If you thought your gaming nights couldn't get any frostier, think again! Frostpunk 2, the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic city-builder from 11 bit studios, has officially thawed out on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as of September 18, 2025. Console players on Xbox Series X and S can now dive into the icy chaos without dropping extra cash, thanks to day-one access on the subscription service.
After a smashing PC debut last fall—earning an impressive Metacritic score of 85—Frostpunk 2’s console arrival was eagerly awaited. Originally announced alongside its PC release, the wait for Xbox gamers lasted nearly a year but brought with it some tantalizing extras and polished gameplay. The developers didn’t just port the game; they took their time, ensuring the experience on Xbox gels perfectly with the console’s hardware prowess.
The game challenges you to lead a city on a frozen Earth, grappling with dwindling resources, social factions, and harsh laws necessary to keep your people alive. You play as the Steward, maneuvering your citizens through unpredictable weather calamities and political intrigue, where every decision has icy repercussions. If city-builders were a winter sport, Frostpunk 2 would be the downhill skiing gold medalist.
For those who relish physical collectibles, 11 bit studios teamed up with Skybound Games to deliver two special editions on disc — the Icebreaker Edition with a cool diorama, artbook, and novella, and the Whiteout Edition, which piles on DLC, art cards, stickers, a keychain, and a patch to the mix. Both come complete with the game on disc, so no frustrating download waits or coaster disasters here.
Xbox Game Pass itself continues to be a powerhouse for gamers, with Frostpunk 2 joining an already stellar 2025 lineup that includes titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Doom: The Dark Ages. If you’ve been on the fence about all those subscription services, Frostpunk 2’s arrival might just tip the scales—especially if you thrive on managing complex societies and shivering under frostbitten skies.
Looking ahead, 11 bit studios has sweetened the pot with a new Frostpunk project expected in 2027, promising even more wintry dystopian thrills on Xbox platforms powered by the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. So whether you’re a survival city-builder veteran or a curious newcomer, now’s the perfect time to chill out and build your frozen empire.
