Hi contenders!
The new demo version of Chains on Sand is now live!
We want to be clear: This demo is not a fully representative slice of the finished game, but it is our way of opening up the project for real feedback—like an “Early Access,” but free and focused on core combat and systems. We don’t want to charge for feedback, but we do want your honest thoughts and bug reports!
Why This Demo?
Chains on Sand is a tactical arena roguelike where every choice matters—from building your fighter to surviving brutal battles. The full version will have much more content, variety, and polish, but we’re opening up the core now to collect your experiences and impressions. The game is far from done, and what you play here is just the beginning.
What’s In the Demo (So Far)?
Tactical Arena Combat with stat-driven mechanics, injury, stamina, and active defense.
Character Creation with multiple races, traits, skills, and equipment choices.
Loot, Quality & Durability: Equipment can be found, looted, equipped, and has quality and durability that actually matter.
Special Bosses & Legacy Bosses:
The demo features early versions of a "bosses" system, and the start of the legacy boss system—where common enemies that defeat the players are "promoted" and can come back in later runs.
These systems will be massively expanded in the full game, with more unique boss personalities and more ways for your own legacy to shape future runs.
Highscore, Progression, and Popularity:
Survive, climb the ranks, and see your name in the arena’s records.
What’s New in This Update?
Major bugfixes to stat/race systems—Orc and Goblin bonuses are now consistent.
Extra Attack feat is working.
Interface to show ammount of movement and attacks left before the end of the turn.
Hit location selection by mouse improved (locks in like keyboard).
Trait/XP exploit bugs fixed; secondary stats always update.
Weapon and spell visuals polished—sprites now point the right direction.
Visuals and paperdoll updates for character and equipment in all screens.
Improved AI behavior - expect smarter enemies.
Some minor comestic polishing.
What’s Still Missing / Needs Feedback?
The demo is NOT the full game.
No story content, limited bosses, and some unfinished features.
Legacy and special boss systems are only lightly touched on here—the finished game will have a much deeper, more “persistent world” feeling where your victories (or defeats) echo for future players.
Saving/loading is experimental: Not fully implemented yet.
Bugs or confusion? Please let us know! Steam forums, Discord, or wherever you prefer.
Help Shape Chains on Sand!
We believe the best games are built with the community. If you enjoy deep tactical combat, brutal choices, and leaving your mark on the arena, give the demo a try and tell us what you think. We’re listening!
Chains on Sand will only get better with your input—
Wishlist, play, share, and let us know where you want the arena to go!
Our Discord: https://discord.gg/w89ERG8X4t