Weapons

Your arsenal in SAND: Raiders of Sophie splits between Mounted weapons fitted to Tramplers and Player-carried weapons used by crew members. Each weapon type excels in different scenarios, from the railgun armor-piercing precision to the shotgun devastating close-range blasts. Matching the right weapon to the right situation is key to survival.

WeaponTypeTierDamage Type
RailgunMountedSAnti-Trampler
Heavy CannonMountedSExplosive
LeviathanMountedAArea Denial
RiflePersonalABallistic
ShotgunPersonalBClose Range
PistolPersonalCSidearm
Mounted3 weapons

Railgun

S

Anti-Trampler

Strengths

Highest single-target damage in the game with unmatched armor penetration. Penetrator rounds ignore shields and hit weak points directly, making it devastating against heavily armored targets.

Best For

Boss-killing and destroying heavily armored Upior targets at range. Essential for Storm Dive missions where you face elite enemies with thick armor plating.

Recommended Tramplers

Pro Tips

  • Charge your shots fully. Partial charges deal significantly less damage
  • Aim for weak points to deal critical damage that bypasses even heavy armor
  • Use from maximum range where enemies cannot easily retaliate

Heavy Cannon

S

Explosive

Strengths

Massive area-of-effect explosive damage that obliterates groups of enemies. The splash radius is the largest of any weapon, and its damage scales with direct hits.

Best For

Clearing large groups of weaker Upiors and breaking through enemy defensive positions. Ideal for Voyage mode encounters with swarm-type enemies.

Recommended Tramplers

Pro Tips

  • Lead your targets. The projectile has travel time at longer ranges
  • Fire at the ground near enemies to catch them in the blast radius even if you miss
  • Save your ammo for groups. Single targets are not cost-effective

Leviathan

A

Area Denial

Strengths

Creates persistent denial zones that enemies cannot pass through. Area denial fields last for extended durations, controlling the battlefield and funneling enemies into kill zones.

Best For

Defending extraction points and creating safe zones for your crew. Perfect for controlling chokepoints and protecting the Dune Fortress during stationary operations.

Recommended Tramplers

Pro Tips

  • Place denial zones at chokepoints to funnel enemies into your crew fire
  • Stack multiple Leviathan fields for increased damage in overlapping areas
  • Use as a retreat tool. Drop a field behind you to block pursuing enemies
Personal3 weapons

Rifle

A

Ballistic

Strengths

Reliable sustained damage at medium to long range with high accuracy. Consistent output and manageable recoil make it the most versatile player weapon for any situation.

Best For

General-purpose combat in any game mode. The go-to weapon for medium-range engagements and the safest choice when you do not know what enemies you will face.

Recommended Tramplers

Pro Tips

  • Control your fire rate. Spamming reduces accuracy significantly
  • Use medium range as your sweet spot. Too close and you are vulnerable, too far and damage drops
  • Prioritize headshots on humanoid Upiors for bonus damage

Shotgun

B

Close Range

Strengths

Devastating close-range burst damage that can eliminate targets in a single blast. Spread pattern is forgiving at close range, making it easy to hit fast-moving targets.

Best For

Close-quarters combat inside structures and underground areas. Best used by Light Trampler pilots who can close distance quickly and deliver point-blank blasts.

Recommended Tramplers

Pro Tips

  • Get within point-blank range for maximum damage. One blast can kill most standard enemies
  • Use corners and doorways to ambush enemies at close range
  • Switch to your sidearm immediately after firing if the target survives

Pistol

C

Sidearm

Strengths

Lightweight sidearm with fast draw speed and unlimited reserve ammo. The perfect backup weapon, quick to switch to when your primary runs dry mid-fight.

Best For

Emergency backup when your primary weapon is reloading or out of ammo. Also useful for finishing off weakened targets without wasting primary ammunition.

Recommended Tramplers

Pro Tips

  • Keep it as a finisher. Do not engage fresh enemies with a pistol
  • Use while repositioning. It is accurate on the move unlike heavier weapons
  • Conserve primary ammo by using the pistol on easy low-threat targets

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I focus on Mounted or Player weapons first?+
Early game, invest in Player weapons first since they are cheaper and used on every mission. Once you have a solid Rifle and Shotgun, start upgrading your Mounted weapons for tougher encounters.
Can I carry multiple Player weapons?+
You can carry one primary weapon and one sidearm simultaneously. The sidearm slot is typically reserved for the Pistol, but other sidearms may be available through updates.
Do weapons have durability?+
Mounted weapons have durability that degrades with use and must be repaired at the Dune Fortress crafting station. Player weapons have unlimited durability but require ammunition.
What is the best weapon for Storm Dive?+
The Railgun is the top choice for Storm Dive due to its armor penetration against elite enemies. Pair it with a Rifle as your player weapon for versatile mid-range combat.

Weapon Guides