Weather is the state of atmospheric change in regards to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, and pressure. Weather lasts the entire day and will persist regardless of where the player is on the map. This means that if it is sunny, it will be sunny everywhere.
Due to the harsh, dry climate of Sandrock, Sandrock rarely experiences rainy or moist weather. Sandstorms are frequent and devastating, often causing structural damage and leaving local townsfolk stranded indoors.
Differences by weather type[]
The following weather types are listed in descending order of most common to least commonly occurring.
Three weather types are currently implemented: sunny, rainy, snow or sandstorm. There is a 7% chance for a sandstorm to occur on any given day (except on the festival days and the days when some main story events happen that are always sunny).
Sunny[]
Sandrock is typically sunny throughout its calendar year. Sunlight is at its brightest with clear skies. The townsfolk are safe to be outdoors.
Sandstorm[]
Sandstorms engulf the region of Sandrock in a strong wind carrying clouds of sand. Often times sandstorms cause damage to buildings and leave debris. Local townsfolk stay indoors until the sandstorm subsides; if outside, the character will run indoors for safety. To endure the harsh weather, Sandgear and other sand-protective equipment are recommended when traversing the sandstorm.
A sandstorm is always scripted to occur after Picking Up the Slack to introduce the player to the sandstorm mechanic.
Gameplay changes[]
- The player cannot move unhindered unless they are wearing a Sandgear or a Sand Hat.
- Most characters stay indoors during a sandstorm. If outdoors, they wear a mask over their nose and mouth or wear other types of sand gear. The characters also speak special lines during a sandstorm asking the player stay indoors or be careful.
- Enraged monsters spawn during sandstorms.
- Refined materials that have not been picked up from the Crafting stations may be blown away. A message displaying "
Some items have blown away" will appear if the items that have finished crafting have been blown away by the strong winds. It is thus recommended to not leave finished materials waiting for extended periods of time on crafting machines during sandstorms. - Any stocked-up dew in Dew collectors will rapidly evaporate and the water level will drop to zero.
Rain[]
Rainy weather is rare in Sandrock. The first rainy day the player experiences will happen shortly after they start First Impressions; Owen will show up at the player's workshop to invite them to the Rain Celebration.
Afterwards rain will naturally occur only in Autumn, with a 4% chance of rain on any day of the season.
Gameplay changes[]
- Rain significantly boosts Dew Collector efficiency.
- Wooden Barrels placed on the ground can collect Dew.
- Rain refills the Water Tank at the Workshop.
- Rain slowly waters plants, aiding in farming activities.
- The player's machines will not accumulate sand.
- Townsfolk will have unique lines on rainy days.
Snow Storm[]
Snow storms happen rarely in Winter, There doesn't appear to be any snow storm related mission, but most NPCs do speak unique lines. Snowmen appear around town.