Will Frostpunk 2 Be on Game Pass?
Frostpunk 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the original Frostpunk, has fans buzzing with excitement—and one of the most frequently asked questions is whether the game will be available on Game Pass.
The answer is a resounding yes! From day one, Frostpunk 2 will be available on PC Game Pass, allowing subscribers to play the game without any additional cost at launch.
However, Xbox console players will need to wait until 2025 to enjoy it on Xbox Game Pass.
Frostpunk 2 on PC Game Pass: A Day One Release
For PC Game Pass subscribers, Frostpunk 2 is set to launch on September 20, 2024. This means that if you’re subscribed to either PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll have instant access to the game on the day of release without needing to purchase it separately.
This is a huge win for fans of survival city-builders who are eager to get their hands on the game without paying full price.
What Does the Day One Game Pass Launch Include?
The day one release on Game Pass will allow players to enjoy the standard version of Frostpunk 2, which includes the full base game.
However, if you’re eyeing the Deluxe Edition, which offers additional perks like in-game items, the Frostpunk novella, and three upcoming DLC packs, that edition won’t be part of the Game Pass offering.
Deluxe Edition buyers also get three days of early access, meaning they can jump into the game starting on September 17, 2024, ahead of the general Game Pass release.
For PC players who are Game Pass subscribers, this setup is ideal. You’ll be able to dive right into the frozen world of Frostpunk 2 on day one, testing your leadership skills in this brutal survival environment without having to shell out extra cash.
What About Xbox Game Pass?
While Frostpunk 2 will hit PC Game Pass right away, the story is a bit different for Xbox Series X|S players. The game won’t be available on consoles until 2025. This isn’t unusual for large, multi-platform games, particularly those with complex mechanics like Frostpunk 2.
11 Bit Studios is prioritizing the PC release to ensure they can fine-tune the game’s systems before optimizing it for console play.
Why the Delay for Xbox?
The console delay likely stems from the game’s intricate mechanics. Frostpunk 2 is a strategy-heavy game, with city-building, resource management, and deep political dynamics. Developing these features for console—particularly given the need to adapt controls and interfaces for Xbox—can take time.
By focusing on the PC version first, the developers can refine the core gameplay experience before porting it to Xbox Series X|S.
While the wait for Xbox Game Pass players may be frustrating, it ensures that when the game does arrive on consoles, it will be a polished, well-optimized experience.
Why This Game Pass Release Matters
Immediate Access for Subscribers
One of the key benefits of Frostpunk 2 being on Game Pass is that it gives players immediate access to one of the year’s most anticipated games without needing to pay upfront.
Considering how well-loved the original Frostpunk was for its challenging gameplay, Frostpunk 2 is expected to be a major hit—and getting it as part of a Game Pass subscription is an amazing deal.
Game Pass is known for featuring top-tier titles right from release, and adding Frostpunk 2 to that roster only strengthens its reputation as one of the best gaming subscriptions available.
For subscribers, it means you can test out the game, get a feel for its new mechanics, and explore its expanded political system without having to worry about buyer’s remorse.
Experimenting with New Mechanics
One of the great things about Game Pass is that it encourages experimentation. If you’ve never played Frostpunk before, the subscription service lets you try Frostpunk 2 risk-free. The sequel isn’t just a city-builder—it introduces faction dynamics and moral decisions that push the survival genre into new territory.
Managing different groups with conflicting priorities in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world adds layers of strategy and tension.
Having access through Game Pass gives you the freedom to see if this more complex system fits your playstyle. If you find that the game’s challenging decisions and moral dilemmas are too overwhelming, no harm done—just try something else from Game Pass’s extensive library.
What Can We Expect from the Xbox Version?
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
When Frostpunk 2 finally arrives on Xbox Series X|S in 2025, players can expect a version that is fully optimized for consoles. The developers will be taking the extra time to ensure that the game’s UI and controls are adapted smoothly for Xbox.
If the original Frostpunk is anything to go by, the transition from PC to console should be seamless. In fact, the original game received high praise for its smooth controls and interface on Xbox, which bodes well for the sequel.
Performance and Graphics on Console
Given that Frostpunk 2 is being developed with the latest consoles in mind, we can expect it to leverage the power of the Xbox Series X|S. From intricate cityscapes to the brutal snowstorms that will challenge your city’s survival, Frostpunk 2 is shaping up to be a visually stunning game.
The extra development time for the console version will likely ensure the game takes full advantage of the Xbox hardware, delivering smooth performance and breathtaking visuals.
Conclusion: A Game Pass Win for PC and Xbox Players
For anyone subscribed to PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Frostpunk 2 will be a must-play when it launches on September 20, 2024.
You’ll be able to experience the game’s challenging mechanics and rich world-building from day one at no extra cost. While Xbox console players will have to wait until 2025, the delay ensures that when the game does arrive, it will be a polished and optimized experience.
Ultimately, having Frostpunk 2 on Game Pass is a fantastic opportunity for strategy fans, city-building enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoyed the original game.
Whether you’re exploring the politics of New London or managing your city’s survival against the elements, you’ll be able to jump in without breaking the bank.
