11 bit Studios is bringing us a frigid winter, or rather, Frostpunk 2. The sequel to one of the most brutal takes on the city-building genre has been in development for a while, and fans have been eagerly awaiting any news about this chilling title. The original game was one of the few to seamlessly blend survival and city simulation elements, all set against a frozen backdrop that made every decision feel fraught with consequence. So, gather around the warmth of the furnace and learn everything we know about Frostpunk 2.
Release Date
11 bit Studios’ Frostpunk 2 was originally slated for a July 25, 2024 release, but has been pushed back two months to September 20, 2024.
Platforms
At this time, Frostpunk 2 is confirmed to be coming to PC. However, the original game was also a PC exclusive before being ported to consoles, so it’s possible the sequel will follow a similar staggered release schedule.
Trailers
The reveal trailer is purely cinematic, setting the stage for the sequel and highlighting its brutal nature, just like its predecessor. Frostpunk 2 takes place 30 years after the original game. Instead of seeking shelter during a global volcanic winter, players must now guide humanity through the aftermath of widespread destruction and death.
The “The City Must Not Fall” trailer showcases the political tensions of a world where resources and hope are scarcer than ever. Co-director Jakub Stokalski shared, “Frostpunk 2 is still a game about the City and its society. But inner turmoils, sparked by social rising differences, mean that players will be facing new threats of kinds. We use a postapocalyptic setup to tell a meaningful story about human ambition. Because, ultimately, what can end us is not nature – it’s human nature.” Your role as the steward is to keep the city going at all costs.
Gameplay
Frostpunk 2 is expected to share a similar core gameplay loop with its predecessor, as confirmed by the gameplay trailer. You’ll build your own metropolis in the snow, managing resources, and striving to keep each citizen faction content. Of course, you won’t be able to please everyone all the time, leading to challenging decisions. Food, warmth, and conflicts will be constant issues that you need to navigate. A new system, Law Proposals, adds another layer of complexity. While details are limited, it seems players will vote on issues, but also have the ability to influence others’ votes or negotiate favorable outcomes. The city-building itself appears to be more streamlined and expansive, though this has always been a relatively minor aspect of the overall experience.
One thing is certain: building a new civilization is no easy task—it can be incredibly stressful. Staff writer Tomas Franzese wrote about his experience playing the Frostpunk 2 beta, saying, “I was constantly facing the looming threat of dwindling resources and multiple political factions all vying for my attention and power, all while trying to build a civilization up. While that got extremely stressful, I’m already gripped by my short time with Frostpunk 2.”
Preorder
Preorders for Frostpunk 2 went live on March 6, 2024, offering both a standard and a deluxe edition. It will also be available on launch as part of PC Game Pass. Here’s a breakdown of each edition:
*
Standard Edition – $45
*
Deluxe Edition – $75
* Access to a 7-day closed beta in April
* 3 post-launch DLCs
* 72-hour early access to story mode
* An exclusive in-game item
* “Warm Flesh” digital novella
* Digital artbook and soundtrack
