If the game ignores the config file, you can force the Steam launcher to boot the game in English via command line arguments.
If the above doesn’t work, edit the game’s config file:
Open it with Notepad.
Find a line containing:
Language=ru or Language=russian
Change it to:
Language=en
Save the file and set it to Read-Only (right-click → Properties → Read-only) to prevent the game from reverting it.
Launch the game.
If Method 1 did not work, the game is likely reading a specific configuration file on your hard drive that forces the Russian language. You can manually edit this file.
settings.ini (or sometimes just settings).In some pirated or modified versions of the game, the audio files themselves may have been replaced. Unfortunately, if you have verified your files via Steam (Method 1) and the audio is still Russian, you may need to re-download the English voice-over pack. shank pc how to change language from russian
However, for most legitimate Steam copies, Method 2 (editing the .ini file) is the permanent solution. Shank is notorious for resetting the language in the menu, but the .ini file forces the game to obey your choice.
To change the language in from Russian to English on PC, you can typically use the Steam client's built-in properties or, for non-Steam versions, edit the Windows Registry. Method 1: Using Steam Properties
If you own the game on Steam, this is the most straightforward method: Open Steam Library: Launch Steam and go to your Library.
Access Properties: Right-click on Shank and select Properties.
Change Language: Navigate to the Language tab on the left sidebar.
Select English: Use the dropdown menu to choose English. Steam may download a small update to apply the changes. Method 2: Using the Windows Registry Editor
For versions where an in-game menu or Steam tab is unavailable, you can manually force the language through the Registry.
Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. Navigate to Game Key: Follow this path: If the game ignores the config file, you
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Klei\Shank(Note: The folder may be under Klei or simply Shank depending on your version). Edit Language Value: Locate the string named Language or Locale.
Double-click it and change the "Value data" from russian or ru to english or en.
Save and Restart: Click OK, close the editor, and restart your PC to ensure the change takes effect. Method 3: Adjusting Windows Regional Settings
To change the language in on PC from Russian to English, you can generally use Steam settings or manual registry edits. Since the game was released in various regions with different localization packages, the method depends on your version of the game. Method 1: Using Steam Properties (Recommended)
If you own the game on Steam, this is the most direct way to trigger a language download. Close the game completely. Open your Steam Library.
Right-click on Shank in your game list and select Properties. Navigate to the Language tab on the left sidebar. Select English from the dropdown menu.
Steam will automatically download the necessary language files. Wait for the update to finish before relaunching. Method 2: Manual Registry Edit
If the language tab is missing or the game remains in Russian, you may need to force the change in the Windows Registry. Open it with Notepad
Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Klei\Shank.
Note: If you don't see "Klei," look for "Electronic Arts" or the game name directly under "Software". Find the entry named Language or Locale.
Double-click it and change the "Value data" from Russian (or ru) to English (or en_US).
Click OK and restart your computer for the change to take effect. Method 3: In-Game Menu Navigation (Blind)
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to change the language in Shank (PC version) from Russian to English (or another language).
Some repacks (e.g., from Razor1911, FARG, or Novgames) are hardcoded to Russian. In this case, you need to replace the localization files.
If none of the above methods work, the Russian version may have overwritten the English localization files entirely. You will need to replace them.