Hello, Drivers! Happy holidays! May your tanks never run out of gas! ːsteamhappyː
I've decided to summarize the year for the first time, as this year was a record-breaking year for updates – SIXTEEN updates, including some truly major ones. Let's recap the most important changes to Under the Sand this year, and at the end, I'll share my plans for 2026.
UPDATE #11
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696338398117892
The year started with a major update, in which I streamlined the save system. Previously, I used a third-party plugin for this, which didn't meet the requirements. So, I developed my own save system, which allowed me to implement new mechanics and content. The world has been completely updated – forks and turns have been added, the landscape has become more detailed, and a sandstorm has been added. The starting location has been redesigned – the player now lives in a garage, which is more logical. Progression has been added – new cars must now be found along the way. Character selection has been added – each with their own characteristics (this system will be expanded in the future), as well as extensive difficulty settings.
UPDATE #12
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696338398118187
This update fixes most of the bugs from Update 11 (all thanks to the community, thank you!).
UPDATE #13
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696338398118521
In addition to another batch of fixes, this update adds four new points of interest, as well as new roads.
UPDATE #14
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696338398118926
This update improves the spawn mechanics for new cars and reworks the balance.
UPDATE #15
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696972023234571
Another fix for all the bugs and inaccuracies found in Update 11 by the community. New travel statistics have been added.
UPDATE #16
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696972023234635
Final fixes for the bugs and inaccuracies of Update 11. Starting with this update, all game mechanics and systems are technically sound. This opened up new opportunities for me to add new mechanics and new content, which is reflected in subsequent updates.
UPDATE #17
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696972023235083
This update affects car engines, adding new stats. A new engine brand has been added – SATAMA – these are powerful and fast engines, but with high fuel consumption. A new POI and a themed radiator grille decoration have been added.
UPDATE #18
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510696972023238262
A very important technical update – I've finished working on the localization implementation. Thanks to the community, the game is currently translated into 13 languages! A huge thank you to all the localizers! Also, in previous versions of the game, some players experienced a rare bug: when the character got behind the wheel, they would completely undress (haha). In this update, I fixed this issue (it took several weeks to figure out what was going on).
UPDATE #19
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510698148348297263
This update affected paintwork – now all paintable objects appear in the world with a random paint color. Mirrors can be painted, and the paint job on rims has been fixed. Chrome paint cans have been added. New items have been added – wheel caps, which can be installed on stock rims (and they can also be painted!).
UPDATE #20
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/760648200723890219
A very significant update – a NEW VEHICLE OF A NEW CLASS has been added – the VARAN MINIBUS! This vehicle truly stands out from all previous versions in many ways – it's heavy and less maneuverable, but it has a large trunk and a stiffer suspension. You've really asked for it, and I've added an audio cassette storage system in the car – a really handy feature that inspired another idea – canister holders on board the car. Now you don't have to dig through a mountain of stuff in the trunk to find the item you need.
UPDATE #21
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/523083773462446111
A new mechanic has been added – digging sand with a shovel to find hidden items! This has brought more variety to interactions with the world. The sleep mechanics have also been changed – I got rid of the extra pop-up window that was seriously detracting from the immersion.
UPDATE #22
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510699509433500929
HERE THEY ARE! TRAILERS! I think this is the most anticipated update in the history of Under the Sand. And it was the most difficult to implement. In the future, the mechanics and capabilities of trailers will be significantly expanded.
UPDATE #23
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510701588810039573
Another expansion of the vehicle fleet! This time, the brutal muscle car SPARROW. Stylish, agile, and fast, but with minimal storage space for junk. Can you see why it was added after trailers, not before? :) Also, at your request, a primer has been added – it's designed to "reset" the color of a car/item, making it easier to paint them the desired color.
UPDATE #24
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/496066690279277752
This update primarily fixes bugs and inaccuracies found by the community.
UPDATE #25
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510712444576858144
A huge world update: NEW BIOME - half-buried roads, hundreds of kilometers of new roads, a new POI - an abandoned store, a new interactive object - a vending machine. Thanks to this update, the game world has expanded by 30%.
UPDATE #26
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1062960/view/510712444576858179
As usual, after a major update, comes an update fixing bugs found by the community. And a new item added ːsfsmileː
UPDATE #27
Still in development, but will be released in January! I tried to release it this year, but I didn't have time. A small spoiler: it will feature a new car and new POIs to explore.
What's new in Under the Sand planned for 2026
I'm very excited about the work done this year – both in terms of the number of updates and the amount of new content. Next year, I'll try to improve on that record and release 20+ updates! It will be a pleasure to review the next year with that number. I'm sharing my main plans for next year:
- Six new cars, including a sedan and a truck - Twelve new POIs, including a train station, police station, and factory - New biome – canyon (mountain road) - Special random events – including hitchhikers - Expanded car customization options – turbochargers, exhaust pipes, spoilers - Character costumes that will add specific bonuses - New world interaction mechanics – for example, opening boxes with a crowbar - Reworked radiation mechanics - Danger zones in POIs - Expanded world generation – spawning objects and obstacles outside of POIs (for example, an overturned bus in the middle of the road) - Steam Achievements
I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Under the Sand community; without you, none of this would have been possible! Happy holidays to everyone! ːhealthvialː
