Sandbox options
V3.0 adds a large sandbox option set and shareable presets. World rules are more flexible, but bad settings are easier to miss.
High impact
Reviewed Update Brief
7 Days to Die V3.0 Dead Hot Summer changes sandbox settings, modding checks, and server config work.
A short V3.0 stable update brief for returning players, mod users, server owners, and MOD authors. It points back to the release notes for the full detail.
Fast answer: V3.0.0 Dead Hot Summer stable went live on Steam on 2026-06-29. The safest first steps are to review sandbox settings, check MOD compatibility, back up saves and server config, and read the original release notes before changing a live world.
Player Impact
Who needs to check V3.0 first?
This update changes world tuning, MOD compatibility notes, and the way server owners carry older settings into V3.0.
| Audience | Main impact | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Returning players | Expect a more configurable survival experience, new official presets, item progression changes, new POIs, and UI/crosshair improvements. | Read this brief, then open the official release notes. |
| Mod users | Major updates can break XML edits, UI changes, progression mods, and overhaul packs. | Use the mod compatibility checklist before loading an old save. |
| Server owners | Several old serverconfig-style settings now need to be recreated through sandbox options and copied as SandboxCode. | Review the server config guide before editing a live server. |
| MOD authors | V3.0 includes modding-facing changes around core assemblies, localization file naming, XML formats, and XUi internals. | Mark templates and XPath edits as version-sensitive until tested. |
| New players | The new sandbox choices can be helpful, but too many settings can distract from learning the basic loop. | Start with the beginner guide, then change settings gradually. |
What Changed
V3.0 changes to check first.
Item magnitude
Loot and gear can vary more through boosted stats, which changes how players compare and repair equipment.
ProgressionRepair and degradation
Optional durability rules can make death, repair, and item maintenance more or less punishing depending on world settings.
SandboxPOIs and signage
The update adds POIs and a new sign system, giving worlds more readable places and builders more detail to work with.
WorldUI and crosshair
Main menu and crosshair customization changes matter most for usability, streaming, and player preference.
InterfaceModding changes
Assembly references, localization naming, entity group XML, and XUi internals need extra review for existing mods.
MOD riskServer SandboxCode
Server admins moving from V2.6 need to recreate old rules as sandbox options and copy the generated SandboxCode into V3.0 config.
Server riskStable release status
Steam News marks V3.0.0 Dead Hot Summer stable as live on 2026-06-29, after the experimental phase.
ReviewedImmediate Checks
Before you update a save, server, or modded install.
For solo saves
Back up the save, disable unreviewed mods, open a copy of the world once, and record any changed sandbox settings.
Beginner-safe pathFor modded saves
Check each author page for V3.0 notes. Treat overhaul packs, progression edits, UI changes, and XPath patches as high risk until tested.
Mod install checksFor servers
Back up serverconfig.xml, save data, and mod list. Recreate legacy sandbox settings carefully before advertising the updated server.
Server config guideFor MOD authors
Update release notes, tested version, dependencies, localization naming, XUi changes, and multiplayer scope before telling players it is safe.
Modding checklistSources used for this brief
Official release notes
Primary source for V3.0 feature categories, modding notes, and server admin notes.
Steam News check
Used to verify stable release timing and player-facing announcement status.