BioEden opens an experimental Sandbox mode
BioEden’s new experimental Sandbox mode removes missions and time limits, while giving players control over disasters and starting resources.
BioEden has opened a new Sandbox mode on a public test branch, giving players a more free-form way to build and manage their planet without missions or a time limit. The experimental update comes from the developers and is available through Steam’s beta settings. 1
A planet without the usual restrictions
Sandbox mode unlocks every game element from the start. Players can create a planet without completing missions, while optional settings let them decide whether disasters are active and how many resources are available when a new game begins. 1
The update is aimed at players who want to experiment with BioEden’s systems rather than follow its normal progression. That makes it useful for testing different layouts, exploring the game’s planetary management tools and learning how its systems interact without a campaign structure getting in the way.
How to access the test branch
To try the mode, open BioEden in your Steam library, select Properties, then open the game’s Betas section and join the new community test branch. The branch is experimental, so the Sandbox mode is not yet guaranteed to become part of the main release. 1
The same test update also improves the readability of biomes, antennas and research points. Players can now disable tutorial messages as well, which should make repeat testing less cluttered once they know the basics. 1
The developers say these changes may move into the main version depending on player feedback. That makes this a test of both the new mode and the wider quality-of-life changes, rather than a final statement of what BioEden will look like at launch.
Our opinion
A dedicated Sandbox mode is a sensible addition for BioEden: planet-building games are at their best when players can experiment without having to repeatedly unlock the tools they want to test. The important caveat is that this is a community test branch, so players should treat it as a work in progress and expect the final version to change.
BioEden is available on Steam. The official store listing identifies the game as the source of the hero artwork used here. 2