Sand Land unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting where humanity has ravaged the world, leaving behind a spreading desert that threatens water sources. In this harsh landscape, humans and demons clash over scarce resources, with Beelzebub at the center of the conflict.
As the prince of demons, Beelzebub is enlisted by Sheriff Rao to locate a legendary water reservoir, accompanied by his loyal ally Thief. While this sets the stage for the narrative, there are essential initial tasks that players should prioritize in Sand Land.
6 Acquiring Your Vehicle
Exploration and Combat in Grottos
Following a brief tutorial and introductory scenes with Beelzebub, the real adventure commences when Rao recruits him and Thief for their journey. Taking the wheel, players can freely navigate this desert region, engaging in battles with monsters to earn EXP, materials, and Zeni, the in-game currency.
While the desert may seem barren, observant players may uncover hidden grottos containing valuable chests. Some locations might be challenging to access, requiring players to mark them for future exploration—a useful tip reminiscent of Metroidvania games.
5 Essential Skills to Develop
Maximizing Party Abilities
Progressing through battles and story events will lead to level-ups for Beelzebub and his companions. As they level up, Beelzebub gains skill points for his tree, while allies receive their own skill point pools. Beelzebub's skill tree enhances his stats and combat prowess, whereas Rao and Thief acquire abilities to support him actively or passively. Early acquisitions like Thief's Spoils of War and Zeni Ahoy skills prove invaluable, increasing item and currency drops from enemies.
4 Obtaining a Tank
Strengthening Your Arsenal
Once players have explored with their car, progressing through the narrative leads them to a town where a mini-quest involving Thief transforms Sand Land into a brief stealth experience. Subsequently, the party embarks on a mission to procure a tank from an enemy base.
The tank introduces various gameplay possibilities, facilitating faster travel and bolstering combat capabilities for Beelzebub and allies. It can even demolish obstacles like boulders guarding hidden grottos. Players should practice utilizing the tank en route to Spino.
3 Journey to Spino
Enhancing Your Vehicle at Ann's Garage
Upon acquiring the tank, the next destination in the story is Spino. This marks a significant expansion in gameplay, prompting players to potentially prioritize reaching Spino quickly over previous suggestions. Ann's garage in Spino becomes a crucial hub for upgrading the tank's capabilities.
Players should focus on enhancing both the tank's defenses and weaponry by investing accumulated Zeni and parts. By this stage, completing side quests in Spino, such as those offered by the mayor, becomes available, enriching the gaming experience.
2 Explore Surrounding Spino
Uncovering Side Quests and Challenges
Following the main quest update in Spino, players should test their tank's capabilities by engaging with tougher adversaries in the vicinity. From menacing monsters to wasteland dwellers like Wannabe Junkers, the challenges escalate. One notable side quest involves aiding an ex-Royal Army officer named Mos south of Spino, offering a rewarding experience. Additionally, activating radio towers in the area reveals points of interest on the map, akin to mechanics in other open-world titles.
1 Reach Lisab
Engage in Market Activities and Pursue Bounties
The city of Lisab presents players with diverse shopping opportunities for vehicle parts, supplies, and more. It serves as the starting point for acquiring the first mech, a Jump-bot, through the main questline. Beyond the story, Lisab features a compelling bounty system where players can undertake tasks like confronting the formidable Wasteland Hooligan, offering lucrative rewards. Engaging with these bounties early on can significantly boost the player's financial standing in Sand Land.