11 Bit Studios delayed the release date of the sequel to its BAFTA-nominated video game from summer to September 20th this year.
But how exactly is Frostpunk 2 different from its successful predecessor?
A sequel worthy of success takes everything it earned the first time and adds the courage to change things up. So far, it looks like Frostpunk 2 is poised to prove itself as one of the most popular sequels in its genre.
There’s still the ever-present frost, city management, moody population, and risky decisions. But in this familiar winter setting, Frostpunk 2 doesn’t shy away from including innovative gameplay differences. What’s new, and how do the two Frostpunk games differ?
You’ll find out all about that incredibly fascinating subject in this head-to-head comparison.
Story and Setting: From Coal to Oil
Frostpunk 2’s story occurs in 1916 – thirty years after the climate apocalypse. As the steward of The City, you must confront significant changes from the previous installation.
The population counts in thousands, everyone loathes you, the Generator breaks, and, most importantly, coal is no longer enough to keep everyone warm. Instead, your people are now extracting oil, which is even more complicated
Did we mention the City Council? Yeah, you no longer have unlimited power. Now, the votes belong exclusively to the members of the 100-seat Council, and it’s high time to transform the mere band of survivors into a thriving society. As you may have guessed, the rivaling factions won’t make this task any easier.
Gameplay Mechanics: Evolving the Strategy
If you got used to the snowy world of Frostpunk, Frostpunk 2 can help you forget that cozy feeling. While the gameplay core remains the same, your survival strategy now spans a much larger area and thousands of inhabitants.
The most urgent task is to extract oil – but you’ll have to learn how to balance that factor with the game’s noticeably greater emphasis on diplomacy and human nature.
Since the City expands beyond the Generator, the districts require more heat. Therefore, the primary currency is now Heat Stamps, and you’re the one to decide who gets them.
Understandably, factions representing alternative views do everything they can to influence your decisions – which are even more challenging than in the first Frostpunk game.
Moral Dilemmas: Tougher Choices and Consequences
Like the first installation, FP2 challenges players with politically and ethically fueled choices – but on a much larger scale.
New energy origins, more citizens, limited food sources, and the constant threat of disasters represent merely the tip of the iceberg of decisions made for the greater good.
The necessity of sacrificing some aspects of the city’s operation in the name of survival strategies seems endless, especially since the proper balance of democracy with authoritarianism can seriously impact the society’s progress.
Conclusion – Is Frostpunk 2 Worth the Upgrade?
With great power comes great responsibility – that’s how we can describe Frostpunk 2. The game doesn’t need a direct comparison to the first installment, as they both develop on the same core. FP2 is an evolution of familiar principles, not an entirely new title.
Sure, it feels more challenging – but only time will tell how newbies and experienced players will navigate its unforgiving reality. From our perspective, the direction in which the game is heading intrigues and fascinates, as players can even more feel the burden of responsibility for their ethical and regrettable decisions.
And, ultimately, decide whether the society will triumph over the cruel nature or collapse under its mightier reign.