Maps: Loaded via a dropdown menu after the Map Loader mod is installed.
- Community Support: Join the Sandustry Discord to find the latest mods and ask for help.
Understanding Modding in Sandustry
The Sandustry demo offers a surprising amount of flexibility for players looking to customize their experience. While the base game provides a solid foundation, the community has developed tools to extend functionality through mods and custom maps. These modifications range from simple quality-of-life changes to entirely new environments for your industrial sandbox.
To utilize these mods, you cannot simply place files in a folder. The game requires a specific Mod Loader executable to bridge the gap between the vanilla game code and community-created content. This loader initializes the necessary environment for scripts to run properly without crashing the game.
Video Highlights:
- Visual guide on joining the Sandustry Discord to access mods.
- Demonstration of the Mod Loader installation process.
- How to load custom maps using the in-game dropdown menu.
- Example of the "New Game Plus" mod functionality.
Before installing any mods, it is highly recommended to back up your save files. While most mods are safe, experimental modifications can occasionally cause corruption or unexpected behavior in your game progress.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Getting mods up and running in the Sandustry demo involves a few specific steps. You must prepare the game directory, install the loader, and then add your desired content.
Join the Community
Navigate to the official Sandustry website or look for the link within the game client. Join the official Discord server. This is the central hub where all mod releases, including the Mod Loader and Custom Map Loader, are hosted.
Download Mod Loader
In the Discord, scroll down to the Mods Forum. Look for the thread titled "Mod Loader". Click the provided GitHub link to download the mod_loader.exe file.
Install to Directory
Locate your Sandustry installation folder. For Steam users, the default path is C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Sandustry Demo. Paste the mod_loader.exe file into this root folder.
Initialize the System
Run the mod_loader.exe once. It will open briefly and then close automatically. This action generates a new Mods folder and a configuration file necessary for the game to recognize custom content.
Create a Shortcut
For easier access, create a shortcut of this .exe file and place it on your desktop. You will launch the game through this loader instead of the standard Steam icon to ensure mods are active.
Always launch the game using the mod_loader.exe shortcut. If you launch the game directly via Steam or the standard Sandustry.exe, your mods and custom maps will not load.
Installing Custom Maps and Mods
Once the infrastructure is set up, adding content is a matter of placing files in the correct folders created by the loader.
Installing Custom Maps
To play on community-created maps, you need the Custom Map Loader. Download this file from the Discord and place it directly into the Mods folder created in the previous section. When you launch the game via the loader, a new drop-down menu will appear on the start screen, allowing you to select your desired map.
| Mod Type | File Name | Destination Folder | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Loader | mod_loader.exe | Game Root Directory | Initializes mod support |
| Map Loader | CustomMapLoader.dll | /Mods | Enables map selection menu |
| Custom Map | [Map Name].zip | /Mods/Maps | Adds specific level data |
Installing Gameplay Mods
For gameplay modifications, such as the popular New Game Plus mod which unlocks all items at the start, the process is similar. Download the specific mod file (usually a .dll or .zip) and place it into the main Mods folder.
New Game Plus
- Unlocks all items immediately upon starting a new save.
- Great for creative building without grinding for research.
- Place mod file in
/Modsfolder.
Custom Maps
- New terrain and resource layouts.
- Requires Map Loader installed first.
- Extract files to
/Mods/Mapsfolder.
Troubleshooting and Configuration
Sometimes mods may not work as intended. Here is a checklist to ensure your Sandustry demo is configured correctly.
Mod Installation Checklist:
- Joined the official Sandustry Discord
- Downloaded mod_loader.exe from the #mods forum
- Placed mod_loader.exe in the game root directory
- Ran mod_loader.exe once to generate folders
- Created a desktop shortcut for the loader
If the game crashes or mods do not appear, verify that you are launching the game using the Mod Loader executable. Standard game shortcuts bypass the mod injection process. Additionally, ensure that the config file generated by the loader has not been deleted or moved.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Game won't start | Corrupted mod file | Remove the last mod added |
| Mods not loading | Launched via Steam | Use the mod_loader shortcut |
| Missing Maps menu | Map Loader missing | Install Map Loader to /Mods |
| Black screen | Incompatible mod version | Check Discord for updates |
If you encounter issues not listed here, the Sandustry Discord and Reddit community are active resources. The developers and modders frequently update threads with compatibility patches and troubleshooting guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is modding the Sandustry demo safe?
Yes, using mods from the official Discord is generally safe. The Mod Loader is a community-approved tool. However, always back up your save files before adding new mods, just in case a specific modification causes instability.
Q: Can I use multiple mods at the same time?
Yes, the Mod Loader supports multiple mods. You can have the Custom Map Loader, New Game Plus, and other mods active simultaneously as long as they are placed in the correct `/Mods` folder.
Q: Where do I find the mods?
All currently available mods are distributed via the **Sandustry Discord** server in the Mods Forum section. You cannot find these mods on Steam Workshop yet.
Q: Do I need to reinstall mods after a game update?
Game updates may occasionally overwrite the Mod Loader or reset configurations. If the game updates and mods stop working, revisit the Discord to download the latest version of the Mod Loader compatible with the new patch.