Universe Sandbox update for 3 May 2021

Run Steam to download Update 27, or buy Universe Sandbox via the Steam Store.

Snow simulation improvements, more detailed temperature maps, better performance, new cloud visuals, and more are rolled up into Update 27.

The featured image shows what would happen if the Earth was tidally locked, where one side of the planet always faces the Sun.

Superior Snow Simulation

We’re now keeping track of snow so that it falls and melts more realistically. Previously it disappeared immediately if the water vapor got too low. There’s also more accurate snow and ice formations on newly-created random rocky planets!

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Taking the (Surface) Temperature

Temperature maps have gotten a facelift with the addition of temperature calculations adjusted by elevation. Previously temperature maps were only shown at sea level, even if the elevation data was above sea level.

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Downscaling to Benefit Non-gaming Hardware

Render Scale has been added as a new graphics setting. This allows you to run the simulation at a lower resolution while keeping the interface looking crisp. The automatic settings have also been updated for improved performance on lower-end hardware.

More Highlights

• More customization for cloud visuals on rocky planets, including adjustable coverage and opacity
  
  

• We’ve added new shapes to our Human Scale Objects

• ...and Human Scale Objects can now have custom colors
  
  

• View > Object Visibility has been added so that you can see all objects that would normally be impossible to see at realistic scales. You can also really blow them up with advanced settings!
  
  

• The Add Panel has been restyled to accommodate smaller screens and to prepare the panel for future plans
  
  

• Heating from stars and supernovae is now smoother at high simulation speeds for all spinning objects
  
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• Our guide system now provides better assistance to new users with Guide Rails
  
  

• Curved trails are now more precisely rendered as at high simulation speeds
  
  
  
  Before | After

• Dyslexia-friendly font options have been added under Settings > General > Accessibility
  
  

This update includes 16+ additions and 38+ fixes and improvements.

Please report any issues on our forum, on Discord, or in-game via Home > Send Feedback.

Check out our full list of Update 27 changes