Plan before you spend
These chains reflect the current build, not a permanent rule. Confirm each step against the mechanic reference before locking in a big layout.
Planning tools
Sandustry Tools: Chains and Research Checklist
These tables map the early production chains so you can build around them. Use them to lay out a shaker line, budget water, or decide which research to buy next.
Production chains
Research order
Water budget
Verified against v0.5.5 on 2026-08-20
Official reference
Production Chain Reference
Early game balance clusters around sand, water, shakers, and seeds. These are the chains players plan against most.
| Chain | Process | Output | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold line | Wet Sand → Shaker | Gold | Yield is a chance per pass, not a fixed count; diagonal placement feeds more drops per cycle |
| Seed line | Burnt Residue → Kinetic Press, dropped from height | Gold + Seeds | Leave output clearance below the press |
| Flower line | Wet Seed → Planter Box | Flower | Destroy flowers for Gold and Amethelis |
| Water loop | Capture steam and return it to water | Water | Steam carries water upward before you have pipes |
| Cold biome | Burn snow | Steam | Rises and condenses back to water |
Research Checklist
A spoiler-light order for your first gold, then logistics, then the seed loop.
Full research order · Upgrade priority · Light sources: Flashlight, Flare Gun, Wall Light