Sandboxels

Sandboxels beginner guide

Use this walkthrough when the canvas is fun but confusing. It gives you a simple goal, a safe material order, and a few reaction chains to try.

Build your first stable scene

Use wall or rock as a base, add dirt and sand, pour a small amount of water, then place seed or plant. After the scene settles, add fire or magma far enough away that you can watch the chain instead of instantly clearing the board.

Best beginner materials

Start with predictable materials before explosive ones.

Sand shows falling and pile behavior.
Water shows flow, cooling, and steam reactions.
Dirt and seed create simple life reactions.
Wood and fire teach burn chains.
Wire and spark introduce electricity.

Common mistakes

Do not fill the whole canvas at once. Use smaller brush sizes, pause before placing dangerous materials, and save a scene before testing fire, acid, or explosives.