# Shifting Sands DLC — Switch Maps on Your Soulmask Server (/docs/soulmask/dlc-shifting-sands)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';
import { Callout } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/callout';

Soulmask 1.0 launched with a full second world called **Shifting Sands** — an Egyptian-themed open world with floating pyramids, sand bandit factions, four new Masks, and a flying ship base system. It is a separate playable map from the base game's Cloud Mist Forest.

| Map               | Startup Value      | Theme                         |
| ----------------- | ------------------ | ----------------------------- |
| Cloud Mist Forest | `Level01_Main`     | Base game jungle/forest       |
| Shifting Sands    | `DLC_Level01_Main` | Egypt-themed desert expansion |

<Callout type="info">
  **Free claim period: April 10 – May 10, 2026.** Players who already own Soulmask automatically received the DLC in their Steam library. After May 10, the DLC returns to its regular price of $19.99.
</Callout>

Switch to the Shifting Sands Map [#switch-to-the-shifting-sands-map]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Log in to the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and select your Soulmask server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **Startup** in the left sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Find the **Map Name** field and set it to `DLC_Level01_Main`.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Make sure **Auto Update** is enabled — this triggers the DLC content download from Steam when the server starts.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Go to **Console** and click **Restart**. The server downloads the Shifting Sands content from Steam and loads the Egypt map. This takes a few minutes the first time.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Switch Back to Cloud Mist Forest [#switch-back-to-cloud-mist-forest]

Follow the same steps but set **Map Name** back to `Level01_Main`.

<Callout type="warn">
  Each map has its own save file. Switching maps does not delete your progress — both worlds are preserved separately:

  * Cloud Mist Forest: `WS/Saved/Worlds/Dedicated/Level01_Main/`
  * Shifting Sands: `WS/Saved/Worlds/Dedicated/DLC_Level01_Main/`
</Callout>

Game Modes (1.0) [#game-modes-10]

Soulmask 1.0 introduced four distinct game modes, which apply on both maps. You set the mode when starting a new world. The modes are:

| Mode         | Description                                                                        |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Survival** | Original PVE experience                                                            |
| **Tribe**    | Management/expansion focus with prestige progression and intense invasions         |
| **PVP**      | Competitive mode with server progression restrictions, drop and durability changes |
| **Warrior**  | Hard mode — stronger AI, harsher combat, no building decay, no durability loss     |

All modes support deep customization via [server config](/docs/soulmask/server-config).

Player Requirements [#player-requirements]

Players joining a Shifting Sands server **must have the DLC installed** on their Steam account. Without it, they cannot connect.

**How players get the DLC:**

* Players who already own Soulmask had it automatically added to their Steam library during the April 10–May 10 free claim window
* New players who purchase Soulmask before May 10, 2026 also receive it automatically
* After May 10: purchase the DLC separately on Steam ($19.99)

If a player is missing the DLC, they will see a connection error when trying to join. Direct them to the Soulmask DLC page on Steam.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Configure Your Server](/docs/soulmask/server-config)
* [Update Your Server](/docs/soulmask/update-guide)
* [Reset / Wipe Your Server](/docs/soulmask/wipe-reinstall)