Dark Sand

Dark Sand is a terrain block used on certain Mindustry maps that behaves like a layer of sand with darker coloration and specific gameplay interactions compared to normal sand. It appears as a map tile type rather than a constructible building and affects pathing, resource placement, and aesthetics on maps where map authors choose to use it to create darker desert or ruined-area themes.

Dark Sand functions as walkable ground for most units and does not block movement. It is treated similarly to standard sand for unit traversal and for placement of structures that can sit on sand-type tiles. Map generation and custom maps use Dark Sand to vary visual style while maintaining the same mechanical properties as other sand tiles.

Practical notes and interactions:

• Units move across Dark Sand the same way they move across regular sand; no special speed modifiers or penalties apply unless a specific map script or mod adds such effects.
• Buildings that can be placed on sand can also be placed on Dark Sand without restriction; foundations and placement rules follow the underlying sand rules.
• Dark Sand is primarily a visual/terrain choice for map makers: use it to signal different biomes (ruined deserts, scorched earth) or to contrast with lighter sand and rock tiles.
• Resource nodes and ore deposits can be placed on Dark Sand by map editors; such placement is controlled by the map design rather than by the tile itself.
• Dark Sand does not provide cover, concealment, or any defensive bonuses to units; it is purely decorative in base-game behavior.
• When designing PvP or PvE maps, Dark Sand is useful to create lanes, chokepoints, and visual separation without changing gameplay balance relative to standard sand.