# Player Guide

## Get Started

### Download

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FR5HoTHQ6cYkk3E0c6uGN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ab6e0708-163c-48c4-8b20-11b170627130">Q3 2024 Launcher downloads and settings.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>START PLAYING IN MINUTES</strong><br><br>Download the Launcher. It will install the Game Client and keep you informed of content to play, updates, etc.<br><br>Step-by-step instructions:</td><td><a href="metaverse/launcher">launcher</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Equip an Avatar

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>EXPRESS YOURSELF</strong><br><strong>Buy or Create an Avatar</strong><br><br>Some avatar NFTs come with perks, such as exclusive gameplay access or rewards.</td><td><a href="../accounts/manage/avatar">avatar</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2Fzfi2i8cWWj8I5ulv4MAO%2FAvatar%20page%20shop%20tab%20resize.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e8e209aa-0776-47d4-a79f-d14caf4a6969">Avatar page shop tab resize.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
**AVATARS & IMMERSIVE NARRATIVES**

Some Experiences provide an avatar temporarily, like a space ship with custom animations.
{% endhint %}

## Content

### Where Can I Play?

Discover Experiences in the Launcher or at The Sandbox website:

<table data-card-size="large" data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Visible text</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Play&#x26;Earn in The Sandbox hosted <a href="https://www.sandbox.game/en/events/">Seasons &#x26; Events</a><br><br><a href="seasons-and-events">Learn more</a></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FYdhJjHyVs9hSMLDz8uIw%2F11%20events.png?alt=media&#x26;token=82b5dc36-c442-453d-a174-0cc7680dce93">11 events.png</a></td></tr><tr><td>Play UGC Experiences on the <a href="https://www.sandbox.game/en/map/">Map</a> (some may include contests)<br><br><a href="../general/map">Learn more</a></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FVUjkbRsQds7Ly6NnC3jy%2F2%20map%20resize.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9fad43ed-1d56-4512-8b3b-4e37fe63dac3">2 map resize.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### What Can I Play?

With constantly evolving creative tools, many Experience types can be enjoyed in The Sandbox:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Tower Defense</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FKkohIa6DyQnUFlDunoY4%2Ftower%20defense.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=fc888b00-737e-48a7-9ff2-20ad031a5cdc">Game types - tower defense.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Horror/Backrooms</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FEPgUMe9xdnN1WA51KlQG%2Fhorror%20backrooms.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=3ea843ec-d914-49c5-9e4b-35843a6df0a3">Game types - horror backrooms.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Cooking Simulator</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FjF3ZWtJsNa4q6WUyhlMt%2Fcooking%20sim.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=57d92d1a-d55c-4b51-8f7f-09a45fc99ee4">Game types - cooking sim.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Resource Management</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2Fpbzy46qs38MLop7UycQe%2Fresource%20management.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=e1523487-c209-41ea-aeac-e0746c6e8ced">Game types - resource management.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Parkour/Platformers</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FmJSnU6oyptYvn69fQvfR%2Fplatformers%20and%20parkour.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=69fef8bc-034a-487f-a401-95f5722b7e02">Game types - platformers and parkour.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Survival</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FdHlrGbXv2HUyycA9Q1Z2%2Fsurvival.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=7f0fa6df-3b66-4fdc-b034-efbb8907280f">Game types - survival.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Action/Adventure</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FQRWTJ3GSzxsDoBkqbpwK%2Faction%20adventure.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=f95785d5-5a2b-49c8-b95c-81fb3a76f093">Game types - action adventure.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Night Clubs &#x26; Concerts</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FL50lM4ivxw5ZnTwPE9pG%2Fnight%20clubs%20and%20concerts.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=a6ef410a-23be-4625-9e4e-60c692b91448">Game types - night clubs and concerts.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Virtual Home &#x26; Architecture</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FB5AENOOtbCIngWm1YAaG%2Fvirtual%20home%20architecture.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=ca0220a5-3fee-4315-92b8-47e7991312f0">Game types - virtual home architecture.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>NFT Gallery/In-Game Shop</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2F8k92bDiT22piXg6UZWCx%2Fnft%20gallery%20in%20game%20shop.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=04acbdd1-7d30-4da7-b0b6-1b02d911c1e2">Game types - nft gallery in game shop.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Puzzle Games</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FIQKg9oFcwhpKsJjc8Opr%2Fpuzzl%3Be%20games.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=31c249c5-da2d-4b78-b979-86a74313cebc">Game types - puzzle games.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Social Hubs</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FJoUZgaCtLynjHrn6cW6f%2Fsocial%20hubs.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=c9277770-03fa-4489-b75e-f061c1bd70e5">Game types - social hubs.avif</a></td></tr><tr><td>Simulation</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FKzWPkNZE2H6DYimThMYO%2Fsimulation.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=dc27b4c6-9bd5-4ede-b6be-cb3e08ddc7d3">Game types - simulation.avif</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Controls

### :beginner: Tutorial First Time Square

Learn controls through play.

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.sandbox.game/en/experiences/Tutorial%20First%20Time%20Square/d7eff912-d866-4023-828b-a56fa8236fbe/page/"><strong>PLAY NOW:</strong> <br><strong>Tutorial First Time Square</strong></a></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2F1jbkkS4xz4TW9pxGQG10%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=438bd8e9-2c1d-408a-81b4-1d44de2dd4a8">Tutorial First Time Square - Play to Learn.png</a></td></tr><tr><td>The <strong>metaverse</strong> is full of <strong>challenges</strong> and obstacles. Master all of your basic skills here.</td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FafpLoMViSrNMOVjmgOph%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=40d04ba3-8bbf-45ba-817b-9bc85d828b26">Tutorial First Time Square - play to learn.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Control Menus & Tips

The first time you open any Experience, you'll see a tip screen for controls needed to play.

<figure><img src="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2F3YoFJPSEw69kxwCYJDQs%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a0264193-ff7b-49b8-90e5-be17ba3e614b" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>First time popup when playing</p></figcaption></figure>

Press `ESC` to open the main menu and view controls anytime during play.

Press `` ` `` to view controls at a glance, which may include some custom game controls using numbers and mouse inputs.

### Social Tools <a href="#enjoy-sleek-social-tools" id="enjoy-sleek-social-tools"></a>

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>EMOTES</strong></p><p>Hold <code>T</code> to open the wheel. </p><p></p><p>Use emotes, stickers, dances, and more! </p><p></p><p>Change pages with your mouse scroll wheel.</p></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FMqjCtCRUiCLjrMqlqcok%2FGC%20GM%20emote%20wheel%20stickers%20sm%20opt.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=59ea3b45-0d14-4b05-bc8e-af18228be066">GC GM emote wheel stickers sm opt.gif</a></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>CHAT &#x26; FRIENDS</strong></p><p>Press <code>ENTER</code> to open social panels.</p><ul><li><strong>Chat</strong> (left) - choose a language, click a user to follow, block, view profile, or send a message.</li><li><strong>Friends</strong> (bottom right) - view friends, find suggestions.</li><li><strong>Top bar</strong> - View Social, Map, Inventory, and NFTs screens.</li></ul></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2Ffvrct7m7Mcg4sgAGVd16%2FGC%20GM%20Chat%20and%20Social%20new%20UI%20sm%20opt.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=7ff22d39-aef9-4b34-a48f-642e886eab8e">GC GM Chat and Social new UI sm opt.gif</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Join Friends

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>Use chat in-game to find which instance ID you’re in. Just type:</p><p></p><p><strong>/instances</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>To join a friend’s Experience instance, use the instance ID in the in-game chat. Just type:</p><p></p><p><strong>/join [ID_Instance]</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Manage Your Experience at The Sandbox

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="../accounts/manage">manage</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="../accounts/manage-wallet">manage-wallet</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="claim-rewards">claim-rewards</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Common Questions

<details>

<summary>Does it cost anything to play?</summary>

This is the game designer's choice:

* Many free-to-play (F2P) games
* Players must own a specific NFT or one from a specific collection to access:
  * exclusive gameplay or bonus features within an Experience
  * all gameplay in an Experience

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I earn SAND while I play?</summary>

The Sandbox is designed to support a circular economy where players:

* May earn SAND and NFT rewards through Play\&Earn mechanics
* May use SAND to buy avatars and equipment to enhance gameplay and support creators
* May use SAND to buy required NFTs to enter Experiences with exclusive content

Most Seasons and Events include Play\&Earn mechanics. See [**The Sandbox**](https://www.sandbox.game/) website for details.

:warning: You must verify your account to claim rewards. See [verify-kyc](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/accounts/manage/verify-kyc "mention")

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I create or destroy terrain blocks or objects during play?</summary>

Our platform empowers creators to customise gameplay so that every Experience is unique with its own set of gameplay mechanics.

Here are just a few creative possibilities:

* You may play **multiplayer** cooperative/competitive games or **singleplayer** games
* A variety of game types are possible with a unique player HUD per game
* Gameplay mechanics can be fully customised, which can affect how blocks and objects may be interacted with, how teams logic and resources are set up, etc.

</details>

### Discord: Help & Community

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://discord.gg/thesandboxgame">Join Discord</a></td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/thesandboxgame">https://discord.gg/thesandboxgame</a></td></tr><tr><td><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="1f5e3">🗣️</span><a href="../general/discord-community">Discord Community</a> guide</td><td><a href="../general/discord-community">discord-community</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Information in Many Languages:

{% content-ref url="../general/languages" %}
[languages](https://docs.sandbox.game/en/general/languages)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Learn How Experiences & Assets are Made

The Sandbox is constantly developing new features with feedback from the community to empower creators to build, launch, and monetise their creations.

The [**Creator Portal** ](https://app.gitbook.com/o/-MOZyR7PJjGzf2r_BYlZ/s/V8pr5EgDZn2rnTUJE8XB/)offers our community detailed documentation and creative guides filled with valuable tips from experts at The Sandbox. Our goal is to help creators make amazing voxel art and new Experiences for your enjoyment!

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>VoxEdit</strong></td><td><a href="https://app.gitbook.com/s/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/voxedit/create-assets">Create Assets</a></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FOSi5V6tymSSaWunymtzH%2Fvoxedit%20gif.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=7132b41b-cc07-4799-9782-76dda1302984">voxedit gif.gif</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Game Maker</strong></td><td><a href="https://app.gitbook.com/s/83PS3g9zpWmq73xzlwFn/game-maker/create-experiences">Create Experiences</a></td><td><a href="https://3927767952-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F61fllYo416R30LRxku4v%2Fuploads%2FsK6HEJWkit6NJMFNtRDo%2Fgame%20maker%20build%20scaled%20down.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=1a731c1f-43e3-40d9-ab43-2204c371bb4d">game maker build scaled down.gif</a></td></tr></tbody></table>