The frost is thickening, and the northern frontier is stirring once again. FROSTHAVEN, the acclaimed dark fantasy tactical RPG from Snapshot Games Inc. and publisher Arc Games, is about to receive its first-ever major Early Access content update: Awakening Protocol, launching October 23, 2025.
This massive, free update expands the digital adaptation of Isaac Childress’ celebrated board game with a new storyline, three playable heroes, fresh challenges, and even more strategic depth — making the brutal northern frontier deadlier and more rewarding than ever.
⚔️ The Unfettered Rise — New Storyline, New Threats
In Awakening Protocol, players will confront the Unfettered, a mysterious machine uprising led by a powerful and enigmatic figure. The update introduces a brand-new narrative arc that challenges players to uncover the origins of this mechanical rebellion while defending what’s left of civilization from within the icy walls of Frosthaven.
The fate of the settlement — and the survivors who call it home — lies in your decisions.
🌨️ New Content & Features in Awakening Protocol
The Awakening Protocol update adds an extensive range of new content to the Early Access experience, including:
- The Unfettered Storyline – A new narrative arc centered on a devastating machine uprising.
- 3 New Playable Heroes – Unlock three powerful new heroes, each bringing distinct playstyles and abilities that redefine party strategies.
- 5 New Bosses – Battle colossal, mechanical horrors with deadly patterns and devastating attacks.
- 18+ Additional Quests – Journey across new regions, explore dangerous ruins, and confront new threats.
- 1 New Building – The Town Hall – Expand your settlement’s functionality with this major new structure.
- 8 Building Upgrades – Strengthen Frosthaven’s infrastructure with new upgrades that affect gameplay and management.
- 40+ New Items – Discover new weapons, tools, armor, and consumables to aid your party’s survival.
- Challenge System – Take on unique, high-risk objectives for greater rewards.
- Job Postings – Complete new Town Hall side quests to enhance your heroes and the settlement.
With Awakening Protocol, Frosthaven’s world expands in both scope and strategy — offering more ways to test your tactical mind and rebuild civilization in the frozen wilds.
🧊 An Evolution of Strategy and Survival
Set in the harsh and unforgiving north, Frosthaven is a tactical RPG adaptation of Isaac Childress’ award-winning board game — a spiritual successor to Gloomhaven. Developed by Snapshot Games, the creators behind Phoenix Point, this digital version blends deep, turn-based combat with resource management and cooperative gameplay.
Players can dive in solo or with up to four players online, taking on over 35 quests across Acts 1 and 2 in Early Access, with over 130 total missions planned for the full campaign.
🏰 Build, Fight, and Survive
In Frosthaven, every decision matters:
- Unique Characters: Start with six distinct classes — Banner Spear, Boneshaper, Drifter, Geminate, Blinkblade, and Deathwalker — and unlock even more as your campaign unfolds.
- Tactical Combat: Utilize ability cards, timing, and synergy between heroes to defeat waves of enemies and bosses.
- Build Your Outpost: Expand your settlement by constructing and upgrading buildings to unlock new features and opportunities.
- Explore a Stunning World: Traverse shifting seasons, diverse biomes, and meticulously crafted environments brought to life with detailed visuals and expressive animation.
🎲 FROSTHAVEN at SPIEL Essen 2025
Coinciding with the October 23 launch of Awakening Protocol, Frosthaven will be featured at SPIEL Essen 2025 at the Cephalofair Games Booth (Hall 3, Booth #3R200). Visitors will be able to play the new content hands-on and meet members of the development team, including Game Director Hristo Petkov.
❄️ A World Reborn in Ice and Iron
The frozen frontier of Frosthaven grows even more treacherous this October. Will your team rise against the Unfettered uprising — or become another forgotten story in the snow?
Wishlist and play Frosthaven now on Steam and prepare to dive into Awakening Protocol on October 23.