Frostpunk 2: Major Update 1.3 Brings Gameplay Changes and a Discount 10 Comments
With the game‘s version 1.3 update, Frostpunk 2 (review) receives a new map, additional scenarios, numerous gameplay adjustments, a Relaxed game mode, improved graphics, and modding support. Further updates are expected to follow. At the same time, the building strategy game is 30% off on Steam and GOG.
New Map, New Quests, and Relaxed Freezing
Update 1.3 brings a whole range of new content and improvements available to game owners for free. Publisher and developer 11 Bit Studios focuses on the new map, “The Pit.” This is a utopian scenario centered around a failed generator project. A vertical, barren gorge structure is intended to provide new challenges in infrastructure and resource management. Also new are “Tales from the Frostland.” These are challenges with your own quests and decisions that can be completed individually or in a single game.
Frostpunk 2 – Patch 1.3 (Image: 11 bit studios) Image 1 of 2
Frostpunk 2 generally doesn’t reach the critical difficulty of the first game, but the second part can also be challenging. For players who don’t feel like it, the developers have now introduced Serenity mode. It reduces conflicts and storms, provides abundant resources, and masks the negative effects of the parliamentary group system. In this respect, the target audience for the new mode is particularly beginners or players who want to focus on urban planning and urban atmosphere.
New heating system and fine-tuning in gameplay and representation
There are also changes to the core gameplay. The heating system has been revised as a central mechanic. Temperature zones now apply per district, with notable effects on population well-being, satisfaction, and behavior. A revised user interface should aid in planning, heating legislation, and infrastructure expansion. Technology spaces have also been adjusted accordingly. This goes hand in hand with nine new research projects, two new buildings, and a new law. Additional research projects and laws have been revised.
Frostpunk 2 – Patch 1.3 (Image: 11 bit studios) Image 1 of 2
There are other detailed changes. The game’s prologue has been adapted in speed and structure, there are new tutorials for the core systems, and an option to start the main story from the middle. Additionally, the visual representation has been optimized: higher population density, better building readability, and revised route guidance should visually enhance the cityscape. Players can now manually place central locations or switch to a classic urban district layout. Fundamentally, there is more control over procedural urban development.
Modding leaves beta, and further updates follow
Modding was already possible in Frostpunk 2, but only to a limited extent within the context of a beta program. With Update 1.3, the Frostkit 1.0 Mod Tool leaves this beta. Among other things, a revised graphical user interface, a more powerful editor mode, shorter loading times, tutorials, and a search bar are new. At the same time, the game’s gameplay has been updated to Unreal Engine 5.4.3.
Roadmap for the Future of Frostpunk 2 (Image: 11 Bit Studios)
The full patch notes list numerous other changes. It’s already clear that further updates are expected to follow throughout the year. The console version is due in the summer before a first DLC is released in the fall. Two more DLCs are planned for next year. Further development of the second part of Frostpunk thus runs parallel to the remake of the first game in the Unreal 5 engine, which isn’t expected to be released until 2027.
Patch 1.3 is a discount
Frostpunk 2 is currently available at a discount for the release of the major 1.3 update. On Steam, the price is reduced by 35% to around €29, and there’s at least a 30% discount on GOG, bringing the price to almost €32. The campaign runs on Steam until May 22nd, and on GOG it ends on May 14th.
Topics: 11 Bit Studios Building Strategy Frostpunk Gaming Indie Game Strategy Games Survival Game Game Source: 11 Bit Studios
A lifelong video game enthusiast, Julien reviews the latest releases and explores the technologies transforming the gaming world.
