- Sandustry Browser is a physics-based automation game built on Chromium.
- Core Mechanic: Use falling sand physics to move and process resources.
- Key Tools: Shakers refine wet sand, while Throwers and Conveyors automate movement.
- Goal: Establish automated loops to gather gold and unlock the tech tree.
- Controls: Mouse to dig, keys 1-2 for tools, Q for build menu.
Game Overview & Core Mechanics
Sandustry Browser is a unique blend of the falling sand genre and factory automation. Unlike traditional grid-based builders, this game relies on physics simulation to move materials. You must dig sand, mix it with water to create wet sand, and then refine it using machines to extract valuable resources like gold.
The game is currently accessible via browser, utilizing the Chromium engine, which allows for a lightweight but complex simulation. The primary challenge is not just gathering resources, but managing the chaotic nature of physics-based logistics.
Falling Sand Physics
- Dynamic Simulation: Materials move naturally based on gravity and density.
- Interaction: Mixing dry sand with water creates wet sand.
- Destruction: Terrain can be fully manipulated or destroyed.
Automation Focus
- Passive Processing: Machines like Shakers work automatically.
- Logistics: Use Throwers to launch items vertically or horizontally.
- Scaling: Build complex chains to handle high throughput.
Browser-Based
- No Install: Runs directly in the browser.
- Chromium Based: Uses web technology for the game engine.
- Accessibility: Easy to launch but requires OBS window capture for streaming.
Because the game is built on Chromium, standard "Game Capture" in streaming software like OBS may not work. Use Window Capture or Browser Source to record gameplay.
Step-by-Step: Basic Automation Setup
The early game focuses on manual labor, but the goal is to transition to automation as quickly as possible. Follow these steps to establish your first processing loop.
Video Highlights:
- Introduction to the "NextFest" demo build.
- Demonstration of manual panning vs. Shaker automation.
- Using the tech tree to unlock logistics.
- Troubleshooting conveyor belt placement.
Gather and Wet Sand
Use your mouse to dig dry sand. Drop it into a water source to create wet sand. This is the primary raw material for the early game.
Manual Panning (Tutorial)
Initially, you must manually place wet sand into a panning station or cellbox to extract gold. This is slow and serves as the tutorial phase.
Unlock the Shaker
Access the build menu (default Q) and research the Shaker. This machine automatically refines wet sand when dropped onto it.
Build Logistics
Research Throwers and Conveyor Belts. Throwers launch items in a specific direction, acting as vertical or horizontal conveyors.
Automate the Loop
Place Throwers to launch wet sand from a collection point into the Shaker. Ensure the refined gold lands in a specific area (like a cellbox) for collection.
Place Shakers diagonally or below your water source to allow gravity to do the work of moving wet sand to the machines.
Tools & Tech Tree Comparison
Progression in Sandustry Browser is driven by the Tech Tree. You spend gold to unlock new buildings and abilities. Below is a comparison of the early-game tools you will unlock.
| Tool/Building | Function | Cost | Automation Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaker | Refines wet sand into gold/slag. | Research Cost | High (Processes automatically) |
| Thrower | Launches elements vertically or sideways. | Low | Medium (Requires input stream) |
| Conveyor Belt | Moves items horizontally (Standard). | Medium | High (Continuous flow) |
| Grabber | Picks up items from the ground. | Medium | High (Collection automation) |
| Demolisher | Destroys buildings or blocks. | Low | N/A (Utility) |
Prioritize Logistics and Guns early in the tech tree. Logistics allow you to stop manual carrying, while Guns allow you to clear hard blocks (Bedrock) and access new areas.
Advanced Logistics & Troubleshooting
As your factory grows, you will encounter bottlenecks. The physics engine can be chaotic, so understanding how items interact is crucial.
Common Logistics Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Clogging | Too much sand input at once. | Use Throwers to space out input or widen the drop zone. |
| Items Falling Off | Thrower angle is incorrect. | Throwers have specific directional logic; check if they are set to "Up" or "Side." |
| Water Mixing | Wet sand drying out before processing. | Keep the processing line close to the water source or use enclosed chutes. |
| Bedrock Blockage | Hitting indestructible layers. | Research Guns or Flux technology to break through. |
You cannot dig everywhere. Gray "Bedrock" layers and specific facility walls are indestructible until you unlock the correct weaponry (Guns) in the tech tree.
Flux Sites and Artifacts
To progress beyond the basic tech, you must locate Flux Sites. These areas contain purple gas and artifacts required for advanced upgrades.
- Visuals: Look for purple atmospheric effects.
- Requirement: Usually requires 500+ Gold to unlock the research.
- Strategy: Bring guns if available, as these sites often have restricted digging paths.
Progression Goals
To ensure you are advancing efficiently, aim for these milestones in order.
Early Game Milestones:
- Complete the tutorial panning phase
- Build your first Shaker
- Construct a Thrower chain to feed the Shaker
- Unlock the Grabber to collect gold automatically
- Research Guns to clear Bedrock
- Locate and secure a Flux Site
Community & Development
Sandustry Browser represents a growing trend of high-fidelity browser games. While it feels like a classic Flash game, it leverages modern web tech for complex physics.
Q: Is Sandustry Browser free to play?
The game is currently available as a demo on platforms like Steam NextFest. It is expected to launch in Early Access, where a purchase will be required.
Q: Why can't I stream this with Game Capture?
The game runs on the **Chromium** engine (similar to a web browser). Most streaming software detects it as a browser window, so you must use Window/Source capture instead of Game Capture.
Q: What is the end-game goal?
The game focuses on expanding your automation capabilities to handle massive amounts of sand, unlocking advanced tech like Guns and Flux logistics, and optimizing your factory layout against physics chaos.
Q: Can I play this on any browser?
Since it is built on Chromium, it runs best on Chrome, Edge, or other Chromium-based browsers. Performance may vary on Firefox or Safari.