Seed Lab, the developer behind upcoming life sim Starsand Island, has revealed more info about the multiplayer and combat of its title coming in early 2026.
The new info comes via a reveal during the PC Gaming Show, with Seed Lab lifting the lid on some secrets, like the combat, which will be third-person based. The developer explains that: “As players encounter the many strange animals that live among the ruins, they’ll use a range of weapons, including slingshots and bows, to remove a magical corruption from the creatures, enabling them to be domesticated.”
The studio continues: “Powerful animal bosses also live among the ruins, presenting a further layer of challenge. Overcoming them will take skill to exploit the creatures’ weaknesses, upgrade weapons and ammo, and perfectly time counters, but with the promise of greater rewards – including unlocking advanced professions to master – it’s a risk worth taking!”
Exploring the ruins and battling its strange inhabitants doesn’t have to be a solo experience; like the rest of Starsand Island life, it can also be enjoyed online with a friend, as part of the game’s multiplayer. Players will also be able to invite friends to help build their idyllic, pastoral life, as they plant and harvest crops, fish and master animal husbandry, and construct a perfect home. They can also share vehicles or ride the larger animals, and adventure across the length and breadth of the island.
Today’s reveal also highlighted a number of advanced features available to players on their journey to exploring the simple life: The addition of smart robots will help automate farming, ensuring the harvest is reaped while players are away from their homestead – perhaps on a futuristic hoverboard – while custom glasshouses built in DIY mode will harness the sun’s energy to further help with plant propagation.
We played an early version of the game a while back and said: “If you’re solely interested in the relaxing vibes of Starsand Island, then you can just run off and explore with no pressure from the game. The visuals are lovely, and there are a ton of vehicle options you can use to get around with ease. Skating down the beach in the sun and watching the world go by is just a great way to spend a lazy Sunday, especially when there’s a real world storm in the background.
There’s still a lot of Starsand Island I want to see, but even this limited preview was such a joy to play. In the colder months when you need some comfort then prepare to get lost in island life, because I reckon it’ll cure those winter blues in no time.”
Starsand Island is coming to PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Switch 2 in early 2026.
