It's 2026, and I find myself staring at the familiar star map of Starfield once again. The initial awe of exploring the Settled Systems has long faded, replaced by a sense of routine. Like many, I felt the game had peaked shortly after its 2023 launch. The paid DLC, Shattered Space, came and went, leaving a lukewarm response that seemed to echo the game's struggle to maintain momentum. The official roadmap grew quiet, and the modding scene, once a beacon of hope, felt desolate. Yet, here I am, reigniting my engines because of a single Reddit post. A sequel is coming—Forgotten Frontiers 2, a passion project from modder MadMonkey119, promises to inject new life into the galaxy.

The Legacy of the Original Forgotten Frontiers

To understand why this news is so significant, you have to look back. In the sparse post-launch landscape, the original Forgotten Frontiers mod was a rare gem. It wasn't free—costing 500 Creation Credits—but it delivered quality that felt official. As a player, I remember stumbling upon its five new Points of Interest (POIs). They weren't just copy-pasted outposts; they were handcrafted, expansive dungeons with their own environmental stories. The community agreed. One Reddit user, yotothyo, famously said: "If you told me these were Bethesda made locations I would totally believe you." That was the magic. In a game criticized for repetitive exploration, here was a mod that delivered the unique, meaningful discovery players craved. It was proof that passionate creators could fill the void left by the game's own shortcomings.

What We Know About Forgotten Frontiers 2

Now, MadMonkey119 is back with a sequel, and the philosophy remains the same: create unique, tactical, and approachable locations. The announcement, made under the username MadMonkeyMods, has sparked a cautious optimism in the community. Here's what's been promised for Forgotten Frontiers 2:

• Five New POIs: Just like the first, the sequel will introduce five major new locations. The confirmed names already spark the imagination:

  1. Forgotten Supply Bridge

  2. Subterranean Hydroelectric Plant

  3. Deserted Forward Operating Base

  4. Survey Site C-7

  5. Abandoned Sandswept Settlement

• Bigger and Better: The developer promises even larger dungeons and new, unspecified features to enhance exploration.

• Customization: A welcome addition is gameplay options to customize the spawn rates of the new dungeons, giving players control over their experience.

• Pricing and Compatibility: It will cost the same 500 CC. Crucially, it's designed to work alongside other popular POI mods like Bedlam and Dark Universe: Overtime, allowing for a truly customized galaxy.

While there's no firm release date yet—only a "coming soon" from the creator—the details alone have given veteran players like me a new goal. We're no longer just waiting for Bethesda; we're waiting for our fellow explorers to finish building their vision.

The State of Starfield in 2026

Let's be honest: Starfield's journey has been rocky. The game arrived with decent reviews but faced immediate player criticism over its frequent load screens, an outdated game feel, and a perceived lack of truly uncharted, wondrous exploration. The Shattered Space DLC did little to turn the tide, receiving a mixed-to-negative reception. Rumors of a PlayStation 5 port have swirled for years but remain unconfirmed. For the past while, the game has felt like it's been on life support, kept alive by a dedicated but shrinking core community. The promise of a second official expansion is out there, but after Shattered Space, it's clear it will need to be radically different to make an impact.

Why Mods Like This Matter More Than Ever

This is where modders like MadMonkey119 become vital. They aren't bound by corporate timelines or the need to appeal to the broadest possible audience. They see what's missing in the game they love and they build it. Forgotten Frontiers succeeded because it directly addressed a core complaint: repetitive POIs. The sequel aims to double down on that solution. In 2026, with the official future still uncertain, these fan-driven expansions are the primary source of new, high-quality content. They represent the purest form of player feedback—not just words, but actionable creation.

For the community, the announcement of Forgotten Frontiers 2 is more than just a new mod; it's a signal that the spirit of exploration in Starfield isn't dead. It's a reminder that the game's greatest potential often lies not just in the stars Bethesda charted, but in the uncharted worlds built by the players themselves. As I prepare my ship for new adventures, I'm not just excited about five new locations. I'm excited to see the community re-engage, to share stories about the Abandoned Sandswept Settlement or the secrets of Survey Site C-7. In the vast, sometimes lonely cosmos of Starfield, it's these shared, fan-crafted experiences that truly keep the lights on. The frontier might have been forgotten by some, but for modders and the players who follow them, it's just being rediscovered.