ShantyTown's new update: 70+ interior items to place
Publisher Kinephantom Games and solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks are rolling out a new update for ShantyTown, a small-scale urban diorama builder, continuing its growth beyond its Steam launch earlier this year.
Built around fitting colorful, lived-in neighbourhoods into even the smallest spaces, ShantyTown’s latest update gives players even more to work with, expanding its unconventional approach to city building with fresh content and quality of life improvements.
The town that continues growing
Since launching on Steam in April, ShantyTown has continued to evolve alongside its community.
Developer Erik Rempen has kept players building through regular themed community competitions, ranging from rooftops and bathhouses to casinos and a challenge centred around creating an entire scene with just one building.
Small post-launch updates and patches have continued alongside these events, refining Creative Mode and addressing community feedback that includes even nifty decor additions.
Join the cozy vibes
The game currently holds a Very Positive user rating on Steam, with around 97% of reviews positive, as players continue to share their own interpretations of its strange little corners and densely packed neighbourhoods.
At its core, ShantyTown is about slowing down and enjoying the process of development.
Instead of traditional city management systems built around resources and optimization, ShantyTown focuses on three simple elements: decorations, lighting, and utilities. These guide how buildings are completed and upgraded, encouraging players to think about balance and atmosphere rather than efficiency.
What’s new in the update
The latest update (1.06.01) brings a fresh batch of content for players to build with, along with a refreshed demo and quality of life fixes:
70+ interior items across 11 new categories: tems that previously only appeared inside buildings can now be placed freely. They unlock alongside their respective shops and appear under the "Shop Items" creative category.
Better item stacking: Collision changes allow more items to be stacked on top of one another for denser, more detailed builds.
Quality of life fixes: Missed unlocks now show where to find them, windowed modes have been removed on handhelds, and several visual bugs have been fixed.
Refreshed demo: The free demo has been updated with post-launch improvements and now features the Welcome Pier, Shrine and Lighthouse maps.
ShantyTown is also Steam Deck Verified.
Key Features
Building without constraints: Place and stack objects freely to create layered neighbourhoods that feel personal rather than perfectly planned.
Dense, detailed locations: Build across 20 distinct locations filled with their own objects, atmosphere and small visual surprises.
A responsive atmosphere: A changing day-night cycle is accompanied by an adaptive soundtrack from vaporwave artist Macroblank.
Photography & exploration: Finish a location, photograph your creation, and add it to your in-game dossier.
Creative Mode: Return to locations and build freely using unlocked objects, or use the Blankspace to create larger custom compositions without the usual restrictions.
These elements build on the creative tools, adaptive atmosphere, and unrestricted Creative Mode highlighted in the game’s original launch release.
Get ready for a custom sale that begins on September 27th!
Following the update, ShantyTown will take part in a new Custom Sale beginning September 27th, giving players the opportunity to discover the game on Steam at 50% off.
ShantyTown is currently available on Steam for Windows and macOS, with its soundtrack also available separately.