Aftersurviving the Whiteout in the second chapterofFrostpunk 2, the next challenge will task you with exploring the Frostlands in search of the Winterhome Ruins. Once you find it, you’ll face a critical decision of whether tosettle or salvage Winterhome.

This choice will have a lasting impact on the game’s story and will strain your relationship with one of the two opposing factions in the game. If you’re uncertain about which path to take and what the consequences might be, the following guide will give you the insight you need to make an informed decision.

Frostpunk 2 - Chapter 3 - Salvage Winterhome (1)

What Happens If You Salvage Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?

Choosing to salvage Winterhome leads to the complete destruction of the ruins,rendering them inaccessible afterChapter 3. However, the benefit is that you’ll be able tosalvage a hefty 40 Cores, which are crucial for upgrading the generator to the third tier.

However, this decision comes with its own set of consequences. One of theopposing factions (the Pilgrims, in our case) will be outraged by your choice to destroy Winterhome. Their discontent will eventuallyradicalize them, resulting in protests and riots in the following chapters.

Frostpunk 2 - Chapter 3 - Salvage Winterhome

To successfully salvage Winterhome, you’ll need to frostbreak your way to the Core tiles andbuild Extraction Districts to start the extraction process. This operation requires considerable time, andeach Core tile will yield a total of seven Cores.

You’ll have a limited number of in-game weeks to complete the extraction process, and failing to achieve this goal within the defined time will result in agame over.

Frostpunk 2 - Chapter 3 - Settle Winterhome

Frostbreaking in Winterhome isn’t as simple as frostbreaking in New London or the Old Dreadnought. Winterhome issurrounded by toxic fume outlets, and prolonged exposure of your workforce can result in casualties.

It’s recommended to build an Industrial District in Winterhome and outfit it with the Automated Workforce Factory tounlock Automated Frostbreaking. This approach allows you to deploy machines to handle the frostbreaking in the toxic environment, saving both time and lives.

Frostpunk 2 - Chapter 3 - Settle WInterhome

Should You Salvage Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?

If you prefer not to manage an additional settlement alongside the Old Dreadnought, you should consider salvaging Winterhome. Moreover, the 40 salvaged Cores allow for the construction of theHyperdrive Regulator upgrade, which improves the generator’s heat output and increases overdrive efficiency.

What Happens If You Settle Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?

If you chose toembrace the frost in Chapter 2, the decision to settle Winterhome will align with that path. However, this choice willweaken your relationship with the faction that favors progress over adaptation. In our case, theStalwarts opposed settling Winterhome.

To successfully settle Winterhome, you’ll need to first filter out the toxic fumes byconstructing three Fume Extraction Districts on the fume outlets.These structures are unique to the settlement path. Much like salvaging, you’ll be racing against time to make Winterhome livable.

Frostpunk 2 Tag Page Cover Art

Should You Settle Winterhome In Frostpunk 2?

Once settled, Winterhome grants access to additional material and coal deposits, as well as fertile soil for food production, ensuring your city can thrive until the final chapter. Settling Winterhome isideal if you want to manage multiple colonies and gain extra resourcesto support a growing population.

Keep in mind, choosing either to salvage or settle Winterhomewill radicalize one of the opposing factions, and they’ll begin creating unrest in future chapters. There is no middle ground here.