Players often disagree about when to use a guide. Some want to discover everything alone, while others prefer to check details before they waste time. Both approaches can make sense. The better question is not whether a guide should be used, but how it should be used without flattening the game.
For SAND: Raiders of Sophie, the healthiest approach is probably selective reference. A player can explore first, then use a guide when a system, route, item, or objective becomes unclear. That keeps the discovery intact while still giving the player a way to recover from confusion.
The SAND wiki is useful in that context because it organizes key information around the game rather than forcing players to search across scattered posts. Wiki pages, database entries, map locations, beginner notes, and guide sections can each answer a different kind of question. Together, they create a more useful reference than any single isolated tip.
One good habit is to avoid reading too far ahead. If a player is just starting, the Getting Started page is enough. If they are confused about a location, the map pages become relevant. If they need a term, item, or system detail, the database is the better place to check.
That kind of selective reading helps a guide support the game rather than replace it. It gives players a way to solve practical problems while still leaving room for surprise.
Resource: https://sandraidersofsophie.com/wiki
