Frostpunk is 11 bit studios' city-survival game where you lead the last city on Earth through a volcanic winter apocalypse. Building around a central steam generator, you manage heat, resources, workforce, and the moral direction of your society through a book of laws. The game forces genuinely difficult ethical decisions — child labor, 24-hour shifts, organ harvesting, and authoritarian control are all tools available when survival demands it. Five scenarios plus Endless Mode offer distinct challenges, from preserving seed vaults to managing refugees. The final storm in A New Home is one of gaming's most intense survival experiences.
Frostpunk features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New London (A New Home) | Tutorial/Main scenario | Full mechanics tutorial, complete story arc, most replayable scenario | Faith path |
| 2 | The Arks | Second scenario | Automaton mastery, efficiency-focused gameplay, unique story | Faith path |
| 3 | The Refugees | Third scenario | Population management skills, moral dilemma focus, faction dynamics | Order path |
| 4 | The Fall of Winterhome | Fourth scenario | City rebuilding skills, time pressure experience, lore reveals | Order path |
| 5 | On the Edge | DLC content | Trade mechanics, political storyline, advanced resource management | Order path |
New London (A New Home) — Starting Area
The main scenario and tutorial campaign. You lead 80 survivors building around a generator with the Great Storm approaching on Day 44. The difficulty curve teaches all mechanics gradually. The final storm sequence is the game's iconic moment.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Tutorial/Main scenario |
| Key Rewards | Full mechanics tutorial, complete story arc, most replayable scenario |
| Recommended Build | Faith path |
| Key Equipment | Generator upgrades |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of generator management — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to The Arks.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
The Arks — Early Game
A scenario focused on preserving seed vaults (Arks) with only a small workforce and Automatons. No new survivors arrive, making Automaton research essential. A unique puzzle-like challenge about efficiency rather than growth.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Second scenario |
| Key Rewards | Automaton mastery, efficiency-focused gameplay, unique story |
| Recommended Build | Faith path |
| Key Equipment | Generator upgrades |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering hope and discontent system — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Generator upgrades if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in The Refugees.
The Refugees — Mid Game
A crisis scenario where waves of refugees arrive at your city, straining resources. Managing the tension between existing citizens and newcomers drives the law system choices. Features the most difficult discontent management.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Third scenario |
| Key Rewards | Population management skills, moral dilemma focus, faction dynamics |
| Recommended Build | Order path |
| Key Equipment | Generator upgrades |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Steam Hub becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master law system for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
The Fall of Winterhome — Late Game
A prequel scenario where you take over a failing city with a damaged generator. You must repair and reorganize an existing (poorly built) city rather than starting fresh. The generator will eventually explode — evacuation is the real goal.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Fourth scenario |
| Key Rewards | City rebuilding skills, time pressure experience, lore reveals |
| Recommended Build | Order path |
| Key Equipment | Steam Hub |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Steam Hub should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- temperature mechanics mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into On the Edge.
On the Edge — Endgame
DLC scenario set after the Great Storm where your outpost depends on trade with New London. Political tensions between your settlement and the main city drive the narrative. Features the most complex supply chain management.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | DLC content |
| Key Rewards | Trade mechanics, political storyline, advanced resource management |
| Recommended Build | Order path |
| Key Equipment | Steam Hub |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Automation focus for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — New London (A New Home) → The Arks → The Refugees → The Fall of Winterhome → On the Edge. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Frostpunk Guides
- Frostpunk Frostpunk Overview
- Frostpunk Best Builds
- Frostpunk Tier List
- Frostpunk Walkthrough
- Frostpunk Beginner's Guide
- Frostpunk Tips & Tricks
- Frostpunk Weapons Guide
- Frostpunk Combat Guide
- Frostpunk Boss Guide
- Frostpunk Crafting Guide
- Frostpunk Classes & Characters
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