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SAND: Raiders of Sophie Launches Into Steam Early Access After Repeated Delays

Early Access creates a testing window for Hologryph to improve servers and trampler systems before a full release.

Overview

  • The game went live on Steam Early Access with a 21% launch discount, and players can access the Voyage and Storm Dive modes plus the Trampler Editor.
  • Development shifted to Early Access after a long schedule of postponements that included plans for April 2025 and a full release target earlier in 2026.
  • Launch-day rollouts produced short, public stalling: the team posted in Discord about needing Valve’s help, started and reset multiple countdowns, and many players reported server instability that interrupted missions.
  • SAND centers on modular walking forts called tramplers that players build and crew, a design that rewards cooperative play but offers solos-only servers for single players.
  • The Early Access window is meant to let Hologryph iterate on stability and balance with community feedback on Discord, and fixes to servers and matchmaking will shape player retention and reviews going forward.