Frostpunk 2 Idea Tree is a research mechanic that unlocks new technologies and buildings. It replaces the Workshop feature from the first Frostpunk game, however, the Idea Tree is more than a substitute. It’s a complex mechanic that requires you to think twice, or even thrice, before committing to a new project. That’s because each faction has its own idea or solution. You will have to carefully consider each option and its consequences.
Frostpunk 2 Idea Tree – Building a Research Institute
The Idea Tree becomes available in Chapter 1. You need to build a Research Institute in order to unlock new ideas and technologies. This building is constructed in an upgraded Housing District.
Research Institute Building Conditions:
- Requirements: 400 Workforce.
- Cost: 400 Workforce, 50 Prefabs, and 100 Heatstamps.
- Upkeep: 20 Heat.
It takes time to research a new technology. You can speed up the process by building more Research Institutes.
Frostpunk 2 Idea Tree – Factions and Zeitgeist
The good thing about the Idea Tree is that it offers versatile ways to solve a problem. On the other hand, these ways represent how factions think it’s best to deal with certain issues. The factions have opposing views. Each faction chooses a solution based on their ideologies. Your relationship with a faction will change based on which idea you decide to implement.
Ideas influence more than your standing with factions and communities. Each development affects your Zeitgeist.
We have three sets of antagonistic concepts:
- Progress versus Adaptation.
- Reason versus Tradition.
- Equality versus Merit.
Each faction has a different take on how the city should develop. It’s practically impossible to make them all happy at the same time. However, you should use a mix of laws, research, and actions to achieve a sustainable balance that will prevent riots and civil war.
Frostpunk 2 Idea Tree – How to Research and Execute Ideas
To research an idea, you need resources. Once you have them, just select the idea, and click the Research button. Ideas have different requirements, such as: cost, time, and upkeep. You should consider all these parameters before committing to an idea.
While factions have opposing views, there are a few things they all agree on. Researching these ideas will unlock upgrades and make factions happy. For example, Housing Insulation is an idea that pleases all factions. When you see an idea that agrees with all factions, you should research it. Some ideas become available after you research other ideas.
How to Execute Ideas
You might think that once the research is completed, the idea’s technology is available for use, but Frostpunk 2 is not always this straightforward. In some cases, such as building types, all you need to do is to construct the researched facility.
Ideas that unlock concepts have to become laws to make actual use of them. To pass a law, the Steward needs to present it in the Council Hall. If the council votes in favor of an idea, you can implement it and enjoy its benefits.
Check out more Frostpunk 2 guides!
| How To Unlock The Deep Melting Drill |
| Frostpunk 2 Chapter 1 Walkthrough |
| Fervor – How To Prevent A Civil War |
