Build affection for a ramshackle city corner by layering buildings and signs. Reviewers enjoy having placement goals alongside the freedom to decorate.
What makes it fun
Build upward in a tight space
Stack buildings on a limited site, then place lights and decorations nearby to upgrade them. You can work toward the goals while shaping a streetscape you like.
Decoration changes the building
Give a building the light and decorations it needs, and upgrading it changes its appearance. Where you place small objects also shapes how the building turns out.
See your work in the distance
When you move to a new location, places you built earlier appear in the background. Your buildings become part of the cityscape, which changes as you build across locations.
Game details
As of Oct 29, 2026- Languages
- Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese ／ 12 languages total
A typical run
Finish a location, photograph it, and add it to your dossier before moving on.
Core systems
Building upgrades Upgrades
Upgrading buildings with light, utilities and decorations unlocks new objects.
What sets it apart
Players who struggle with completely open sandboxes appreciate the goals as a starting point for creativity.
Learning curve and difficulty
A reviewer describes having to compromise between a desired layout, the supplied structures and stage goals late in the game.
Builds and playstyles
Finding a place for small objects
A reviewer enjoyed working out where a trash can could benefit as many buildings as possible.
What longtime players say
Reviewers enjoy seeing earlier creations again as part of the wider city.
What players like
Reviewers appreciate having goals without losing room for personal decoration.
Reviewers find building upgrades satisfying.
Common complaints
Reviewers struggled to place objects as intended.
Reviewers found the camera awkward to handle.
Reviewers missed having people present in the towns.
Who it’s for
For players who prefer building a personal scene from a set of goals rather than a blank slate.
Who might not enjoy it
Be cautious if seeing people in town matters to you. Reviews ask for inhabitants as well as buildings.
97% Overwhelmingly Positive ・ US$14.99
View on Steam ↗Image: ShantyTown on Steam