ShantyTown

ShantyTown

Released Apr 2026

ShantyTown is a relaxing diorama-building game about finding beauty in everyday chaos. Bring new locations to life, stack your urban buildings high, and fill each little nook and cranny with your own touch. Try your hand at shaping a cozy little town that is unique to you.

97% positive · 518 reviews
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
High confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

Steam $14.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

ShantyTown launched on April 16, 2026, as a complete diorama-building game with 20 locations, developed over three years by solo developer Erik Rempen. Since launch, Erik has maintained a highly active update cadence — shipping feature patches on May 10, May 23, and June 21, 2026, bug fixes on June 28 and August 9, 2026, and a substantial feature update on September 27, 2026 (version 1.06.01) that added over 70 new items across 11 new categories. In the September 27 update, the developer also noted that "fall items" had been added but were "not available quite yet," hinting they will become accessible soon. The very next day, on September 28, 2026, Erik posted a development status update confirming that "there are some new concepts for ShantyTown in the works, so look forward to that!" — a clear signal of planned future content even without committing to specific deliverables. The game also introduced a seasonal item system on June 21, 2026, designed to rotate content by time of year, which by its nature implies ongoing additions as seasons change. The most recent developer communication was September 28, 2026, showing Erik is actively engaged with the game and community. Development is clearly ongoing with no indication of an end in sight.
Evidence
Developer states 'there are some new concepts for ShantyTown in the works, so look forward to that!'
news post · Sep 28, 2026 source content planned
high
Feature update 1.06.01 adds 70+ new items across 11 new categories; developer notes fall seasonal items have been added but are 'not available quite yet', signaling imminent release
news post · Sep 27, 2026 source content planned
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Released
Apr 2026

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Kinephantom Games
Achievements
21
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

Get ready to build upwards, fill the smallest gaps, and find clever ways to place light sources or decorations that breathe life into every corner. 

This is a world where every balcony, interesting poster, and plant tells a story. And you’re the one organising it!

This game is inspired by my love for densely built cities around the world, which is why I packed in 20 distinct locations for you to explore, each with its own mood and identity.

Be it the warm glow of the Hotpot Casino, the charmingly cramped spaces of the Marshlands Pipe, or the solitude of the Lighthouse, every space gives you a new perspective.

How you place things together is entirely up to you. 

Upgrades are available for larger structures like buildings and gates, but they’ll need a bit of care to reach their full potential. By providing light, utilities, and decorations, places like shops, apartment blocks, or gates can evolve into detailed spaces. Completing an upgrade unlocks new objects and decorations, giving you even more ways to shape the town.

When you finish a location, frame the shot, take a pic, then add it to your dossier before moving to your next blank canvas.

Each location presents a unique set of objects and a limited space to build within. Whether it’s food trucks, neon signs, or industrial smokestacks, players must carefully fit everything together to create a dense, living space that feels right.

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.

With ShantyTown's added Creative Mode, you have unlimited building options with every unlocked location and item that you've acquired throughout your journey through ShantyTown.  Stack buildings high, wide, and in any direction. We've also included a Blankspace with an enormous sandbox space to design custom towns and shops to your heart's desire.

Design custom creations with no restrictions whatsoever.

  • Unique decorations across every map

  • Discover each location’s story as you build

  • A warm, relaxing soundtrack crafted by vaporwave artist Macroblank

  • Optional goals to guide your creativity

  • Peaceful, atmospheric scenery to unwind with

  • In-depth camera settings to frame your creations

  • Hidden objects waiting to be found

  • No time or pressure. Please, enjoy everything at your own pace.

Last evaluated Oct 4, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content