Gamers eagerly awaiting the release of Frostpunk 2 on July 25th will be delighted to know that a beta version is set to launch much sooner. The beta will be available for play between April 15th and the 22nd, giving players a taste of what’s to come. The catch? You’ll need to pre-order the digital deluxe edition to gain access to the beta version. The beta kicks off on April 15th at 7pm CEST/1pm EDT/10am PDT and features a preview of the sandbox mode known as the Utopia Builder.
One of the key improvements in Frostpunk 2 is the shift towards a larger city focus and a deeper exploration of “social survival”. The game places a stronger emphasis on the interactions and conflicts between the player and the inhabitants of the city. Key decisions, such as passing laws and addressing issues of equality within the city, now play a significant role in gameplay. The new Council Hall is highlighted as a critical special building, where players can make decisions that impact the overall direction and functioning of the city.
In Frostpunk 2, players will no longer have free rein to dictate the fate of the city’s inhabitants. The introduction of democracy means that citizens expect to have a say in how the city is governed and the rules that shape their lives. Decisions will need to be made collectively, taking into account the needs and desires of the population. This shift adds a new layer of complexity to the gameplay, encouraging players to engage more deeply with the storytelling and decision-making aspects of the game.
While the opportunity to play the beta version of Frostpunk 2 is exciting, it comes at a cost. Players interested in trying out the beta will need to invest in the digital deluxe edition, priced at £56.69/$67.49/€67.49. This investment may give players early access to the game, but it also poses a risk. With the game set to launch on Game Pass on day one, some players may question the value of pre-ordering the deluxe edition for beta access.
The release of the Frostpunk 2 beta preview offers players a unique opportunity to explore the game’s new features and gameplay mechanics ahead of the official launch. With a focus on social survival and player engagement, Frostpunk 2 promises to deliver a compelling and immersive experience for fans of the series. However, the decision to pre-order the digital deluxe edition for beta access is one that players will need to carefully consider, weighing the benefits of early access against the potential risks.