diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f1b1a4d..dc313ce 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ DuckHunt is an asyncio-based IRC bot that runs a classic “duck hunting” mini
 ## Features
 
 - Per-channel stats (same nick has separate stats per channel)
-- Multiple duck types (normal / golden / fast)
+- Multiple duck types (normal / golden / fast + special variants)
 - Shop + inventory items
 - Admin commands (rearm/disarm/ignore, spawn ducks, join/leave channels)
 - `!globalducks` totals across channels
@@ -32,13 +32,35 @@ python3 duckhunt.py
 
 ## Configuration
 
-Edit `config.json`:
+Copy the example config and edit it:
+
+```bash
+cp config.json.example config.json
+```
+
+Then edit `config.json`:
 
 - `connection.server`, `connection.port`, `connection.nick`
 - `connection.channels` (list of channels to join on connect)
 - `connection.ssl` and optional password/SASL settings
 
-Security note: don’t commit real IRC passwords/tokens in `config.json`.
+Security note: `config.json` is ignored by git in this repo; don’t commit real IRC passwords/tokens.
+
+### Duck types
+
+Duck types are configured under `duck_types` in `config.json`.
+
+Built-in variants supported by the game logic:
+
+- `normal`, `fast`, `golden`
+- `concrete` (multi-HP)
+- `holy_grail` (multi-HP)
+- `diamond` (multi-HP)
+- `explosive` (on kill: eliminates the shooter for 2 hours)
+- `poisonous` (on befriend: poisons the befriender for 2 hours)
+- `radioactive` (on befriend: poisons the befriender for 8 hours)
+- `couple` (spawns 2 ducks at once)
+- `family` (spawns 3–4 ducks at once)
 
 ## Persistence
 
@@ -62,6 +84,18 @@ Player stats are saved to `duckhunt.json`.
 - `!globalducks [player]` (totals across all configured channels)
 - `!duckhelp` (sends a PM with examples)
 
+### Shop items (IDs)
+
+Use `!shop` / `!buy <id>` / `!use <id>`.
+
+- `10` Sniper Rifle: perfect aim for 30 minutes
+- `11` Sniper Scope: perfect aim for 60 minutes
+- `12` Duck Whistle: instantly summons a duck (if none are present)
+- `13` Duck Caller: instantly summons a duck (if none are present)
+- `14` Duck Horn: instantly summons a duck (if none are present)
+- `15` Duck Decoy: summons a duck in ~1 hour (if none are present)
+- `16` Duck Radar: DM alert when a duck spawns in that channel (6 hours)
+
 ### Admin commands
 
 - `!rearm <player|all>`
@@ -76,7 +110,8 @@ Player stats are saved to `duckhunt.json`.
 ```
 duckhunt/
 ├── duckhunt.py          # Entry point
-├── config.json          # Bot configuration
+├── config.json          # Bot configuration (ignored by git)
+├── config.json.example  # Safe template to copy
 ├── duckhunt.json        # Player database (generated/updated at runtime)
 └── src/
     ├── duckhuntbot.py   # IRC bot + command routing