Tips for Acquiring More Heatstamps in Frostpunk 2

Understanding Heatstamps in Frostpunk 2 is crucial for your success in this new city-builder game, which draws inspiration from titles like Civilization and Anno. What distinctly sets Frostpunk 2 apart is its immersive setting in a post-apocalyptic ice world. The game presents a dark and challenging experience, and to grasp its mechanics fully, completing the story campaign is essential.

As you navigate the narrative, you will quickly realize that Heatstamps are an indispensable resource in Frostpunk 2. This article explains how to effectively earn and utilize Heatstamps in your quest for survival.

What Exactly are Heatstamps?

Heatstamps are necessary for constructions (Image via 11 Bit Studios)

In Frostpunk 2, Heatstamps function as the primary currency, essential for a variety of actions including clearing ice around your districts, advancing research projects, and constructing buildings. Initially, players start with a modest income of 12 Heatstamps per week; to progress in building advanced structures and initiating complex research, you’ll need to enhance this rate.

How to Effectively Use Heatstamps in Frostpunk 2?

Multiple methods to enhance Heatstamp income (Image via 11 Bit Studios)

Heatstamps are fundamental for nearly every project you might wish to start in Frostpunk 2. When you’re low on Heatstamps, consider the following strategies to increase your gains:

1. Population Income

Your settlement’s population automatically generates Heatstamp revenue. However, managing population growth is vital, as an increase in population also leads to greater resource consumption and a higher demand for heat.

Strategy: Maintain a balance between population growth and resource production to secure sustainable Heatstamp income.

2. Goods Income

Your city’s ability to fulfill goods demands directly affects Heatstamp income. You can view unmet demands at the top of the screen, marked in red.

Strategy: Expand your Industrial District to enhance goods production, thereby meeting demands and increasing Heatstamp revenue.

3. Requesting Funds

If there’s a supportive faction within your city, you can request additional Heatstamps. The amount received will depend on the faction’s influence over the population.

Strategy: Build positive relations with factions by ensuring they remain satisfied, as indicated by the golden bar beneath their icons.

4. Passing Laws

Implementing certain laws can directly or indirectly increase your Heatstamp income. Be cautious, as some policies could inadvertently reduce your income.

Key Laws to Consider:

Survival: Goods

This law can either enhance goods production efficiency or reduce the demand for goods, promoting better income management.

Economy: Basic Necessities

The Paid Essentials law can boost Heatstamp income by requiring residents to pay for essentials, while Free Essentials increases Trust at the expense of your income.

Economy: Outsiders

Allowing only productive outsiders into your territory could enhance Heatstamp income, though it may create emotional tension within the game’s narrative and dissatisfy factions.

Economy: Community Service

The Service Exemptions policy enables residents to buy work exemptions, increasing income per capita.

Economy: Alcohol

Establishing City-run alcohol shops can enhance Heatstamp income, while privatizing alcohol distribution may improve Trust.

Economy: Housing Distribution

Adopting a Merit-based Housing approach may leave some residents without homes but can increase Heatstamp income per capita, whereas Mandatory Crowding accommodates everyone but doesn’t elevate income.

5. Research Projects

Certain research initiatives can influence income through enhancements in city-building or policies that impact factions:

Housing Distribution: You can manipulate housing availability to either improve shelter for all or maximize income through crowding tactics.

Consequences of Running Out of Heatstamps

Be mindful of your Heatstamp supply (Image via 11 Bit Studios)

Depleting your Heatstamps in Frostpunk 2 is akin to declaring bankruptcy. Without Heatstamps, you cannot advance in the game. Thus, it’s imperative to strategize patiently and spend wisely while expanding your infrastructure. Focus on maximizing your Heatstamp generation without risking the trust of your citizens.

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