Hinterland Studio has announced the long-awaited sequel to The Long Dark. The new game, called BLACKFROST: The Long Dark II, is set to launch in Early Access in 2026. Fans of the original game are in for a treat, with the new game promising exciting new features and an improved survival experience.
About BLACKFROST
BLACKFROST: The Long Dark II is the next step in the The Long Dark series, a popular survival game that has been developed over the past 10 years. The game builds on everything that made the first one great while adding new ideas, including the ability to play with friends in co-op mode. Hinterland Studio, the team behind the original, is taking everything they’ve learned and making a game that will set the standard for future survival games.
Survive the quiet apocalypse
In BLACKFROST, players will find themselves in a cold, post-apocalyptic world. A year has passed since the mysterious Aurora event, which disabled all technology. You will explore the northern industrial city of Harmont and its surrounding areas as a survivor. You’ll encounter wild nature, abandoned towns, and other survivors still learning to live in this new reality. It’s a harsh world, and how you survive is up to you.
Survive alone or with others
One of the key features of BLACKFROST is the choice to either survive alone or in a group. You can choose to explore the frozen wasteland by yourself or team up with others to fight for survival. If you decide to play alone, you’ll have to interact with NPC survivor communities, learning how to live alongside them. If you play in co-op mode, you’ll rely on your friends to help you face the dangers of this harsh world.
A new take on survival RPGs
BLACKFROST is built from the ground up as a survival RPG. Unlike other games, where survival mechanics are just an add-on, BLACKFROST focuses on them as the core of the experience. Players can build and customise their own survivor, choose traits and skills, and even experience their survivor’s personal journey through scars and stories. This game takes survival to the next level, providing a deep and realistic experience.
The will to live
Survival in BLACKFROST is not just about food and shelter. The game introduces a new “Will to Live” system, which tracks your survivor’s mental and emotional health. You’ll need to manage your fears and doubts if you want to make it. This adds a new level of challenge, as staying alive isn’t just about surviving physically, but also mentally.
New dangers to face
There are plenty of new challenges in BLACKFROST. In addition to the usual dangers like wildlife and extreme weather, there are also unique hazards, such as the terrifying Blackfrost, a radioactive threat caused by a nearby reactor. The world is filled with new risks, making every moment a fight for survival.
Permalife: A new way to play
One of the most exciting new features is the Permalife system. Instead of traditional permadeath, where you lose everything when your character dies, Permalife lets your character face the consequences of death while still moving forward in the story. You’ll gain new risks and fears, but also have the chance to overcome them and grow stronger. And for those who prefer classic permadeath, that option is still available.
Early access and player feedback
BLACKFROST will be launched in Early Access to get feedback from players and improve the game over time. Hinterland Studio has a long history with Early Access, having first used the model with The Long Dark. The game will be developed in stages, with new content and features added based on player input. If you’re interested in getting involved, keep an eye out for more details closer to the 2026 launch.
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