Frostpunk 2 – Should you upgrade to Oil Pumps or Adaptive Pumps?

Oil Pumps and Adaptive Pumps are the first upgrades for your Generator in Frostpunk 2. Depending on your playthrough (or if you’re playing the story), you might have to choose between the two.

The choice can significantly affect how you produce Heat and play the game, so here’s everything you need to know about Oil Pumps and Adaptive Pumps in Frostpunk 2 and which one you should choose.

Should you unlock Oil Pumps or Adaptive Pumps in Frostpunk 2?

In the story mode, the answer depends on which Faction you want to side with and affects your future gameplay. In the Utopia Builder mode, the choice doesn’t influence the playthrough as much, so I recommend going with the Adaptive Pumps because they’re easier to manage.

Oil Pumps

The Oil Pumps optimize the Generator to run exclusively on Oil but increase its efficiency. This means you can’t use Coal and Steam anymore to produce Heat. But you can research and construct Coal Liquefactors to convert Coal into Oil.

You’ll need Cores to build Coal Liquefactors if you plan on converting fuel. Both the Oil Pumps and the Coal Liquefactors also generate additional Squalor (or Disease, depending on the Liquefactors), so if you have a lot of problems in the city, this might not be the best option.

Adaptive Pumps

Adaptive Pumps optimize the Generator to use any type of fuel, including Coal, Oil, and Steam. Unlike Oil Pumps, you don’t need to build additional buildings or optimize production. Extract any source of fuel and it’ll go directly into the Generator. The only thing you’re missing out on is the increased efficiency of the Oil Pumps.