Endless mode

Endless mode is a new scenario type introduced into the game in 1.3.0. It has two sub-types: Endurance and Serenity. The Last Autumn DLC adds a third mode, The Builders.

Description
Endless mode is a variation of the Frostpunk scenario that essentially has no storyline. Without a storyline, the gameplay does not end, but instead follows cyclical storms. Endless mode is also the only place where you can find Relics. Outposts are not available in endless mode.

Endurance Mode
''For survivalists. Scarce resources, bitter cold and frequent blizzards. Every day will be a struggle.''

The blizzards in Endurance begin at 14 days, and every blizzard occurs 2 days faster than the one previous until they reach 8 days in frequency. At that point, the storms last about 2 days each.

In Endurance, you begin with 80 citizens, and the maximum non-automaton population in Endurance mode is 695.

Serenity Mode
''For constructors. Plenty of resources, mild weather, and short blizzards. Build the city how you see fit.''

Serenity has blizzards that last for about a day every 15 days.

In Serenity, you begin with 105 citizens as well as several Tier 0 and Tier 1 Technologies researched. The maximum non-automaton population in Serenity mode is 790.

The Builders Mode
''For pioneers. No heating, no support, harsh weather incoming. Build the Generator and try to survive.''

The Builders has blizzards every 12 days. The first 4 will last one day each, each subsequent blizzard will last 2 days. Temperature always starts at -20°C/-40°F. Relics and survivor shelters will only appear after day 50 although survivors can still be found earlier through exploration.

In The Builders, you begin with 125 citizens as well as 4 Tents, a Medical Post, 5 Steel Ruins, 8 Wood Ruins and a Generator Ruin. The Generator is destroyed and must be rebuilt. Steam Hubs are not available until the generator is finished. Progress on the current Generator stage is reset when a blizzard starts. Each stage can be completed instantly but for each rushed construction the Generator will suffer a permanent drawback once constructed. Automatons can be constructed but will not function until the Generator is rebuilt.

The Crags map has fewer ruins as there is not enough space for all of them to spawn. It also starts with only 115 citizens.

Maps
Endless mode has eight different maps in which you can build your city. Each map has the same amount of resource piles and deposits and 3 possible placement layouts for them.

Canyon
''Generator 358 was built in a large crevasse sheltering it from bitter winds, but the area available for construction is limited. The city has to be planned around steam hubs, not just the central heat zone.''

''Small area. Canyon walls constrain expansion.''

Canyon walls allow expansion only in two directions. A wood and a coal deposit are located within the last heating range of the generator, allowing them to be more easily heated but also taking up space from the Generator area.

Crags
''Generator 049 was built in an alternate location, after rugged terrain and worsening weather made reaching the primary site impossible. The same rock formations that impeded the advance will now make city planning very difficult.''

''Large area. Jagged rocks hamper city planning.''

Crag walls allow expansion only north in a large cone. Rock formations make city planning harder and allow only the first Generator range to be fully utilized and in The Builders mode there is only enough space for the most necessary construction buildings.

Crater
''A location typical for the later stages of planning and construction. The site for the Generator was chosen carefully to provide a relatively large open area around it with conveniently placed resources.''

''Medium area. Balanced.''

A very balanced map and the easiest to play on.

Flats
''This Generator is surrounded by a very large flat area suitable for expansion, with supplies scattered all over the place. The distance to the resources might be a problem.''

''Very large area. Resources may be far away.''

The largest available map, ideal for the largest cities. Half of the resource piles are far, making gathering posts require additional wood for roads. In addition. aside from a coal deposit all resource deposits are very far, which is not a problem for humans but requires Automatons to have a Steam Hub nearby to avoid long recharge times.

Hanging Rock
A hanging rock protects the location of Generator 157 from the prevailing winds, while a gently sloping entrance grants easy access to Frostland.

''Based on The Winterhome map. Medium area. Balanced.''

A balanced and less difficult map.

Snowdrifts
Before Generator 014 was finally put to use, snow and ice partially filled the area around it, limiting the available space.

''Based on The Refugees map. Small area. Requires careful planning.''

The smallest available map. The city will end up the smallest but with a few Steam Hubs the entire map can be heated.

Frozen Grove
The place for Generator 614 was chosen because of its sheltered nature, which turns out to be less of a blessing for the city planner.

''Based on The Arks map. Medium area. Frozen trees hinder expansion.''

The Arks are not present on the map. A wood and a coal deposit are located within the last heating range of the generator, allowing them to be more easily heated but also taking up space from the Generator area.

Rifts
''Generator 266 was built on a rocky shelf near the former seashore. To grow the city, a way to cross the network of rifts will be needed.''

''Small initial area. Bridges needed for expansion. Difficult access to resources.''

Added in the Rifts DLC, this map is the most difficult one. It has more resource piles than other maps but to reach them expensive bridges will have to be built. A wood and an iron deposit require only one bridge each to be accessed. Other deposits require multiple bridges to be reached. The first northern bridge starts already built. The last two heating zones of the Generator cannot be fully utilized.

Events
Endless mode has some Scenario-like Events associated with it

Pieces of the past
This arc will allow you to build the Archives.

Quests
There are a few quests associated with Endless mode.

Survive

 * Acquisition: Granted at the start of the scenario and after surviving each storm.
 * Objectives:
 * Survive the storm

A piece of the past
This event can trigger for each of the 15 relics you can find in the Frostlands.


 * Acquisition: Will trigger during Pieces of the Past (Arc).
 * Objectives:
 * Reach the relic site
 * Bring the relic to the city

Archives

 * Acquisition: Will trigger once you bring a relic to your city.
 * Objectives:
 * Build the Archives

Temporary Hazards
Temporary Hazards are random quests that occur in Endless mode, occurring between storms. They usually provide debilitating effects on the city for the duration of the time they are active. They can be enabled or disabled when selecting the difficulty of the scenario.

Settlements
The three settlements can be found after the first Storm. Settlements can be enabled or disabled when selecting the difficulty of the scenario.