Frostpunk

What is Frostpunk?

Frostpunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction that envisions a world where civilization struggles to survive in an extreme, ice-covered environment. Unlike Solarpunk’s vision of ecological harmony or Cyberpunk’s technological dystopias, Frostpunk depicts frozen wastelands where humanity must fight against the cold, resource scarcity, and societal collapse. It explores themes of survival, authoritarian rule, and the moral dilemmas of managing a society on the brink of extinction.

Why Does Frostpunk Exist?

Frostpunk emerged as a response to concerns about climate change, global cooling scenarios, and survivalism in extreme conditions. It imagines a future where ice ages, nuclear winters, or failed terraforming projects have plunged the world into a deep freeze. The genre explores how humanity copes with dwindling resources, forced labor, and the harsh ethical decisions needed to ensure survival.

Famous Frostpunk Authors

While Frostpunk is a relatively new concept, several authors have explored similar themes:

• Cormac McCarthy – The Road, a post-apocalyptic tale of survival in a dying world.
• Dan Simmons – The Terror, a historical survival story in the Arctic.
• J.G. Ballard – The Crystal World, which depicts a world slowly crystallizing into ice.
• Kim Stanley Robinson – Antarctica, a novel about extreme survival in an ice-covered world.

Famous Frostpunk Works

Frostpunk themes appear in various books, films, and games:

• Books: The Road (Cormac McCarthy), The Ice People (René Barjavel), The Day After Tomorrow (Whitley Strieber).
• Films: Snowpiercer (2013), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), The Thing (1982).
• Video Games: Frostpunk, The Long Dark, Metro Exodus.