Shank 2, the fast-paced, side-scrolling action game by Klei Entertainment, is a cult classic known for its brutal combat, stunning hand-drawn art, and challenging difficulty. However, one common point of confusion for players—especially those who purchased the game from different regional stores or accidentally changed a setting—is how to switch the in-game language. Unlike many modern titles, Shank 2 does not always have a visible "Language" button inside its main menu.
If you are stuck with a language you don't understand (e.g., Russian, German, Spanish, or French) and need to switch back to English, or if you simply want to play in your native tongue, follow this comprehensive guide. The method varies slightly depending on whether you are playing on PC (Steam/Origin/GOG), PlayStation 3, or Xbox 360.
If Language tab is missing or change has no effect:
Shank 2, a 2D side-scrolling action game developed by Klei Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, does not feature an in-game language selection menu. This paper documents the official and community-verified methods to change the game’s display language (subtitles, menus, and interface text). The primary method involves modifying a configuration file, while secondary methods address platform-specific launchers and operating system locale dependencies.
Console versions of Shank 2 do not have a language setting inside the game menu. Instead, the game detects the language setting of your console system.
To change the language:
Some installers let you choose language during installation. If available: how to change language in shank 2
To change the language in , you typically need to use the game's launcher or client settings rather than an in-game menu, as many players find the in-game options are limited to display and audio volume rather than full localization. Steam Version (Most Common)
The most straightforward method for the Steam version of the game is through the Steam Library Right-click in your Steam Library. Properties Navigate to the tab in newer Steam updates). Select your preferred language from the dropdown menu.
Steam may download a small update to apply the new language files. Steam Support Configuration File Method
If you are unable to find the setting in Steam or are using a different version, you can manually force the language: Locate the game's installation folder. Look for a configuration file, often named settings.ini steam_api.ini , or similar.
Open the file with a text editor like Notepad and find the line that says
To change the language in and see if it's worth your time, here is the breakdown of how to manage your settings and a summary of what critics think of the game. How to Change the Language Shank 2 , the fast-paced, side-scrolling action game
The method for changing the language depends on which platform you are using to play the game: Steam (PC):
Most users manage language settings through the Steam client rather than in-game menus. Steam Library Right-click and select
To change the language in , you generally use the game platform's built-in settings or local configuration files
, as the game does not always feature an explicit language toggle within its internal main menu. Method 1: Steam Library Settings (Recommended)
If you own the game on Steam, you can change the language directly through the client interface: Steam Library Right-click and select Properties Navigate to the tab on the left sidebar. dropdown menu to select your preferred language.
Wait for Steam to download any necessary localization files before relaunching the game. Steam Support Method 2: Manual Config File Edit (PC) Some installers let you choose language during installation
If the Steam option is unavailable or you are using a different version, you can often force a language change through the game's local data: Navigate to the Shank 2 installation folder (usually found in SteamApps\common\Shank 2 folder under a developer-specific folder like Look for a file named settings.ini config.ini Open the file with Find the line labeled and change the value (e.g., change Language=russian Language=english the file and restart the game. Method 3: Registry Editor (Advanced)
If the game is stuck in a specific language (common with certain regional versions), you can try editing the Windows Registry: How to Change Language on Steam and Games
To change the language in , you can generally do so through the Steam client settings or by manually editing configuration files if the in-game options are unavailable. Method 1: Using Steam Properties
This is the standard way to change the language for most Steam games, including Steam Library Right-click on Properties Navigate to the Choose your desired language from the dropdown menu
Steam may trigger a small download for the new language files Steam Community Method 2: Manual Configuration (Config Files)
If the Steam menu doesn't work or you are using a non-Steam version, you can try editing the game's internal settings files.