Xbox Game Pass Ultimate adds Frostpunk 2, a city-builder strategy game with an average critic score of 85 on OpenCritic. While there are many city-builder games on the Xbox Game Pass subscription, Frostpunk 2 stands out as one of the most critically acclaimed titles in the genre.
The Frostpunk series’ first installment launched in 2018 and currently holds an average of “Very Positive” review scores on Steam from over 100,000 users. The sequel, Frostpunk 2, arrived six years later in 2024 and reportedly sold over 700,000 copies in its first fiscal year. 11 Bit Studios, the company behind the franchise, has also announced a new Frostpunk project scheduled for release in 2027, though details are still scarce.
Frostpunk 2 Joins Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as Day-One Console Release
As of September 18, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play Frostpunk 2, which is also celebrating its release on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. On Steam, where the game has been available for nearly a year, Frostpunk 2 holds a “Mostly Positive” rating from over 17,000 reviews, suggesting it’s worth checking out, especially for fans of the city-builder genre. In the game, the goal is to build a civilization on a post-apocalyptic, frozen Earth while managing resources, handling different factions, and enacting regulations to maintain law and order.
Xbox Game Pass’ September Wave 2 Lineup
- RoadCraft – September 16
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – September 17
- For the King 2 – September 17
- Overthrown (Game Preview) – September 17
- Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor – September 17
- Frostpunk 2 – September 18
- Wobbly Life – September 18
- Hades – September 19
- Endless Legend 2 (Game Preview) – September 22
- Sworn – September 23
- Peppa Pig: World Adventures – September 25
- Visions of Mana – September 25
- Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – September 30
Building on its predecessor’s premise, Frostpunk 2 takes strategic city-building to a new level. The game introduces a complex governance and politics system, adding a fresh tactical layer to the gameplay. The map has also been expanded, heightening the survival aspect, as players now must manage larger areas and face more environmental threats.
According to 11 Bit Studios’ roadmap, multiple Frostpunk 2 DLCs are planned after the console launch, though it’s unclear whether any of this content will be included with Xbox Game Pass or offered as paid add-ons. What is certain is that Frostpunk 2 will launch additional DLC expansions, Spectrum, Aurora, and another currently known as DLC 3. It is also worth noting that Frostpunk 2 is normally priced around $45 USD, with a Deluxe Edition available for about $75.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers looking for a city-builder with simpler mechanics might want to try Overthrown instead of Frostpunk 2. The game focuses on building a cozy town with friends and supports up to six-player co-op. Overthrown is already available on Microsoft’s subscription as part of the second wave of Xbox Game Pass games for September.
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