Oil is coming to the apocalyptic world of Frostpunk in 11 bit studios’ reveal trailer for Frostpunk 2. The sequel takes place 30 years after the story in the original game, and will see players lead another society through the newly imposed ice age. Societies that were once built on coal will now be built on oil, and leaders will need quiet any rebellions that question their rule.
The original Frostpunk launched to critical acclaim in 2018 on PC; 11 bit studios eventually ported the game to consoles and added numerous expansion packs. In Frostpunk, players build a circular city centered around an engine. The world is frozen over, and citizens need to gather coal to increase the engine’s output or risk freezing to death in their homes. Players can rule with an iron fist or with more generous ideals, but Frostpunk is the kind of series that will punish players who take the high ground.
Based on Frostpunk 2’s gruesome trailer, which depicts what seems to be a previous leader, bound up and frozen to death in the snow, the series’ brutal tone will remain intact for the sequel. The Frostpunk team has grown significantly since the first game’s release; co-director Jakub Stokalski believes that expansion should allow the studio to build something even more ambitious.
“We have more manpower available to focus on all aspects of the game from scale, the production value, to the quality of UX,” Stokalski said. “Our ambition is to do more than a straight-up sequel. What we aim to deliver to players is an experience that goes vastly beyond that of the original Frostpunk.”
Frostpunk 2 is one of three announcements 11 bit studios plans to make. The Warsaw-based developer didn’t offer a release window for Frostpunk 2, but players can wishlist the new game on Steam and try the original for free from Aug. 12 to Aug. 16. Frostpunk 2 will eventually come to GOG, The Epic Game Store, and Steam. 11 bit studios didn’t mention any console plans for Frostpunk 2.
