Chapter 2 in Frostpunk 2 will be much more stressful and challenging than Chapter 1. During the first half of Chapter 2 you need to develop your city as well as your generator. At the start of the second chapter, you’ll need to make a crucial decision about your generator. Either you take the Pilgrims side and change your generator, or you share the Stalwarts view of focusing on its progress. This choice will have a big impact on how your generator functions down the road.
Should you upgrade to Oil Pumps
Oil Pumps make your generator more efficient but only work with oil. You won’t be able to use coal or steam for heat anymore. However, you can build Coal Liquefactors to turn coal into oil.
To build Coal Liquefactors, you’ll need Cores. These devices create more squalor (or disease, depending on the type of Liquefactor) in your city. If you already have a lot of problems with these issues, it might not be the best idea to build them.
If you choose the Progression path, make sure you have enough oil before upgrading your generator. Once you install it, coal will no longer be useful. The old dreadnought is your main oil source, so improve it and the transportation system (research cable cars and cargo terminals).
Should you upgrade to Adaptive Pumps
Adaptive Pumps let your generator use any fuel, including coal, oil, and steam. This is different from Oil Pumps, which only work with oil. You do not have to construct more buildings or alter your production. Just extract any fuel, and it will go directly to the generator. However, its efficiency is not as good as Oil Pumps.
If you choose the adaptation path, then you have to focus on the outpost and your supply system. You’ll need resources from outside the city, so send scouts to explore the wilderness and connect outposts to your main settlement. While oil isn’t as essential as in the Progression path, it’s still important. Expand your colony, build transportation systems, and connect outposts to New London.
No matter which path you choose, you’ll need to explore the wilderness. Upgrading your generator requires cores, which can only be found on expeditions.
Conclusion
The decision is up to you. In adaptation you will build more fortified outposts that have unlimited resources and protection from blizzards. Progression will get infinite amounts of resources and a food supply close to your city. Choose the option that sounds more appealing or aligns with your city’s development in the first chapter.
