Sanctuary: Shattered Sun Q&A with Special_Bread: Insights Into Design, Gameplay, and What’s Next

If you’ve been eagerly following the development of Sanctuary: Shattered Sun, our latest developer Q&A featuring Special_Bread is a must-watch. Packed with behind-the-scenes details, this in-depth discussion dives into the design philosophy, core features, and the exciting road ahead as the team prepares for the demo and Kickstarter launch early next year.

Key Topics Covered in the Q&A

1. Demo and Kickstarter Launch Plans

The free demo and Kickstarter are set to launch simultaneously early next year. The demo will feature single-player scenarios that showcase the core mechanics, giving players a glimpse of what’s to come.
While the demo is open to everyone, early access to builds via Patreon remains available for those who wish to directly support development.

2. The Dyson Sphere Setting and Game Mechanics

Sanctuary’s Dyson Sphere isn’t just a visually stunning backdrop—it’s scientifically grounded. With habitats on the outer surface, massive apertures and orbital mirrors create realistic day-night cycles. This setting also drives gameplay, enabling mechanics like terrain destruction that can send units and bases spiraling into the sun below.

3. Faction Diversity and Design Challenges

Each faction—EDA, Chosen, and Guard—has been carefully crafted to ensure distinct playstyles without sacrificing balance:

• EDA: Prioritize armor, repair stations, and resource efficiency for strategic defense.
• Chosen: Focus on energy-based technology, including personal shields and upgradeable power grids.
• Guard: Emphasize intel and regeneration with transmitters and receivers for sustained pressure.
  Special_Bread emphasized the importance of faction identity while ensuring no single faction dominates the battlefield.

4. Macro vs. Micro Gameplay

Sanctuary strikes a balance between strategic decision-making and micromanagement. While micro is an option—like dodging projectiles—it’s not essential for success. This design makes the game accessible for casual players while maintaining depth for competitive enthusiasts.

5. Modding and Map Tools

From day one, modding has been a priority. Sanctuary will offer tools for creating custom content, importing maps, and tweaking gameplay mechanics. While these features will launch post-release, they’re deeply integrated into the game’s foundation to encourage a thriving modding community.

6. Single-Player Plans

For solo players, Sanctuary will include a full campaign and advanced AI for skirmishes. While the campaign is still under development, the team is building tools to support mission creation and sophisticated AI behaviors, ensuring a robust single-player experience.

7. Challenges in RTS Development

RTS development is a balancing act, and Special_Bread detailed the effort required to align mechanics, art, and balance. The team’s guiding philosophy? “Put care into the game, and players will trust you.” This attention to detail is evident across all aspects of Sanctuary’s design.

8. The Spirit of Classic RTS Games

Sanctuary is inspired by classics like Supreme Commander and Total Annihilation, but it’s far from a clone. The game seeks to capture the spirit of those titles while introducing new features like dynamic weather, terrain destruction, and strategic zoom on maps of unprecedented scale.

Bonus Moments

• Light-hearted discussions about faction mechanics and the importance of socks.
• A surprise cameo from Special_Bread’s cat, adding a personal touch to the session.
• Nostalgic nods to classic RTS maps like Seton’s Clutch, and how Sanctuary plans to build on that legacy.

Watch the Full Q&A

The full Q&A is available now, offering even more insights into the development of Sanctuary: Shattered Sun. Check it out and let us know your thoughts—or ask your own questions to be addressed in future updates.

Sanctuary: Shattered Sun continues to take shape as a bold, innovative RTS that honours its inspirations while forging its own path. Get ready for the demo and Kickstarter launch early next year—it’s a journey you won’t want to miss!