After surviving the Whiteout in the second chapter of Frostpunk 2, the next challenge will task you with exploring the Frostlands in search of the Winterhome Ruins. Once you find it, you'll face a critical decision of whether to settle or salvage Winterhome.
This choice will have a lasting impact on the game's story and will strain your relationship with one of the two opposing factions in the game. If you're uncertain about which path to take and what the consequences might be, the following guide will give you the insight you need to make an informed decision.
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What Happens If You Salvage Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?
Choosing to salvage Winterhome leads to the complete destruction of the ruins, rendering them inaccessible after Chapter 3. However, the benefit is that you’ll be able to salvage a hefty 40 Cores, which are crucial for upgrading the generator to the third tier.
However, this decision comes with its own set of consequences. One of the opposing factions (the Pilgrims, in our case) will be outraged by your choice to destroy Winterhome. Their discontent will eventually radicalize them, resulting in protests and riots in the following chapters.
To successfully salvage Winterhome, you'll need to frostbreak your way to the Core tiles and build Extraction Districts to start the extraction process. This operation requires considerable time, and each Core tile will yield a total of seven Cores.
You'll have a limited number of in-game weeks to complete the extraction process, and failing to achieve this goal within the defined time will result in a game over.
Frostbreaking in Winterhome isn't as simple as frostbreaking in New London or the Old Dreadnought. Winterhome is surrounded by toxic fume outlets, and prolonged exposure of your workforce can result in casualties.
It's recommended to build an Industrial District in Winterhome and outfit it with the Automated Workforce Factory to unlock Automated Frostbreaking. This approach allows you to deploy machines to handle the frostbreaking in the toxic environment, saving both time and lives.
Should You Salvage Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?
If you prefer not to manage an additional settlement alongside the Old Dreadnought, you should consider salvaging Winterhome. Moreover, the 40 salvaged Cores allow for the construction of the Hyperdrive Regulator upgrade, which improves the generator's heat output and increases overdrive efficiency.
What Happens If You Settle Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?
If you chose to embrace the frost in Chapter 2, the decision to settle Winterhome will align with that path. However, this choice will weaken your relationship with the faction that favors progress over adaptation. In our case, the Stalwarts opposed settling Winterhome.
To successfully settle Winterhome, you'll need to first filter out the toxic fumes by constructing three Fume Extraction Districts on the fume outlets. These structures are unique to the settlement path. Much like salvaging, you'll be racing against time to make Winterhome livable.
Should You Settle Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?
Once settled, Winterhome grants access to additional material and coal deposits, as well as fertile soil for food production, ensuring your city can thrive until the final chapter. Settling Winterhome is ideal if you want to manage multiple colonies and gain extra resources to support a growing population.
Keep in mind, choosing either to salvage or settle Winterhome will radicalize one of the opposing factions, and they’ll begin creating unrest in future chapters. There is no middle ground here.
Frostpunk 2
- Released
- September 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- 11 Bit Studios
- Publisher(s)
- 11 Bit Studios
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Franchise
- Frostpunk
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Survival, City Builder
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
