Update #3 introduces two major physical interactions: Lava destroys Fluxite, Redsoil, and Strataform on contact (requiring Basalt lining), but sub-zero Thermal Buffers can now rapidly freeze incoming Lava into solid transportable Cinder. Additionally, mining Lasers can now directly melt environmental Ice into flowing Water, providing an instant fluid source in cold biomes.
Update #3 · Mechanics Changes
Sandustry Update #3 Guide: Lava Terrain Destruction, Thermal Buffers & Critters
Update #3 (v0.5.6) fundamentally changes environmental hazards. Lava now actively destroys specific terrain types upon contact, and Thermal Buffers have gained critical sub-zero interactions. Adapting your factory is no longer optional.
Quick answer
How to protect your base and utilize Update #3 features
What the evidence supports
Adapt to Update #3 hazards,
secure your factory.
01 · Encase Lava Channels
Since v0.5.6, Lava destroys Fluxite, Redsoil, and Strataform. Immediately upgrade your natural Lava trenches by replacing the borders with Basalt or Foundation blocks.
02 · Sub-Zero Thermal Buffer Freezing
Thermal Buffers now transition correctly at negative (cryogenic) temperatures. Routing Lava into a negative-temperature Thermal Buffer instantly solidifies it into Cinder without needing Cryogun Snow.
03 · Laser Ice Extraction
Lasers now melt Ice blocks upon sustained beam contact, releasing pressurized liquid Water. Use this in arctic regions to bypass water pump piping over long distances.
04 · Pet & Corral Critters
You can now pet creatures by moving over them, making them happy and temporarily boosting their capabilities. In addition, Voltblub energy output has been boosted in general, making them effective bio-electric generators when corralled with Critter Fences.
05 · Recheck Shaker & Launcher Collisions
Update #3 fixed collision edge cases when Launchers are placed adjacent to multi-tier Shaker chutes. Verify your existing launch angles.
Questions answered
Solve the next
blockage.
Why is Lava destroying my factory terrain?
As of Update #3, Lava is programmed to aggressively melt Fluxite, Redsoil, and Strataform. It must be contained with structural blocks like Basalt.
Can a cold Thermal Buffer freeze Lava into Cinder?
Yes. When a Thermal Buffer runs at sub-zero temperatures, contacting Lava immediately crystallizes it into solid Cinder, creating a compact cooling loop.
Can Lasers melt Ice in Sandustry v0.5.6?
Yes. Firing an industrial mining Laser at natural Ice blocks converts them directly into flowing Water pixels.
Does petting Critters provide a factory buff?
In Update #3 (v0.5.6), moving over a critter pets them, making them happy and temporarily boosting their capabilities. In addition, Voltblub energy output was boosted in general, providing steady bio-electrical pulse harvesting when corralled with Critter Fences.
Evidence notes
Confirmed first.
Tested second.
Source Wiki
- Lava actively melts and destroys Fluxite, Redsoil, and Strataform terrain tiles upon physical contact.
- Thermal Buffers feature new state transitions when operating under negative temperatures, enabling direct freezing of Lava into Cinder.
- Laser beams melt Ice terrain into liquid Water on beam impact.
- You can now pet critters by moving over them, making them happy and temporarily boosting their capabilities. Voltblub energy output has also been boosted in general.
Community-tested
- Reddit r/SandustryGame: Players report that uncontained Lava spills have destroyed their entire mid-game Fluxite farms after loading into Update #3.
- Steam Discussions: Players confirmed the new Thermal Buffer mechanics stabilize large-scale cooling arrays that previously stalled at 0°C, providing an automated Cinder solidifier.
- Builders note that while petting Critters does not confer an overt numerical buff (GAP-0909-01), it halts errant pathfinding toward delicate conveyors.
These are useful player examples, not official specifications.