Sands of Aura

Sands of Aura

Released Oct 2023

Sands of Aura is an open-world action adventure with a fantasy setting of a realm in its twilight--a world buried beneath a sea of sand. Sail across the sandseas to return life to a dying world in an unforgettable experience that is equal parts engaging story and unrelenting, souls-like combat.

74% positive · 839 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence

Where to buy

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Evaluation

Sands of Aura completed its Early Access journey and launched as a full 1.0 release on October 27, 2023. The developer had posted on August 29, 2023 confirming that all planned content for the 1.0 release was finished and locked in. Following launch, two notable post-launch updates arrived: the Hard Mode update on December 21, 2023, and a major console launch (PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) paired with a substantial PC patch on February 26, 2026, which introduced a new Targeting Assist System, Compass UI, and combat balance adjustments. The developer's August 2023 post was explicit that the 1.0 package represented the completion of all planned content. The post-launch updates (Hard Mode and the console port patch) appear to reflect the "continued support" promise from the 1.0 launch post rather than a new content development cycle. No new content, expansions, DLC, or roadmap has been announced since the console launch in February 2026. The only DLC listed is the game soundtrack, which released in November 2023 and is not gameplay content. Given the lack of any announced future content, the absence of an ongoing update cadence beyond the console launch, and the developer's original explicit statement that all planned content was delivered at 1.0, the game is best understood as a complete product. The February 26, 2026 console launch patch represents the most recent meaningful update and is a reasonable endpoint for the game's content development.
Evidence
Console launch (PS5, Xbox, Switch) paired with a major PC patch adding Targeting Assist, Compass UI, and combat balance changes. Most recent developer communication.
news post · Feb 26, 2026 source content shipped
high
Developer officially announced post-production status, stating all planned content for Sands of Aura 1.0 — islands, allies, enemies, bosses, items, armor, equipment, and story — was complete and locked in.
news post · Aug 29, 2023 source development ending
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Released
Nov 2023

Media

Details

Publisher
indie.io
Achievements
72
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

A ruinous cataclysm unleashed by a tormented god descended the world of Talamhel into perpetual night. The hourglass of time was shattered and its essence poured across the land, creating an endless sea of sand. The once-flourishing world of Talamhel became a putrid lesion of its former glory and those who called it home are now husks of corruption--violent, undying, unyielding soldiers of death.

But Talamhel is not lost--not yet. For generations, the righteous few have endured. You are one of those few.

On the eve of your induction into the Order of Remnant Knights, the last protectors of man, Talamhel is once-again wracked by calamity. The corruptive nature of the Night Plague has mutated, and the realm of man needs the Remnant Knights more than ever.

Track down the emergent evil and destroy it. Protect the realm of man.

From the helm of your nimble grainwake, carve across the perilous sandseas to confront the source of this newfound terror, but don’t expect a guiding light or a red X on a map. You’ll chart your own course forward--behold the open seas, and choose the heading you best see fit.

But familiarity is a far-flung concept aboard the grainwake--the shifting sands are always changing, revealing secrets, dangers, and paths unseen. Things are not as they seem…

  • Talamhel is an open world, free to explore and discover as you please.

  • Every island is a unique, colorful encounter of combat, lore, and plunder.

  • With tiered levels of difficulty, locations offer challenges that will reward those who overcome.

  • With a trusted (undead) companion rested in the crow’s nest, you’ll never sail the seas alone.

The corruption that plagues Talamhel has created a horde comprised of both man and other Talamhelic natives: The venerable Ferrum and the insectoid, hive-minded Hashara. Once warring nations have become an abominable army of undying malice.

From doomsday cultists to fallen kings, the foes that guard the answers you seek are determined to see your end. Prepare for an unrelenting, unforgiving combat experience not to be taken lightly. Swing true, dear knight, swing true.

With hundreds of weapon components to be reclaimed from the crumbled remains of civilization, there are thousands of unique weapons to be forged. Find the hilt that fits just right.

  • Cleave through the corruption with 7 distinct fighting styles.

  • Bolster yourself with dozens of armor sets, each with their own unique defenses.

  • Combine and modify your devastation with magical augments, creating a personalized build.

Starspire is the sanctuary that you call home, and its doors remain open to those you deem worthy of its hearth. Along your journey, you will encounter refugees in need of shelter and a Remnant Knight can see they find it in Starspire.

Each person deserving of Starspire will make their new home stronger and safer, but not all are deserving.

Working as an optional companion to core gameplay, Starspire offers an opportunity to test your Remnant traits of leadership and judgment. The choices you make regarding Starspire’s residents will alter your story and affect your fate, as well as the fate of others--but only if you choose to make those choices.

  • New Starspire residents unlock perks like gifts of exclusive equipment and unique services.

  • Discover the lives of others, their choices and actions, and decide their fate.

  • Engage with characters unlike any you’ve ever met, and rebuild a community.

  • Decisions not easily made: become familiar with the grey area between right and wrong.

The symphony of the sands are brought to life with an evocative, soul-stirring soundtrack composed and produced by the incredible Eduardo Lopez.

Sands of Aura will feature a fully symphonic soundtrack, with a wide selection of instrumentation--from the haunting strings of the antique Viola Da Gamba to the resonant thunders of a professional Bulgarian choir.

These are the unforgettable sounds of Talamhel. The score of a wounded world.

Last evaluated Jun 16, 2026
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