Leave Your Mark: Frostpunk 2 Launches a Modding Contest with a $10,000 Grand Prize

The unforgiving, frozen world of Frostpunk 2 is a place where every decision matters and survival is a constant struggle. But now, developer 11 bit studios is inviting the community to take a break from their grueling duties as a Steward and get creative. The studio has officially announced a massive modding contest, giving players and modders a “chance to leave your mark on the Frostpunk universe.” The competition, which features a grand prize of $10,000, is a major vote of confidence from the developers in their community, and a powerful signal that they view a vibrant modding scene as a crucial part of the game’s long-term future.

The Power of the Player

The modding contest is being held in collaboration with mod.io, a popular platform for game mods. The contest is a celebration of the creativity of the community and a way to encourage new and veteran modders alike to create content for the game. The grand prize is a substantial $10,000 cash payout for the “best overall mod” that showcases “the best in creativity and overall technical polish.” But that’s not all; there are also four other categories with significant prizes. The winners of the “Best City Mechanics,” “Best Frostland Mechanics,” “Best Graphics,” and “Best Politics” mods will each receive a custom AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT graphics card, themed around the game. The sheer size of the prize pool is a clear indication that 11 bit studios is taking this competition seriously and wants to attract top-tier talent from the modding community.

The developers have been explicit in their desire to see ambitious and unique projects. They’ve encouraged participants to “go wild” and have even thrown out ideas like replacing the frozen landscape with a desert, adding dinosaurs, or introducing a swamp filled with ogres. This freedom and encouragement are a refreshing change from developers who often try to restrict what their community can do. The contest is not only a way to get new content for the game but also a powerful form of community engagement that strengthens the bond between the players and the developers. By giving players a real stake in the game’s future, 11 bit studios is ensuring that the Frostpunk universe will continue to evolve in surprising and creative ways for years to come.

The Tools of the Trade: FrostKit

The modding contest is made possible by the official modding tools, called “FrostKit,” which were released alongside the game. Developed in the Unreal Engine, the FrostKit allows players to create custom maps, models, and even scenarios. This is a major departure from the first Frostpunk, which used a proprietary, in-house engine that made modding incredibly difficult. The move to Unreal Engine and the release of these powerful tools were a direct response to a long-standing request from the community. It’s clear that 11 bit studios understands the value of a strong modding scene, and they are providing the resources to make it happen. The contest, in many ways, is a perfect way to showcase the power of these new tools and the potential of the modding community.

Beyond the Contest: A Commitment to the Community

Even though the contest’s submission deadline was August 22, 2025, with winners announced on September 1, 2025, the news of the competition is still a major talking point in the community. It’s a reminder of 11 bit studios’ commitment to its fanbase. They have also promised a series of free major content updates and paid DLCs that will be released throughout 2025 and 2026. This long-term support, combined with the encouragement of community-created content, paints a bright picture for the future of Frostpunk 2. It’s a game that is not only a compelling experience at launch but is also set to grow and change with the help of the very people who play it.

Conclusion: The Future of the City is in Your Hands

The Frostpunk 2 modding contest is a significant event in the world of gaming. It’s a testament to the idea that a dedicated and passionate community can be a powerful engine for a game’s longevity. By offering a substantial prize pool and the opportunity to “leave your mark,” 11 bit studios has done more than just host a competition; they have empowered their players and invited them to become co-creators. Whether it’s a new political system, a new scenario, or a completely crazy graphical overhaul, the contest has proven that the frozen world of Frostpunk is a canvas waiting for new and creative hands to shape it. The future of the city is no longer just in the hands of the developers; it’s in the hands of the players, and that’s a very exciting thing indeed.