My Time at Sandrock

My Time at Sandrock is a farm life sim and role-playing game released in 2023. It was developed by Pathea Games and published by PM Studios and Focus Entertainment. The game follows up on the 2019 title My Time at Portia, taking place in a desert region three centuries after a catastrophe wiped out advanced technology. Reviewers appreciated its cozy atmosphere but noted technical problems at launch. A sequel, My Time at Evershine, is currently in development.

The project was first announced in October 2020 and raised funds through a Kickstarter campaign. It was originally planned for an early access release in March 2021, but this was postponed because the developers needed a local rating certification. Early access finally began on May 26, 2022, for Windows. The full version launched on November 2, 2023, for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 4 version following on September 13, 2024.

In terms of gameplay, players build up the town, farm the land, mine for resources, gather materials, craft items, accept side quests called commissions, and explore dungeons along with ruins from old-world cities. Combat uses hack and slash mechanics. Because the setting is a desert, both players and residents must conserve water. Most machines require water, stored in a water tank, to avoid overheating. Cutting down trees is discouraged and can lead to penalties. Players can also socialize with and romance 21 non-player characters. The game blends elements of farm life sims with role-playing video games.

The world is set in a post-apocalyptic era, 300 years after the Day of Calamity destroyed earlier civilizations and most modern technology. Survivors rebuilt society, eventually forming the Alliance of Free Cities and a military group called the Civil Corps. The Alliance is at war with a tyrannical empire named Duvos, which seeks ancient technology and territorial expansion.

The story begins when the player arrives in Sandrock to replace a retiring builder named Mason. They meet several townsfolk, including fellow builder Mi-an, guild commissioner Yan, mayor Trudy, town minister Matilda, and local superhero Pen. The player handles various tasks: repairing a mine lift, rebuilding an outdoor stage wrecked by a sandstorm, and rescuing a scientist named Qi from ruins. Later, a bandit named Logan robs a train and escapes