Frostpunk 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 11 bit studios’ dark city-building survival game, finally has some dates for its upcoming beta. This news is sure to excite fans looking to play Frostpunk 2 before its official release later in the summer.

First announced in August 2021 with a chilling cinematic trailer, Frostpunk 2 has been on the radar of many city-building fans for quite a while. Set 30 years after the events of the original 2018 game, the sequel aims to elevate the mechanics of the original Frostpunk to a new level. This game will focus not only on surviving a volcanic winter but also on keeping the city of New London healthy and prepared for the future. Since its reveal, fans have eagerly awaited news on when they could get their hands on the game.
They finally received a release date of July 25th, 2024, at the recent Xbox Partner Preview. This announcement also confirmed a closed beta available exclusively to those who purchase the Deluxe Edition of the game. Fortunately, those interested in the game now have an exact date for this beta.

The official Frostpunk account shared on Twitter that the Frostpunk 2 beta would take place during the third week of April 2024, from April 15th to April 22nd. In the Tweet, 11 bit studios also reminded players that to access the 7-day beta, they should pre-order the Deluxe Edition, currently on sale on Steam with a 10% discount. It’s important to note that beta participants will not have access to all the game’s content before its July release.
Instead, they can only play the “Utopia Builder” mode, an enhanced version of the sandbox mode from the original game.

Players who are undecided about the game may be pleased to know that Frostpunk 2 will be available on PC Game Pass on day one. This means more players will be able to try the game for themselves.
Unfortunately, Frostpunk 2 will only be available on PC at launch, with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions releasing later in 2024 at an unannounced date.

Ultimately, Frostpunk 2 is shaping up to be another excellent title from 11 bit studios. The Polish developer and publisher, known best perhaps for the indie game This War of Mine, has been on a roll lately. In addition to the Frostpunk sequel, 11 bit studios is also set to release the incredibly unique-looking survival game The Alters, after having just published Fool Theory’s The Thaumaturge, which received positive reviews. Hopefully, Frostpunk 2 delivers and adds further credence to the claim that 2024 is the year of survival games.