- Be on the lookout for roaming Barbarians
- Spot the rare Whale in the waters
- What is the purpose of that ancient Obelisk?
Short Circuit Studio has released a new update for TownsFolk, its settlement-building game that launched just last month. Fitting the darker tone of this charming pixel-art adventure, the latest content update is called "Shadows and Fortune" and introduces a host of new mechanics to explore.
A game's recent launch doesn't mean it can't quickly add more depth, and that's certainly the case here. This update brings new buildings and challenges to refresh the gameplay. You'll now encounter roaming Barbarians who raise the stakes in Campaign missions and Skirmish mode. Additionally, eight new structures are available: the Altar, Town Square, Blacksmith, Aqueduct, Bank, Granary, Factory, and Terraformer.
Water tiles are also getting an aquatic refresh with the addition of the rare Whale. Special Locations like ancient Obelisks and new Shipwrecks further increase the unpredictability of each session.

If things get overwhelming, a handy Compendium acts as an in-game encyclopedia to help you keep track of everything. The Exploration System has been overhauled, and Campaign Difficulties can now be toggled between Frontier and Survival modes.
Want to see how it all comes together? Check out our TownsFolk review for a closer look.
Ready to dive in? You can download TownsFolk for free on the App Store and Google Play (the game includes in-app purchases).
To stay in the loop, join the community on the official Instagram page, visit the official website, or watch the embedded clip above to get a sense of the game's style and atmosphere.