How to unlock the Idea Tree in Frostpunk 2

If you don't know how to unlock the Idea Tree in Frostpunk 2, well, this is where all your answers lie.

A very straightforward one, the ways of unlocking and using the Idea Tree in Frostpunk 2 include a few easy steps. While maintaining the same core mechanics, 11 Bit Studios has multiplied the scope of this game tenfold. The Idea Tree is a successor to the Workshop found in the first game; it will be the central hub for technological advancement and improvement of your society.

With your city struggling with so many different challenges in Frostpunk 2, the quicker you gain access to and learn to use the Idea Tree, the better. The Idea Tree offers you a plethora of solutions from different factions, which you can accept or reject as the governing power at will. This article gives an overview of how to use and unlock the Idea Tree in Frostpunk 2.

Note: This article may contain the author's subjective views and interpretations.

How to Unlock Frostpunk 2 Idea Tree

To activate the Idea Tree in Frostpunk 2, all you need to do is complete Chapter 1 in Story Mode. From this point on, the game will throw up a notification; it will tell you that you can build a Research Institute in your Expanded Housing District. This is the very first building available for construction, and it immediately pops up with Ideas it can research. Given that you meet this basic prerequisite fairly early in the game, then full access to all the benefits that are possible with the Idea Tree is open.

What is the Idea Tree for in Frostpunk 2?

The Idea Tree offers a dynamic system through which to explore various solutions to a problem your city faces. Each faction's beliefs and principles mold a solution, affording the player unparalleled flexibility when deciding on current pressing issues. Picking a solution will for the most part reward your relations with the backing faction, but you can always build more Institutes to greatly speed up the research. However, do this expansion with much care in order to keep in mind your resource supply and not hindering any currently running important services.

How to Research New Ideas in Frostpunk 2

Researching in Frostpunk 2 is one of the easiest tasks to perform, but with some strategy. Once an idea has been proposed by a faction, all that remains to be done is to produce the required resources to develop the idea. Each of the ideas has unique statistics that include duration, upkeep costs, and construction needs.

By clicking Research, providing the required materials, and after you have chosen an idea, the research can start. Some ideas may have prerequisites like forming the Council or researching other projects.

Ideas in Frostpunk 2 can be put into action in various ways. Some ideas need to be directly implemented by constructing new buildings in New London, while some will have to be pitched to the Council for approval. The so-called Legislative Ideas will affect the whole city and require voting in order to pass into laws. Such very laws can create friendly or hostile conditions that provoke new challenges and research opportunities.

The ideas concerning coal mining are ideas that have highly specified actions. To use such ideas, you will have to construct several buildings in areas allotted for coal mining. Putting up the buildings in arbitrary places won't be able to do the same magic for you.

This is how we come to the end of our guide on How to Unlock the Idea Tree in Frostpunk 2, which we hope has been of the greatest help possible.