Arc Games and Snapshot Games have announced Frosthaven: Awakening Protocol, the first-ever major content update for the acclaimed Early Access strategy RPG based on Isaac Childres’ award-winning board game. Launching October 23 on Steam and the Epic Games Store, the free update introduces an all-new story arc, new heroes, bosses, and more just in time for the showcase at SPIEL Essen 2025.
A New Chapter Begins with Awakening Protocol
Following the success of the Road to Frosthaven mini-campaign developed in collaboration with Childres, Awakening Protocol expands the digital adaptation with an original storyline centered on The Unfettered, a faction of sentient machines rising against their creators. Players will delve into the ruins of an ancient civilization as they battle mechanical foes, confront a mysterious leader, and shape the fate of Frosthaven through their decisions.
Developed by Snapshot Games, led by X-COM creator Julian Gollop, the game continues to evolve with each Early Access update. The new content drop aims to capture the strategic depth and storytelling that made the tabletop version a modern classic.
What’s New in Frosthaven: Awakening Protocol
Here’s everything players can look forward to when the update lands later this month:
- The Unfettered Storyline: Face the machine uprising in a new narrative campaign.
- Three New Playable Heroes: Unlock new classes to expand your tactical options.
- Five New Bosses: Engage in intense battles against mechanical monstrosities.
- 18+ New Quests: Explore new regions and uncover dangerous mysteries.
- One New Building – The Town Hall: Expand your settlement’s management features.
- Eight Building Upgrades: Strengthen Frosthaven’s infrastructure with new tools.
- 40+ New Items: Equip your heroes with fresh weapons, tools, and enhancements.
- Challenge System: Take on special objectives for extra rewards (and risk).
- Job Postings: Earn bonuses and side-quest rewards via the Town Hall board.
With this update, Frosthaven expands its city-building and tactical layers, introducing new incentives for long-term play.
Frosthaven to Appear at SPIEL Essen 2025
Coinciding with the update’s release, Frosthaven will be featured at SPIEL Essen 2025 from October 23–26, where visitors can try the new Awakening Protocol content firsthand at Cephalofair Games’ Booth. Members of the development team, including Game Director Hristo Petkov, will be present to discuss the future of the digital adaptation.
Players can wishlist Frosthaven on Steam now and jump into the Early Access version before Awakening Protocol launches.
