Sandustry is a factory automation game developed by Lantto Games and included with PC Game Pass. Its core differentiator is that every pixel is a physical entity with its own properties, so sand, ice, water, steam, seeds, and spores react to one another and the world. You arrive on an unexplored planet with diverse biomes, sift gold from sand, and build production chains using conveyor belts, filters, drones, pipes, and pumps. The goal is to assess the planet for industrialization while hunting artifacts left by an ancient civilization. Sand’s tendency to get everywhere adds a layer of complexity to every factory layout.

Pixel Physics and Resource Reactions

Every pixel in Sandustry is a physical entity with its own properties. Ice melts into water when heated, water turns to steam and rises if boiled, and steam returns as rain if it reaches the skies. Sand absorbs water from limited reservoirs, creating wet sand that can be sifted for gold. Watered seeds bloom into flowers, which can be ignited with fire to produce vital resources. These reactions chain together: you can redirect lava to punch through ice walls, or use a flamethrower when a rocket launcher is not handy. The behavior of sand—coarse, rough, and everywhere—introduces complexity into every production line.

Factory Automation and Modding Tools

You start with a trusty conveyor belt and expand into filters, drones, pipes, pumps, and other parts. Unlock powerful new technologies and production chains as you assess the planet’s viability for further industrialization. Build a pixel-perfect factory to optimize every step, or embrace chaotic webworks of conveyor belts and lifts as long as they work. The game is built with modding in mind: dedicated tools let you create visual tweaks, hand-crafted maps, entirely new buildings, and new processes that integrate into production chains. You can share ideas or overhaul the whole game.

Artifacts and Ancient Vaults

Deep beneath the planet’s surface lie vaults left by an ancient civilization. You seek out powerful artifacts and spend resources to unlock their boons. These vaults contain knowledge and power, and reaching them requires overcoming challenges left behind. You can use a rocket launcher to mine through terrain, a flamethrower to punch through thick ice walls, or redirect lava instead. The artifacts feed into your industrial progression, giving new options for production and exploration.