Frozenheim

I really enjoyed Frozenheim back when I previewed it in 2021, and much of what I liked is even better. Most of what I disliked is still there, too. Frozenheim is a well-made city builder that focuses on one historical period and culture. Its story and RTS elements still feel undercooked, not bad but not as fully realized as the construction sim aspects. With a short campaign, no scenario editor, and sandbox experiences that always play out sort of the same, a long term relationship with Frozenheim is difficult.

Frozenheim is a visually attractive and enjoyable Viking-themed city-builder let down by shallow combat and questionable resource management.

Frozenheim is a solid city builder with added battles that, frankly, should have stayed on the cutting room floor. Let me survive in the frozen wasteland in peace!

Frozenheim is probably the most serene war-mongering game I’ve ever played, with a lot of fun details that truly flesh out the entire experience. Not quite a city-builder but not entirely a full-on RTS, Frozenheim toes a themed line between the two genres in a fascinating, relaxing way. It has the potential to be a much more in-depth challenge, but for now, it’s a somewhat casual romp through Scandinavian lands (until a neighboring Nord horde burns your village down, of course). If you’re ready to plunder and pillage, then build up your village, Frozenheim awaits those with a lust for blood (and an eye for Viking carpentry).

Frozenheim has a huge amount going for it and manages to touch on a number of ideas that do, largely, work. It just needs a little more time to the in game combat, but there is a great game in out there on the open plains just waiting for Odin’s blessing.

I really enjoyed my time with Frozenheim and will certainly be playing more, especially multiplayer, but it could use a bit more of a facelift to help improve the core appeal. The negatives wouldn’t be as distracting if the game hadn’t just come out of early access, but taking that step to leave early access makes it imperative that the game feels fleshed out and not missing anything or needing major improvements. Still, it is an enjoyable game and players are sure to find hours of enjoyment in it. Just maybe wait until they’ve had a chance to upgrade the existing systems.