In this unforgiving Ice Age of Frostpunk 2, survival isn’t only about keeping the generator running. It is planning things months ahead of time. As you make progress in Frostpunk 2, you can’t rely just on nearby resources anymore. You will need to send out exploration teams to research and find locations for Outposts.
These outposts won’t sustain for long and you will have to upgrade them into bigger and better Settlements. In this guide, we will tell you how to build and upgrade outposts into thriving settlements from where resources will flow kicking back the warmth in your generator.
How to Find Outposts in Frostpunk 2?
If you are playing story mode then you will unlock Frostland Exploration skill pretty early in Frostpunk 2. This skill will allow you to send exploration teams out into the wild to look for more locations where you can dig up some resources and send them back home.
Digging up resources isn’t a one-day job so you will need to build temporary outposts that can house the workforce and other equipment that will be used to dig out resources. Here is how to create an outpost:
Step 1: Preparation
There is a lot that needs to be done before you can even send out a team for exploration. First and foremost, you will need to unlock Beacon skills from the Tech Tree. This is the important skill needed to send out exploration teams in the Frostland.
The next step is to build an Outpost Depot. This building is used to put together and train teams that will later be sent to build and run the outpost. Maintaining the outpost is also necessary.
Step 2: Sending out the Exploration Team
With all of the preparations done, all that’s left to do is to send out the exploration team. The teams will use the beacon to travel and explore the frostlands. After some time, you will start to see viable locations for Outposts on your map.
Step 3: Setting up the Outpost
With all of the exploration out of the way, go to the location screen and you should see an option to “Establish an Outpost” at the location that the Exploration Team suggested.
Step 4: Building a Trail or Skyway
The Outpost is up and running. Now it is time to send resources back to New London. For that you will need to either set up a Trail or a Skyway.
These are basically paths that are used to transport resources back to the main city. Both have their pros and cons. Here is a comparison of both to help you decide easily.
| Feature | Trail | Skyway |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Transport | Caravan / On Foot | Aerial Routes |
| Establishment | Easy to setup | Requires more research and resouces |
| Transport Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Capacity | Limited | Higher Capacity |
| Weather Impact | Very vulnerable to weather conditions | Less prone to harsh weather |
| Cost | Lower Initial Cost | Higher Setup Cost |
| Flexibility | More Adaptable Routes | Fixed Path |
You can connect new trails or skyways to pre-existing ones and don’t have to build entirely new ones for every new Outpost or Settlement.
Step 5: Maintenance
Outposts have a steep maintenance cost and you have to keep that in mind while setting them up. You shouldn’t run Outposts if you are already running low on resources back in New London. You will need Heat Stamps, Food, Prefabs, and everything else that you need back in the main city.
If your input is higher than output then you should consider either temporarily deactivating the outpost or completely dismantling it for good. An outpost is supposed to add additional resources and not waste precious resources.
How to Upgrade an Outpost to a Settlement?
Outposts have limited capabilities and eventually, you will hit that ceiling where the upkeep of the Outpost is not worth the resources that you are getting in return. That’s when you should consider upgrading the Outpost into a Settlement.
Before you can upgrade, you will need the Settlement Heating and Skyways skills under the Outpost Development section of the Skill Tree. You will also need extensive resources like Prefabs, Unemployed Population, and Cores to upgrade the Outpost.
Spend some time gathering resources and make sure to have some extra resources if things go south like there is a Blizzard in New London. After making all of the arrangements, just go to the outpost you want to upgrade, click on it and you should see an option to Upgrade to Settlement.
Simply select the option and your Outpost will now turn into a bigger and better farm – Settlement.
Maintenance of Settlement
As things have now expanded, the output will also increase and you will receive a much larger portion from the Settlement. The maintenance cost will also go up significantly so keep that in mind. Your heat requirement, food requirement, and everything else will drastically increase so make sure you have enough for backup.
Much like an Outpost, you can deactivate or dismantle a Settlement if you are not getting your money’s worth.
As you set out on your journey to create thriving Settlements in Frostpunk 2, make sure that you keep in mind that resource management and strategic planning are the keys to survival. With the right balance of Outposts, Settlements, and transportation methods, you will ensure that New London Survives in this Icy World. Stay prepared and may your Settlements flourish in amidst the blizzards.