11 bit studios and the Frostpunk 2 development team are delighted to invite players to return to the unforgiving Frostlands for an exclusive preview of this highly anticipated and ambitious sequel. Yesterday, players who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition of the game gained access to a week-long beta featuring a sandbox mode knownas theUtopia Builder Preview.
In addition, fans can learn more about the game in a new developer-commented video, in which Frostpunk 2‘s co-directors provide important information about the game’s major changes and an extended gameplay preview. Frostpunk 2 will be released on July 25.
Check out the developer commentary video below:
|
In 2018, the original Frostpunk game launched without a sandbox mode. However, with the introduction of Endless Mode shortly after its release, it quickly became one of the community’s favorite game modes. Allowing players to expand their cities without the constraints of the main narrative. The addition of Endless Mode prompted players to devote hundreds of hours to building their cities and societies on the frozen expanses.
In Frostpunk 2, the Utopia Builder sandbox mode experience is enhanced with a richer story and other unique aspects intrinsic to this sequel. The game’s developers point out that“creating a blizzard in a sequel, even larger than in the first Frostpunk would not have been satisfying, creative or fun for players“. With this in mind, Frostpunk 2 remains a social survival strategy game, but places greater emphasis on social development than its predecessor.
With weather conditions having calmed somewhat, citizens and factions alike can envision diverse visions for the future. As the new Intendant, players must set up a council representative of these factions. Ideological conflict is also present in Utopia Builder mode, where players must reconcile conflicting interests and navigate the complexities of society.
Ultimately, human nature can lead to the downfall of the city, where the utopia of some can become the dystopia of others.
Access to the beta will be available from April 15 at 7 p.m. (CEST) until April 22 at 7 p.m. (CEST). Access is included with the Frostpunk 2 Deluxe Digital Edition, which can be pre-ordered on Steam and the Microsoft Store.
Although Frostpunk 2 is much larger in scope than the original game in every respect, this preview gives a glimpse of around 40% of the full experience that awaits players when the game is released on July 25, 2024, on PC and Game Pass PC.
Expect additional factions, expanded maps and settlements, increased exploration, dramatic events and a full narrative campaign mode. The game will also be available on consoles at a later date and will be included in Xbox Game Pass.
The deluxe digital edition of the game includes:
- the base game
- access to the beta
- three paid DLCs
- exclusive access to story mode 72 hours before official release
- a new digital “Warm Flesh
- an enticing extract from the forthcoming Frostpunk anthology
- a digital artbook and soundtrack
Frostpunk 2 will be released on PC and Games Pass PC on July 25.
