Overview
The construction system in The Bustling World provides nearly 2,000 building components for players to use when creating structures. Every component has been "realistically restored from paintings and classics since the Tang and Song dynasties," according to the developers. This gives the system an architectural vocabulary rooted in historical Chinese building traditions.
Building freely
Players can combine these components to build any style of structure they want. The system is not limited to preset templates or house blueprints. Instead, individual pieces (walls, pillars, roofing tiles, doors, windows, railings, and more) snap together to form custom buildings. This allows everything from simple roadside stalls to elaborate multi-story compounds.
The construction tools support the creation of complete custom cityscapes. When combined with the city management system, players who become faction leaders can plan entire districts and build the structures that define their territory.
City planning
Players who reach the rank of faction steward gain access to land planning tools. This lets them designate areas for specific purposes, such as residential zones, market districts, or military installations. Once zones are designated, NPCs will independently begin building in those areas, with their construction quality matching their skill level.
Luban building contests
Construction skills can be tested in Luban building contests, competitive events named after Lu Ban, the legendary ancient Chinese master craftsman and engineer. These contests challenge players to build under specific constraints and reward winners with honor and money.
Decoration vs. construction
The nearly 2,000 building components are separate from the approximately 1,000 decorative items available for interior furnishing through the Property and Housing system. Building components define the structure itself (walls, roofs, columns), while decorative items fill the interior (furniture, paintings, vases). Together, the two systems offer roughly 3,000 distinct objects for players to work with.