Mech fortress-builder Sand finally launches after multiple delays

Sand: Raiders of Sophie, a PvPvE extraction shooter where players build and pilot giant walking bases across alien dunes, has launched after a long string of postponements. The game blends player combat with battles between massive mechanical walkers as teams attempt to extract resources from a hostile desert world.

The release schedule shifted several times. An early access plan for April 2025 was scrapped, the project then moved toward a full release planned for March 2026 and later revised to June 10. On June 9 the launch was pushed again to June 22, and the game returned to early access status.

Launch day brought a few last-minute hiccups. Developers noted a technical issue that needed Valve's help and said it would delay the start by an hour or two; a 10-minute countdown later expired and was followed by a 20-minute timer. Before that second countdown ran out, Sand finally appeared on Steam and the release went live.

sand game, pvpve, extraction shooter, mech walkers, walking bases, early access, steam launch, launch delays, june 22, valve