ShantyTown is a calm, atmospheric builder where players create improvised neighbourhoods in unexpected spaces. Players stack shops, tuck rooftop gardens into corners, and build by instinct rather than rules.

Bring new locations to life, stack your urban buildings high, and fill each little nook and cranny with your own touch. Even messiness has its own little charm.

This game is inspired by my love for densely built cities around the world—the kind of places where every wall, alley, and rooftop tells a story.  You’ll be encouraged to build upwards, fill the smallest gaps, and find clever ways to place light sources or decorations to bring your creations to life. 

Just like when you’re packing a bag, there’s always room for one more thing!

You’ll step into the role of a surveyor, tasked with building and photographing 20 distinct locations. Each site offers its own set of objects and atmosphere, but how everything comes together is entirely up to you. Upgrades are possible for large structures like buildings and gates, but to complete it, you must provide them with light, utility, and decorations. Upon completion, you will be awarded new unlockable objects and decorations. When you are finished with a location, take a photo of it to add to your dossier and prepare to move on to your next blank canvas.

Each location comes with its own twists and sights. You might be working with food trucks, neon signs, or smokestacks. The challenge isn’t in following rules, but in making something that feels alive within ShantyTown.  This is a casual game through and through. There are no wrong answers here. Remember to make each placement personal, and every messy little corner adds to the charm. 

Four years in the making, the project has evolved from a modest experiment into a complete, thoughtfully crafted game that reflects the charm and honesty of imperfect design within dense cities.

Publisher Kinephantom and solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks released new trailer alongside a recently updated public demo.

Key Features

• Building with instinct - Objects can be placed wherever they make sense to the player, creating a town that feels natural, personal, and full of character
• A relaxing, adaptive atmosphere - As lights shift from day to night, players are accompanied by a custom soundtrack from artist Macroblank designed to keep the experience peaceful and immersive.
• Playful world details - Walking houses, drifting birds, and small visual surprises await players, giving it a unique sense of personality.
• In-depth photography - Complete a diorama, photograph it, and add it to your in-game dossier to later revisit or share with friends.

ShantyTown is coming to PC (Steam) on April 16, 2026.