Sandboxels
Sandboxels volcano ecosystem guide
A finite, rebuildable scene idea that shows why falling sand games are satisfying: hot magma, cool water, steam, new rock, ash, soil, and returning plant life.
Scene layout
Use rock or wall to form a crater, put magma in the center, add dirt and sand on the slopes, then place a small water pocket above one side so the first reaction creates steam and cooled rock.
Reaction loop
The scene works because water cools magma into rock, fire and heat create smoke or ash, ash and dirt make a base for plant life, and new water can push the slope into a different shape.
How to customize it
Add wire and spark for a stormy volcano, use snow or liquid nitrogen for an ice volcano, or place plant and seed at the edge to watch life recover after heat.