Review: Frostpunk 2 Fractured Utopias DLC

When Surviving Is No Longer Enough

Fractured Utopias further deepens the core proposal of Frostpunk 2 by introducing two new utopia builders, each based on original tales that place the city in extreme situations. The DLC does not try to reinvent the game’s core systems, but instead pushes them to their limits, forcing players to deal with scenarios where difficult decisions appear at a relentless pace.

GAMEPLAY

The first tale, Apocalyptics, revolves around a radicalized population that begins to see the destruction of the city itself as a solution. Here, conflict goes beyond cold and scarcity, emerging from a profound social breakdown that demands political control, harsh moral choices, and acceptance of structural losses.

The Plague tale shifts the focus of tension entirely. Instead of ideological collapse, the player races against time to find a cure for a deadly virus that threatens to wipe out the entire population. Resource management, scientific priorities, and ethical decisions become even more critical, creating a constant sense of urgency.

The DLC also suggests specific maps for each tale, Baia Escarpa for Plague and Forgotten Valley for Apocalyptics, but wisely does not restrict the player to these choices. Any map can be used, and it is even possible to activate multiple tales at once, unlocking the full potential of Fractured Utopias. This freedom, however, comes at a high cost, demanding experience, mastery of the systems, and the ability to manage chaos on multiple fronts.

The DLC’s greatest strength lies in how it expands existing systems. The new utopias do not function as isolated challenges, but as additional layers that intertwine with politics, laws, factions, and urban management. Social polarization becomes more aggressive, and trying to please every side almost always leads to negative consequences.

Fractured Utopias makes it clear that there are no ideal solutions. Every choice closes doors, empowers unseen enemies, and creates future problems. This reinforces the franchise’s identity and deepens both its strategic and narrative weight.

TRAILER OFFICIAL

FINAL THOUGHTS

Fractured Utopias is a DLC that adds real value to Frostpunk 2’s original content. The new utopias offer distinct, well-written, and mechanically meaningful challenges that expand the game without compromising its identity. The ability to combine tales and maps significantly increases replayability, while also demanding more from the player.

While it is not an expansion designed for newcomers, it fits perfectly for those who already understand the base game’s systems and are looking for more intense, complex, and uncomfortable experiences. These additions are welcome, increasing the weight of every decision and reinforcing the idea that governing in Frostpunk has never been just about survival, but about deciding what kind of society deserves to keep going.

Fractured Utopias does not make the journey easier, but it makes it richer, harsher, and more compelling, exactly what is expected from Frostpunk 2.

Review by Gamertag: Scoulz

SCORE: 82/100