- Small Correction - 10 September 2026
- Just a small correction on Sevrin's selection rules.
- The Fencing Update is Live - 9 September 2026
Hi everyone! The final planned content update for Chains on Sand is now live. A new way to fight: Fencing Fencing is a precise defensive skill built around parries and tactical retreats. Retreat now grants +3 to both Dodge and Parry, while Parry uses two-thirds of your Fencing skill. Heavy weapons remain impossible to parry, so choosing when to stand your ground still matters. New weapon: Rapier A light thrusting weapon that deals Thrust +1 impaling damage. It favors precision and finesse over raw damage. New special opponent: Sevrin A vampire nobleman and celebrated nocturnal arena duelist. Once his conditions are met, Sevrin can appear as a special opponent, complete with his own introduction cinematic and a new achievement. Also included Targeted fixes to opponent AI, particularly spell-using archetypes. Combat and interface fixes. General stability improvements. This is the final pl…
- Chains on Sand — Final Content Update in Development - 3 September 2026
Hi everyone!It’s been a while since the last update, but I wanted to share a quick note about Chains on Sand.I’m currently preparing one final content update for the game, including some of the content I had originally planned to add after release. I don’t want to announce a date until I’ve finished testing it, but development has started and I’ll share more once it’s ready.Chains on Sand will be on sale tomorrow, on its lowest price ever, so if you had it sitting on your wishlist, this is a good time to give the arena a try.In parallel, I’ve been working on my next game, Submundus — a survival dungeon crawler where your deck is your character sheet. It’s a very different game, but it carries forward my interest in turn-based combat, character building and systems-heavy gameplay.The Submundus demo is currently in development and the game will be participating in the October Steam Next F…
- ⚔️ Update Released — Premade Characters, Tutorial Pass, Better UI, Controller Im - 21 November 2025
Hi everyone!Today’s update brings several improvements focused on accessibility, onboarding, and playability across different resolutions and input methods. Here’s what’s new:🆕 Premade CharactersYou can now jump straight into the arena with one premade character. Perfect for new players or anyone who wants to skip early stat point decisions.📘 Improved Tutorial & Combat ClarityThe tutorial gives a fast pass on the UI elements and provides combat tips. A warning overlay for enemy opportunity attacks was also added for every difficulty level.The goal is to make early fights easier to understand while keeping the game’s hardcore depth intact.🖥️ Better Resolution & UI CompatibilityMultiple internal improvements were made to support uncommon aspect ratios, including 1280×800 (Steam Deck) and ultra-wide setups. If anything still looks off on your screen, please let me know!🎮 Controller + S…
- New Character Overview Panel + What’s Next - 18 November 2025
Hey,I’ve been watching feedback and refunds and one thing is clear: a lot of people don’t fully understand what their stats actually do before they step into the arena. That’s on me.So I’ve started improving the character creation screen and overall readability:New: Character Overview PanelShows your base hit chance based on DEX + your best melee skill Shows critical hit / critical failure chancesShows Heavy Damage and Light Damage ranges for your current StrengthShows your base Dodge / Parry / Block chancesThe idea is: before committing to a build, you can quickly see “if I add 1 DEX or 1 point in Sword, how does that affect my actual chances?”This doesn’t make the game easier – it just makes it clearer why you hit, miss, or get smashed.What I’m working on nextShort-term goals for the next update:A better onboarding flow (premade starting character + clearer character creation)A small…
- Hey everyone — a small update just went live! ⚔️ - 11 November 2025
🔧 Fixes🩸 Fixed HP sometimes resetting to zero when going negative 🛡️ Fixed shields appearing comically large in the arena 💎 Fixed item quality prefixes not showing in tooltips💰 Price adjustmentWe’ve slightly lowered the price of Chains on Sand. After the first wave of feedback and data, we felt the previous price didn’t quite match what the game currently offers — and we want it to reach the right players sooner. If you already supported the game, thank you — your early support truly helps me keep improving and adding content. ❤️💬 What would you like to see in a tutorial?Combat basics? Character building? Defenses? Crowd system? I’d love to hear what you think is most needed.🎥 I’ll also be streaming the game for one hour soon — come chat about builds, tactics, and the next updates!
- Free Post-Launch Update — The Arena Burns Again! - 7 November 2025
Hi everyone — this is a free thank-you update for all who supported Chains on Sand after release.FixesBroken opponent weapons are now properly removed.Enemies who throw their weapons will no longer lose their main one.Automatic healing between battles now works as intended.Off-hand weapons and shields now keep their correct size after dismemberments.New ContentSzaar, the Lizardman champion, enters the arena.PyreCleaver, his fiery halberd that burns through armor, can now be faced — and claimed.New achievement: Defeat Szaar.For the next week we’ll focus on polishing any issues that arise and then review a new scoring formula for leaderboards. The current one will stay saved forever as the First Arena Leaderboard — our initial era of champions.If you enjoy the update, please consider leaving a Steam review — even a short one helps a lot. Thank you for every duel, every message, and every…
- Last chance for the launch discount + what’s next - 3 November 2025
The launch discount ends soon. If you were on the fence, this is your last call to grab Chains on Sand at the intro price.What’s nextEnd of this week: small bug-fix update, a new boss, and Steam achievements.Next big update (about a month): Fencing skill + new weapon rapier, another new boss, balance tweaks, and quality-of-life.If you prefer to wait, hit Follow/Wishlist and you’ll get an email when the next discount starts.Thank you If you’re enjoying the game, a short review helps a lot. It boosts visibility and tells me what to improve.Back to the arena soon!
- First Update: Flails, Crowd Favors, and Fixes - 31 October 2025
New weapon: Flail Heavy and hard to master (accuracy/parry penalty for the wielder) and nastier to defend against (harder to parry/block).Crowd may throw you a weapon If your weapon breaks, the crowd can toss a crude replacement — if they like you. Build that popularity!Balance & bug fixesCrossbows now deal impaling damage as intendedMore opponents carry blunt weaponsDwarf head overlays display correctly in Opponent SelectionArmor stops protecting when brokenTell us what you think Please post suggestions and bug reports in Discussions, and if you’re enjoying the game, leave a review — it helps a lot!Sneak peek Next boss will drop a unique bow. 🏹
- Chains on Sand — Post-Launch Roadmap - 30 October 2025
Thank you for the launch support. I am locking the early roadmap to tighten combat, add one new weapon path, a new boss fight, and a new finesse skill+ boss. Below are concrete milestones with target dates. If anything slips, I'll communicate early.Update 1 - Flail & FixesNew weapon: Flail — imposes Parry/Block penalties to defender. Hard to use.Balance/QoL: clearer hit/miss feedback, minor UI Polish, avoiding some slog fights when weapons break.Bugfixes: armor still protecting after being destroyed, enemy weapons breaking but dont being destroyed.Update 2 - New Boss Drop & SpectacleNew boss: a mid-tier champion with a unique loot piece.Update 3 - Fencing, Rapier & New BossNew skill: Fencing — rewards footwork and precision strikes.New weapon: Rapier — fast thrusts, high accuracy, counter-attack synergy.OngoingPerformance: faster scene starts on build vs editor.Stability: crash/soft-loc…
- Watch the developer try to improve his score on the Steam Leaderboard! - 29 October 2025
I’m going for a new personal best on Veteran difficulty and trying to climb the Steam Leaderboard. Come watch, ask questions, and hear about future plans for Chains on Sand. Facing, steps, limb damage, and the Crowd Judgment after each fight.
- Hotfix 1 — Leaderboard UI tidy (Top-15) - 28 October 2025
Fixed the Steam Leaderboard layout (no more header overlap; consistent spacing across resolutions).Capped visible entries at Top-15 so it’s clear who’s on the board—fight for a slot!Minor polish on the high-score screen.If you enjoy the game, a short Steam review helps a lot. Thank you!
- OUT NOW — Chains on Sand - 28 October 2025
Step into the Sand. The arena is open.Chains on Sand is a hardcore, turn-based arena roguelike where every move and every strike matters. Cripple limbs, bleed, surrender, or fight to the last breath while the crowd judges your choices. Let your name echo through the Steam Leaderboard.What’s inside at launchPermadeath runs with post-fight choices that affect rewards and reputationBrutal tactical combat with facing, stance, steps, and special maneuversConsequences: cripples, bleeds, knockdowns, and crowd judgmentProgression: loot what you kill, spend XP, and climb difficultySteam Leaderboard: chase clean runs and bragging rightsWatch live gameplay We’re broadcasting on the store page during launch. Drop by, ask questions, and see a run in action.New here? Start strongTurn to face opponents—side/back attacks are dangerousUse steps wisely; a single step after an attack can save youTarget le…
- Step into the Sand - 27 October 2025
Tomorrow the arena opens. Chains on Sand is a hardcore, turn-based arena roguelike—every move and every strike matters. Cripple limbs, bleed, surrender, or fight to the last breath while the crowd judges your choices.Permadeath runs with post-fight choices that affect rewards and reputationBrutal tactical combat with facing, stance, and maneuversLoot what you kill, climb difficulty, and chase a clean runLet your name echo through the Steam LeaderboardIf you like unforgiving tactics and gladiator stories, this one’s for you. See you in the sand.
- Chains on Sand launches in 7 days — New Trailer! - 22 October 2025
Chains on Sand launches in 7 days — New Trailer!Contenders, we’re one week from release. A new trailer is here—showing arena carnage, crowd judgment, and brutal finishers.What’s in the gameProcedurally generated opponents with varied behaviorsMany builds: allocate stats, skills, and traitsTactical combat with facing/flanking, crippling injuries, and dismembermentManeuvers, stances, hit locations, and status effects (stunned, bleeding, poisoned)Crowd Judgment: spare or execute—popularity has consequencesDozens of weapons & shields, quality tiers, and durabilityThrowables, consumables, and poisonsMagic schools: Body, Heal, Protection, ElementalSpecial opponents with unique loot; face the killers of your past charactersSteam Leaderboard to compare your deeds worldwideLaunch detailsRelease: in 7 daysPrice: $9.99 with a 10% launch discountIf you like brutal, turn-based arena tactics, Wishlis…
- Demo Wrap-Up - 20 October 2025
Quick update: I’ve unlisted the demo so I can focus entirely on polishing the full release. The demo build had diverged and no longer reflects the current game—so it’s time to let it rest.Huge thanks to the 428 people who played the demo. Your time, feedback, and bug reports helped shape Chains on Sand more than you know.Final Demo LeaderboardHere’s the final leaderboard snapshot from the demo era :What’s better in the full gameNew & improved leaderboard (cleaner layout, national flags, better tiebreaks)More arenas & hazards, premade contenders with backstories, and post-fight choicesPerformance, UI, and balance tweaks across the boardIf you enjoyed the slice, please Wishlist & Follow — it helps a solo dev a ton and makes a real difference for launch.🗓️ Release in 8 days 🎮 Wishlist & Follow!See you in the arena! ⚔️
- T-10 Days - 18 October 2025
Thanks for all the Next Fest love! We’re 10 days from release of Chains on Sand. Today I’m sharing a few shots from the full version (some never shared before).What’s new in the full gameMore arenas & hazards (spikes, fire, blood… lots of blood)Premade contenders with backstories (meet Varros)Fight the killers of your previous contendersRetire your successful contender and meet them again in the arenaMore Between-fight choices: repair, train, shop, or risk it allGet your freedom back (if you make it…)Improved Steam Leaderboard with National Flags🎮 Try the demo • 🧡 Wishlist & Follow (helps a solo dev a ton)
- We’re Live in Steam Next Fest – Play the Chains on Sand Demo Now! - 13 October 2025
Chains on Sand is now part of Steam Next Fest, and our demo is live! Brutal turn-based combat Crippling injuries, dismemberment, and surrender Create your gladiator, choose traits and magic, and fight for survival The crowd watches — will they demand mercy... or blood?This is your chance to step into the arena and fight for freedom. Download the demo, give it a try — and let us know what you think!👉 Play the Demo Now 🧡 Don’t forget to wishlist if you enjoy it — it really helps a solo dev like me!--ThVaz
- Maintenance Update - 3 October 2025
We’ve rebuilt the demo on the latest Unity 6.0 LTS (6000.0.58f2) to include a recently released security fix from Unity. There are no gameplay or balance changes in this update—just safer, more stable builds.What’s in this patchUpdated engine version to apply Unity’s security remediationGeneral stability/compatibility improvements from the engine patchSave files remain compatibleIf anything looks off after updating, please verify game files and let me know. Thanks for keeping the demo up to date!
- New Trailer + Demo Update + Steam Next Fest - 26 September 2025
New TrailerWe cut a tight trailer that shows more of the gameplay — build, choose, fight, recover. If you dig it, adding the game to your Wishlist really helps.Demo Update (what’s new)First-time tips: clearer and smoother.Animations & gore: improved, with new decapitations.Visual pass on gear: full rework — each armor/weapon type and quality now has a unique sprite.Combat rules: refined for readability and feel.Stability & UX: overall experience improved.Bug fixes: lots of them.We’re in Steam Next Fest! Play the updated demo during Steam Next Fest. We’ll be around for feedback and questions.How you can helpPlay the demo and tell us where you got stuck or surprised.Wishlist to follow development and boost visibility.Share the trailer with a friend who likes tactical, timing-driven combat.Store link (UTM):
