If you enjoy the methodical satisfaction of tile-placement but occasionally feel like your city-builders lack a sense of impending doom, keep your eyes on ShoreTiles.
VOXEL Studios and Noovola Publishing have officially pulled back the curtain on their latest project: an atmospheric, “gloomy” tile-placement strategy game set to haunt Steam for PC in 2026. Following their successful collaboration on The Bench, the duo is leaning into a darker, more tactical experience that blends calm construction with a desperate fight for survival.
Build by Day, Survive by Night
In ShoreTiles, you are tasked with expanding a solitary island settlement centred around a fragile, glowing lighthouse. The catch? The lighthouse is the only thing keeping the encroaching darkness at bay.
The gameplay loop is divided into two distinct phases:
- The Golden Hour: Use a randomised deck of tiles to expand your territory. You’ll need to connect matching terrain types and position buildings—like settlements, farms, and military camps—to optimise your economy and reach.
- The Deep Night: When the sun sets, the “unseen threat” emerges. Twisted, silent creatures rise from the depths, drawn to the light. Your survival depends entirely on how well you placed your military tiles and fortified your walls during the day.
High Stakes and Permanent Choices
Unlike many modern builders that offer a “cosy” escape, ShoreTiles is built on the weight of permanence. There is no undo button. Every tile you lay is a permanent part of your island’s history, meaning a single lapse in judgment during the peaceful daylight hours could lead to total collapse once the fog rolls in.
“With ShoreTiles, we wanted to create something that feels calm and welcoming at first glance, but slowly reveals a constant sense of pressure,” says Daniele Amabili, Game Designer at VOXEL Studios.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
| Procedural Islands | No two runs are the same; every deck and island layout is unique. |
| Strategic Combos | Connect specific tiles to trigger bonuses and bolster your defense. |
| Progress Map | Discover relics, gold chests, and new building types left by those who came before. |
| Atmospheric Design | A 1960s-inspired coastal aesthetic that balances beauty with dread. |
Coming to Steam in 2026
While we have a bit of a wait before we can start placing tiles, the haunting teaser trailer (which recently debuted on IGN and YouTube) suggests a game that is as much about the “vibe” as it is about the math.
If you’re a fan of Dorfromantik but wish it had a bit more Lovecraftian horror and defensive strategy, this is definitely one for the wishlist.
Check out ShoreTiles on Steam to stay updated on the 2026 launch.
Does the idea of a “non-cosy” city builder stress you out, or are you ready to defend the lighthouse?
Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4268460
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