Frostpunk 2 is in a bit of an odd state. While promising a survival experience that built upon the already solid, frozen foundations of its predecessor, it's struggled to attract the same numbers as its older sibling. As thousands play Frostpunk, the sequel is barely cresting 500 concurrents, with recent reviews landing it in Steam's 'Mixed' category. But there's an entire roap of new material set for release in 2025, with the first major update free to play right now. Reworking temperature and adding a brand-new map to Utopia Builder, now's a great time to strap on your snow shoes and try it out.
Utopia Builder is the big winner in Frostpunk 2's new update, receiving a brand-new map called 'The Pit,' which features the crumbling remains of a failed generator system. In the trailer we see a struggling metropolis positioned just to the side of this once-proud scientific marvel, with the crater's rugged terrain and myriad perils providing even the most extraordinary Stewards with a challenge.
Alongside The Pit, there's a slew of new narrative tales, which form the skeleton of the city-building game's story. They're entirely moddable, allowing you to create and play your own scenarios, meaning that no two games are the same.
Then come the changes to heat management, which bring Frostpunk 2 closer to the original game. Initially in FP2, you didn't have to worry about individual districts, with further-away locations remaining warm so long as your generator had enough fuel. This was a marked departure from the first Frostpunk, where temperature was localized and managed on an regional basis.
Thankfully, that system's making a return, and you'll be able to control the temperature in each area of the map. Your citizens will react in kind depending how hot or cold they are, and there are various new laws and research to help you get the most out of your generator.
But if all of that sounds like too much work, 11 Bit has also added the brand new Serenity Mode, which offers a slightly gentler experience. The weather isn't as punishing, there are no faction-based conflicts, and resources are abundant. If you've ever wondered what your frosty dystopia would look like as a utopia, you know what to do.
Frostpunk 2's first major update is out now. If you want to know what the rest of the year looks like, 11 Bit has confirmed that there are two new DLC packs on the way, as well as the game's console launch.
Alternatively, if you can't get enough of the first game, here's everything we know about the best strategy games.
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