Frostpunk 2, the survival/city-building game set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic alternate history, is finally here! And one of the best reasons to play it is quite simply that it’s available at launch with an active Game Pass subscription! The original Frostpunk is too! So if you have a subscription, it doesn’t hurt to give it a whirl…
But if you still need more convincing, here are 5 reasons why Frostpunk 2 is worth your time (and it worthy of being called one of the best releases of 2024).
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New Mechanics Add More Depth (And More Ethical Dilemmas)
The first Frostpunk was known for forcing players into brutal moral dilemmas, and Frostpunk 2 is taking that to the next level. As the leader of your city, you’ll face even more nuanced decisions that will challenge both your survival and your very humanity. Will you sacrifice the few to save the many? How far will you go to secure the oil your city desperately needs? The choices you make will shape the fate of your citizens—and not every decision will have a clear “right” answer.
Frostpunk 2 retains the core elements that made the first game so compelling—tough survival, moral dilemmas, and city-building—while introducing deeper societal dynamics, new resources like oil, and an expanded world to explore. It’s not just about surviving the cold anymore; it’s about building a future in a world that’s teetering on the edge of collapse.
A Richer Story with Tougher Choices
While the original Frostpunk had a gripping narrative woven into its gameplay, Frostpunk 2 will expand on this with a more intricate storyline that’s more directly shaped by your actions and the factions within your city. Expect more in-depth characters, narrative-driven missions, and dynamic storytelling that reacts to the choices you make. As you navigate political intrigue and the social complexities of a divided population, your city’s story will unfold in unpredictable ways.
Everything Is “Political”
In Frostpunk 2, survival isn’t just about managing resources—it’s about managing people. As society rebuilds, the game introduces deeper social dynamics and political factions that can support or oppose your leadership. You’ll need to navigate these competing interests carefully. Some factions may be willing to cooperate with you, while others may rebel against your decisions.
Will you exploit the land’s remaining resources or advocate for sustainability? Will you place the needs of certain citizins above others? Balancing the demands of various groups, while keeping your city functional, will be one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the game.
New Technologies and Resources
While the first game revolved around coal and steam technology, Frostpunk 2 introduces oil as the new driving force of the economy. This shift adds complexity to the game, as oil is not only a vital resource for survival but also a source of tension and conflict. Plus, the sequel brings with it an expanded tech tree, allowing players to develop new technologies to deal with the frozen world’s growing challenges. Balancing innovation and sustainability will be key as you push your society forward—or lead it to ruin.
You Don’t Need to Play the Original Frostpunk First
The Good News: You don’t need to play Frostpunk before diving into Frostpunk 2. While the sequel builds on the world and themes of the original, it introduces new storylines, mechanics, and challenges that can be fully enjoyed without prior knowledge of the first game.
The Better News: They’re both available with Game Pass! Start your subscription now, and give them both a try!
Frostpunk 2 releases on September 20, 2024 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Windows), and macOS. It’s also available via Xbox Game Pass (for consoles and PC)
Check out The Best New Games in September for more great titles to play!
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