If you've sunk hours into the colossal Frosthaven board game or its predecessor Gloomhaven you know the drill of how these games work: tactical combat that punishes poor planning, sprawling campaigns, and that satisfying grind of building out your outpost phase after phase. The digital version, out in Early Access since late July 2025, has been steadily winning over players with its faithful adaptation, earning a Mostly Positive rating on Steam from over 550 reviews. Now, just five months in, developer Snapshot Games and publisher Arc Games are dropping the second major content update: Legacy of the Algox, free for all Early Access owners and hitting both Steam and Epic Games Store on January 22nd.
This isn't some minor patch either, it's a hefty expansion that dives deep into the Algox storyline, a political intrigue-filled arc that picks up after the Unfettered threat. An Algox messenger shows up with intel on potential peace talks between rival tribes, putting players in the driver's seat to broker (or break) alliances while something "ancient and malevolent" stirs under the ice. It's classic Frosthaven: your choices ripple through the world, blending diplomacy, exploration, and inevitable boss rushes.
The headline additions are three new playable heroes Astral, Drill, and Shackle who are each bringing fresh playstyles to shake up party comps. Astral might lean into ethereal summons or cosmic blasts (details are still unfolding, but expect synergies galore), Drill sounds like a tanky burrower with crowd control, and Shackles screams debuff specialist for locking down foes. Unlocking them via scenarios will let veterans experiment while giving newcomers more options to ease into the complexity.
Pets are also getting a boost too, with a new elusive companion joining the stables for a total of 11. These aren't just cosmetic; summon them into battle for unique abilities that layer on strategic depth beyond your standard item deck. Imagine a pet that reveals hidden paths or poisons groups perfect for those nail-biting encounters.
Here's the full rundown of what's landing in Legacy of the Algox, straight from the announcement:
- Algox Storyline: Ally with a tribe, negotiate peace, and uncover deeper lore.
- 5 New Bosses: Ancient enemies with tactical twists to test your mettle.
- 2 New Biomes: Venture into uncharted territories, expanding the map further.
- 25+ New Quests: High-stakes adventures revealing threats "beneath and beyond" Frosthaven.
- 9 Building Upgrades: Keep evolving your town for better resources and capabilities.
- Town Hall Challenges: Unique objectives to supercharge your party.
- 31 New Items: Craft or loot fresh gear to kit out your heroes.
It's a content avalanche designed to keep the campaign feeling alive and expansive, much like the board game's infamous 100+ scenarios that could eat entire winters. (Which reminds me... I still need to finish my playthrough!)
Snapshot Games, helmed by CEO Julian Gollop the mind behind the original X-COM has nailed the transition from tabletop behemoth to digital tactical RPG. Board game creator Isaac Childres from Cephalofair Games consults, ensuring the essence shines through: deep mechanics, risk-reward card play, and co-op multiplayer that shines online. Quality-of-life tweaks like adjustable difficulty make it accessible for rookies, while Gloomhaven vets will appreciate the evolutions like enhanced pet systems and outpost management.
Arc Games, known for gems like Remnant II, Torchlight Infinite, and Star Trek Online, continues backing ambitious and new indies. This update aligns with their roadmap of monthly patches and major drops, signaling Frosthaven's long-term support.
The update seems like it could be a pretty good one, as sites like MMORPG.com and Bleeding Cool are hyping the heroes and biomes. Grab the game now in Early Access for around $30, and by January 22nd, you'll have even more reason to hunker down for the long haul. Whether solo or with friends, it's tactical RPG bliss with a side of epic storytelling.