Level 2 · Progression reference
Sandustry Research Tree Reference
Launch-day Sandustry research tiers, important unlocks, currencies, and links to a practical what-to-unlock-first guide.
Research unlocks Buildings and Tools by spending Gold, Energy, or Aura. The official table is still WIP, so use this as a dated map and verify costs in game after patches.
Tier overview
| Tier | Representative unlocks |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Shaker, Logistics, Hover, Map, Flare Gun, Filter |
| Tier 2 | Kinetic Press, Flamethrower, Burner Belt, Sweeper Drone, Cryoblaster |
| Tier 3 | Fluids, Planter Box, Gun, Vacuum, Digger Drone |
| Tier 4 | Advanced Filter, Rocket Launcher, Logistics Mk.2, Hauler and Recon Drones |
| Tier 5 | Current official table remains incomplete |
Research currencies
The latest official overview names Gold, Energy, and Aura as research currencies. Early Gold is obtained through Wet Sand processing, making the Shaker chain the first strategic dependency.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sandustry research tree complete?
Not yet. The official Wiki currently labels the page WIP, and Tier 5 is incomplete.
Sources checked
Facts were checked against these primary or official sources on August 13, 2026. Explanations and recommendations are independently written.