Starting a city in Frostpunk 2 can be quite a challenge, especially when you have limited resources. However, one of the toughest modes you can try is attempting to build without any Steam Cores or the prospect of finding any soon.
Your journey will take you across the Frostlands, battling harsh elements as you search for remnants of a lost core convoy to revive a forgotten core factory. You’ll need to manage resources wisely without relying on core-dependent structures, all while sending your bravest scouts into perilous territory for a chance of survival.
What Is The Depleted Cores Tale?
This tale is an optional subscenario available in any main scenario within the Utopia Builder mode.
In this scenario, you start without the usual Steam Core in your inventory and are given the task of rebuilding the IEC Factory.
Your objectives for this subscenario include:
- Locating the IEC Factory center
- Exploring the Frostlands to identify IEC Convoys
- Dismantling IEC Convoys for their parts
- Creating pathways from the convoys to the IEC factory
- Rebuilding the IEC Factory itself
- Constructing the Beacon of Hope
Can’t find any Steam Cores in the Frostlands while playing in this mode. They won’t appear as lootable items.
How To Complete The Depleted Cores
Since you don’t have any Steam Cores at your disposal, you must keep your city operational while you aim to locate and restore the IEC Factory.
The factory’s location is randomized but is usually not far from your city, often requiring just one or two explorations in various directions.
As you search, you may come across IEC Convoys before you find the Factory. Focus on locating the factory first, as your resources will be needed for that effort.
Once you find the IEC Factory, your next step will be to track down the convoys. Agreeing to rebuild the factory will mark the convoy locations on your map with a black flag.
Areas where convoys might be located will be highlighted on your map under “Possible Findings.”
After identifying a convoy, you’ll need to dismantle it to gather resources. Watch out for:
- Extra exploration time
- Potential injuries or fatalities among your team
- A steady stock of Prefabs
The chance of finding useful parts in a convoy is randomized, and the probability of success will be shown in the convoy’s description.
If you come across a convoy that presents a high danger risk, it’s usually best to wait. You can mitigate the risks of exploration hazards by implementing research upgrades in your city.
Once you successfully gather parts from a convoy, connect a trailway or skyway to the main IEC Core Factory.
Linking three convoys to the factory completes the rebuilding process, but expect challenges along the way.
Shortly after you start dismantling a convoy, a Whiteout alert will trigger for 80 weeks, complicating your efforts.
Since you likely won’t secure enough IEC parts within that time, you’ll need to survive the Whiteout without Steam Cores. To do this, consider the following strategies:
- Design your city layout to maximize heat retention.
- Invest in better housing insulation.
- Stockpile sufficient resources to halt operations in all working districts during the storm.
The Whiteout’s temperature won’t drop below -80°C, making it the mildest among Whiteout events. Consider postponing your convoy searches until you have reliable access to resources to minimize risk.
After enduring the Whiteout, you’ll be free again to gather the remaining IEC parts. Once you’ve accumulated all three, make sure to check that the IEC Factory is operational.
Once the IEC Factory is operational, you’ll receive a congratulations message for completing this tale. Your rewards include:
- The Prosperity Arch monument for your city
- 10 Steam Cores
- Unlimited Steam Core production for your city
- The Raiders of the Lost Cores achievement (first completion only)
