Frostpunk 2 Review – Surviving the Winter Apocalypse (PC)

City builders and survival games can be tough to get into, especially when they follow a complex game like Frostpunk. That’s what makes Frostpunk 2 so refreshing—it’s surprisingly easy for newcomers to pick up. With only a few hours in the first game and not much experience in the genres, I found myself really enjoying the sequel. Its improved visuals and deeper political elements kept me engaged, particularly with the constant stream of moral decisions I had to make, though my citizens probably didn’t appreciate my efforts as much.

In Frostpunk 2, your goal remains the same: build and grow a city to survive the harsh, frozen world. But the scale has expanded. Instead of placing individual buildings, you’ll now create entire districts with ease. Time moves forward in weeks and months, adding a broader sense of progression. What really stands out, though, is the increased focus on political tensions and factions, adding a new layer of strategy and making the experience even richer.

Frostpunk 2 is available on PS5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S for $44.99.

Story – Survive the Harsh Winter

Frostpunk 2 takes place three decades after the events of the first game, where players step into the shoes of a leader in an alternate version of the early 1900s. Faced with the challenge of rebuilding and overseeing a city in the aftermath of a catastrophic volcanic winter that nearly wiped out human civilization, players must navigate difficult moral and political dilemmas to secure the city’s survival.

Frostland

The City has moved forward. After enduring years of relentless whiteouts, the world has been reshaped, starting fresh. Though people still fight for basic necessities, they are beginning to see that they’ve made it through the hardest times. The world is now empty, waiting to be seized. But with this shift, people themselves have changed. As the fear of survival fades, human ambition rises, and with it, the risk of the City collapsing under its own desires.

You lead a city desperate for resources, where expansion and the hunt for new energy sources are inevitable. With coal running out, turning the Frostlands into an oil hub is seen as the key to humanity’s survival. But change is rarely smooth, and many in this layered society won’t embrace this new direction. Different groups will have their own demands, fueling tensions and conflicts. Will you need to rule with an iron fist and use cunning political strategies? As the harsh cold tightens its grip and external dangers loom, it’s up to you to keep your people unified, focused, and ready for the tough sacrifices ahead.

Gameplay – Make Political Decisions

Frostpunk 2 brings a new gameplay element with the introduction of the Council. In the first game, players had complete authority to implement any laws, no matter how harsh—whether it was sending kids to work or making workers endure 24-hour shifts. However, in the sequel, citizens now have a say in the decision-making process. They can vote on laws before they are enacted, which means they can block measures that might have otherwise helped improve the difficult circumstances.

Proposing a Law

In Frostpunk 2, different groups in the city, such as the Frostlanders and New Londoners, have their own values that impact their voting on laws. To win over less enthusiastic citizens, you can negotiate with them by making commitments, usually involving new laws, that must be fulfilled within a specific time. If you don’t keep these promises, it could increase unrest and potentially lead to a rebellion.

Going into my hands-on session, I thought the city-wide votes would heavily influence my gameplay. However, it seems that while these votes might not significantly alter the game’s difficulty, they do shed light on the complex dynamics and values of the city’s factions. For instance, the New Londoners and Frostlanders frequently clash over strategies, even though neither is particularly concerned with economic or social issues. This adds depth to the Frostpunk world, making it feel more immersive and worth paying attention to.

Making a harsh decision

Although the voting system introduces a political element to Frostpunk 2 that wasn’t as prominent in the first game, co-game director and art director Łukasz Juszczyk emphasizes that the sequel isn’t solely about politics. Instead, it delves into “human nature” and the repercussions of people being overly rigid in their beliefs. Ultimately, 11 bit studios aimed to provide players with something “meaningful and engaging,” rather than just adding features for their own sake.

The game is clearly gearing up to let you explore and engage with areas beyond your city. In endless mode, one key objective will be to conquer the frostlands—a harsh, icy environment. You’ll focus on setting up new colonies and outposts in this challenging, barely habitable region.

Audio & Visual – Breathtakingly Immersive

Frostpunk 2 elevates the series’ already stunning visuals and audio design to new heights. The world-building in this sequel is incredibly immersive, with intricate details that bring the frozen wasteland to life. The sound of howling winds, creaking ice, and the distant hum of machinery deepen the feeling of isolation and struggle. Every visual element, from the snow-covered landscapes to the hauntingly beautiful cityscapes, feels meticulously crafted.

As you expand into the frostlands, the stark contrast between your struggling colonies and the harsh, unforgiving environment is a constant reminder of the battle for survival. The visuals and sound work together to pull you into this bleak world, making each decision and consequence feel even more weighty and real.

Frostpunk 2 was reviewed on PC with a code provided by 11bitstudios