Sanctuary Shattered Sun Modding — Unity DOTS and Community Tools
Enhearten claims Sanctuary is already moddable on Unity DOTS. Learn what modders can change today, what stays locked, and how mods may interact with multiplayer.
Sanctuary Shattered Sun Modding Overview
During the Public Multiplayer Showcase, Enhearten staff stated the game is already moddable despite being pre-alpha. Sanctuary runs on Unity DOTS (Data-Oriented Technology Stack), which favors high unit counts but requires modders to understand entity-component workflows rather than classic GameObject scripting.
This page explains confirmed modding direction, realistic expectations for the July 2026 demo, and how community content could extend the Dyson Sphere RTS long after Early Access.
Why DOTS Matters for Modders
Traditional Unity mods swap prefabs and MonoBehaviour scripts. DOTS stores simulation state in entities and systems that run in parallel jobs. Benefits for Sanctuary:
- Thousands of units without collapsing frame time
- Deterministic simulation hooks for replay and potential ranked validation
- Burst-compiled math for orbital weapons and weather nodes
Trade-offs:
- Steeper learning curve than legacy Unity modding
- Tools must target ECS packages shipped with the game
- Balance patches may break mods that hook internal system ordering
What Developers Have Said
From showcase Q&A and press interviews:
- Maps: Community-authored battlefields are the most likely first mod category
- Balance: Possible but risky for online play if not server-validated
- UI skins: Mentioned as lower priority versus gameplay mods
- Total conversions: Not promised; IP and engine access limits apply
Nothing in the demo installer guarantees a polished Steam Workshop integration on day one. Treat Workshop as a goal until Enhearten publishes official mod SDK documentation.
Demo vs Early Access Modding
| Capability | Demo (July 2026) | Early Access target |
|---|---|---|
| Official mod SDK | Unlikely bundled | Expected documentation |
| File overrides | Unknown | Likely for local skirmish |
| Multiplayer mods | No | Server-side validation TBD |
| Map editor | Not in demo | Stretch / post-launch |
If you only play the demo, focus on learning mechanics rather than extracting assets. Respect Enhearten’s EULA — leaked builds are not mod platforms.
Safe Modding Practices
- Backup saves before installing any package
- Match game version strings in mod manifests
- Avoid executables from unofficial sites — use Steam or Kickstarter fulfillment only
- Document dependencies if you publish balance packs referencing tech levels
- Test Flux economy after unit stat changes; broken reclaim loops ruin macro guides
Multiplayer and Mods
Ranked multiplayer cannot allow arbitrary client-side stat edits without desync. Expect one of:
- Cosmetic-only mods in rated queues
- Custom lobbies with host-enforced mod lists
- Single-player / skirmish freedom with full file overrides
Watch Kickstarter updates for anti-cheat and dedicated server plans.
Content Ideas the Community Wants
Based on Discord and Reddit threads mirrored in our links hub:
- Asymmetric weather node layouts for control guides
- King-Piece variant win conditions for custom scenarios
- Historical EDA vs Chosen mission packs
- Quality-of-life camera tweaks (if API exposes input layers)
Getting Started When Tools Ship
When Enhearten releases a mod kit:
- Install the same Unity Entities package version listed in release notes
- Clone sample map project if provided
- Validate unit caps against system checker recommendations
- Share mods with version tags and link back to official channels only
Until then, contribute strategy write-ups on our guides index and report bugs through Steam forums linked on official resources.
Related Reading
- Tech levels — modded units must respect tier gates
- Superweapons — destructive abilities need careful MP permissions
- Release timeline — mod SDK likely after Early Access stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Can I mod the July 2026 demo?
No official SDK in the demo. Wait for Early Access documentation.
What engine does Sanctuary use?
Unity with DOTS/ECS for large-scale simulation.
Will Steam Workshop be supported?
Not confirmed. Developers said the game is moddable but have not promised Workshop day one.
Do mods work in multiplayer?
Unlikely for ranked until server validation exists. Custom lobbies may allow mod lists.
What should modders build first?
Authored maps and single-player scenarios are the safest starting point.
Where are official mod announcements?
Follow Enhearten on Steam, Kickstarter updates, and our links page.