A man holds a fiery stick in Frostpunk 2.The chilling winds of civil war sweep through New London in Frostpunk 2. As Steward, the fate of the city rests on your shoulders. A critical juncture in Chapter 5 presents three distinct paths: banishment, reconciliation, or enforcing order. This guide navigates these choices, offering insights into the mechanics and consequences of each decision.
Understanding the Conflict in Chapter 5
The image shows the three major choices for the finale: banishment, reconciliation, or enforcing order.The path to civil war can vary based on your earlier choices. Siding with one faction, like the Stalwarts, often means alienating another, such as the Pilgrims. These decisions can escalate tensions, culminating in events like the assassination witnessed after Chapter 4, ultimately forcing you to confront the instigators of the conflict.
Navigating the Civil War: General Mechanics
The image shows a decision regarding Guard Squads.Regardless of your chosen path, understanding the core mechanics of civil war is crucial for survival:
- Rule-type laws: Prioritize enacting these laws to solidify your control as the campaign concludes.
- District management: Districts become contested battlegrounds. Quelling the fighting and subsequent repairs are essential for restoring order.
- Guard Squads: These units are vital for protecting citizens, districts, and suppressing unrest. Recruit radicals throughout the campaign to bolster your forces.
- Prisons and Roundups: Building prisons in Housing Districts unlocks the “Roundup” ability, allowing you to detain faction members for exile, release, or recruitment into your Guard Squads.
- Tension management: Successfully stopping the fighting in districts lowers tension, providing temporary respite from the civil war, though the conflict can re-ignite.
The Path of Banishment: Expelling the Dissidents
The image shows a potential colony called Windward Moor.Banishment focuses on eliminating the instigating faction entirely. This can be achieved through several means:
- Killed in conflict: Casualties of the infighting or actions of your Guard Squads.
- Detained and exiled: Utilizing the Roundup action from prisons.
- Emigration to colonies: Establishing a self-sufficient colony for the exiled faction (note: this feature may encounter bugs).
- Abandoning the cause: Utilizing options like “Denounce,” “De-radicalize,” and “Secret Police” to weaken the faction’s support.
The Path of Reconciliation: Forging a Fragile Peace
The image shows the Peace Accords proposal in the Council.Reconciliation presents a more complex challenge. Passing the Peace Accords requires careful negotiation and maneuvering:
- Negotiate Peace Agreements: Engage with both rival factions to address their demands.
- Fulfill faction requirements: This may involve enacting/repealing laws, researching specific technologies, and avoiding commitments to other factions that could hinder negotiations.
- Pass the Peace Accords: Secure a two-thirds majority vote in the Council (67 delegates). Utilizing Guided Voting can be crucial for success. Failure to pass the Accords within a given timeframe can lead to a game over scenario.
The Path of Order: Embracing Authoritarianism
The image shows the game.Enforcing order involves establishing your absolute authority as Captain, streamlining decision-making.
- Pass Rule-type laws: Enact all other Rule-type laws, like Guided Voting and Steward’s Militia, to unlock the Captain’s Authority proposal.
- Secure the vote: Achieve a two-thirds majority (67 delegates) to pass the Captain’s Authority law. Negotiations and Guided Voting can aid in this process.
- Alternative: Stage a Coup: With 120 Guard Squads, you can forcibly seize power.
- Establish an Enclave District: Construct a designated district, build a Watchtower, and relocate the instigating faction.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Fate
Each path in Frostpunk 2’s Chapter 5 presents unique challenges and rewards. Whether you choose banishment, reconciliation, or order, careful planning and strategic decision-making are crucial for navigating the tumultuous landscape of civil war and securing the future of New London. For further guidance, consider exploring our resources on the best laws, technologies, and Frostland exploration.