All Utopia Builder start locations in Frostpunk 2, ranked

Contents

• What is Utopia Builder in Frostpunk 2
• 5 best Utopia Builder start locations in Frostpunk 2 ranked
  • 5. Broken Shore
  • 4. Crater
  • 3. Fractured Gorge
  • 2. Hanging Rock
  • 1. Windswept Peaks

Once you finish the Story Mode for Frostpunk 2, you should venture into the Utopia Builder mode first. Utopia Builder is a sandbox mode that offers you endless possibilities to make the city of your dreams. Each run in the Utopia Builder mode has you begin from a unique start location.

There are currently seven start locations in Utopia Builder in Frostpunk 2. In this article, we have shared and ranked the five best Utopia Builder start locations in Frostpunk 2.

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What is Utopia Builder in Frostpunk 2

Utopia Builder in Frostpunk 2 is a game mode where you can select a start location before building your dream city, well at least until your steward/captain becomes too old and dies. However, if you truly want an endless experience, you can activate the “Endless mode” option from the menu when playing the Utopia Builder.

This option is only available when you finish or end a run in the Utopia Builder by surviving for 2087 weeks or 40 years. In the endless mode, you can continue to expand your city to the absolute limit.

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5 best Utopia Builder start locations in Frostpunk 2 ranked

5. Broken Shore

The Broken Shore of dreams (Image via 11 bit studios)

Characteristics:

• Plentiful resources, including oil (one of only two maps with oil)
• Challenging terrain with resources further from the Generator

Broken Shore is a prime example of a map that balances difficulty and reward. The craggy, frozen beach environment will force you to think critically about long-term resource gathering, particularly because vital materials like coal and steel are farther from the Generator than usual.

Although the map's standout feature is its oil deposits, be prepared to frostbreak a lot more frequently since most resources are located far from the main generator. We also recommend maintaining a good relationship with the factions because you will need their help to generate enough headstamps for the buildings.

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4. Crater

A familiar playground (Image via 11 bit studios)

Characteristics:

• Familiar layout for those who completed the Frostpunk 2 story mode
• Larger coal deposits than in Story Mode
• All Communities and Factions available

Crater is the map of New London from the original Frostpunk Story Mode but with significant improvements for sandbox play. Those who have experienced the campaign will find comfort in the familiar layout while also appreciating subtle changes, like larger coal deposits to avoid the frustrating shortages from Story Mode.

Without the dire event-driven decisions like sending children to work in the mines, players can focus on long-term planning and resource management. Additionally, all Communities and Factions being available will let you have more control and efficiency over building your city.

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3. Fractured Gorge

A semicircle of cold (Image via 11 bit studios)

Characteristics:

• Abundant resources
• Spacious land on one side of the Central District
• Unique semicircle layout

Fractured Gorge offers an abundance of resources and space, making it one of the most flexible maps for players who enjoy experimenting with different city layouts. However, its unique quality lies in the terrain, as unlike the usual circular city planning found in most Frostpunk maps, the gorge prevents expansion to the north, forcing you to build only on one side of the Central District.

This seemingly small difference will change your strategy significantly, making you rethink your approach to city growth and expansion. Still, with enough resources to meet most early- and mid-game needs, Fractured Gorge remains a go-to for players who enjoy strategic but less punishing gameplay.

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2. Hanging Rock

A closed enclosure of hope (Image via 11 bit studios)

Characteristics:

• Challenging resource layout, with key materials located far from the Generator
• Iconic Winterhome map from the first Frostpunk game

Hanging Rock is the site of the ill-fated Winterhome colony from the original Frostpunk, but without the punishing penalties and sabotage that plagued players in Story Mode. This version of the map offers an alternate scenario where Winterhome survived, allowing players to make a new start in this horrifying location.

Unfortunately, most resources are scattered across this map, often far from the central Generator, making the early and mid-game challenging. Hence, you will need to frostbreak and create supply lines to make sure the city gets enough resources from all the deposits.

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1. Windswept Peaks

Simple yet challenging (Image via 11 bit studios)

Characteristics:

• Balanced layout for some casual runs
• Ideal for new players
• Simplified terrain that eases zoning and city planning

Windswept Peaks is the quintessential “default” map for Utopia Builder, sitting at the top of the selection screen and providing a middle-of-the-road experience. This terrain has minimal obstacles, making zoning and expansion relatively simple compared to more complex maps in this list.

The challenge level also remains consistent with typical Frostpunk 2 runs, without any special difficulty spikes or unique environmental features. This straightforward approach may be a snooze fest for players who enjoy hard games but is perfect for newcomers trying out the Utopia Builder for the first time after completing the story mode.