11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series: they've announced Frostpunk 1886, a remake of the original game, set to launch in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the release of Frostpunk 2, marking a significant milestone as the first Frostpunk game was released back in 2018. With Frostpunk 1886, players will revisit the gripping city-building survival experience set in an alternate 19th-century world facing a volcanic winter.
The Polish developer is leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5 for this project, a move that promises to enhance the visual and gameplay experience significantly. Frostpunk, known for its deep thematic elements and strategic gameplay, received a glowing 9/10 from IGN in its initial review, praised for its unique blend of survival and city management. The sequel, Frostpunk 2, while slightly less acclaimed with an 8/10 score, was commended for its expanded scale and increased social and political complexity.
While continuing to support Frostpunk 2 with free updates, a console launch, and additional DLC, 11 bit studios is also shifting its focus to Frostpunk 1886. The decision to move away from their proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both Frostpunk and This War of Mine, to Unreal Engine 5 reflects the studio's commitment to evolving the franchise. Frostpunk 1886 is not just a visual refresh but a comprehensive expansion of the original game, introducing new content, mechanics, laws, and a new Purpose path that will offer a fresh experience even to seasoned players.
Frostpunk 1886, named to reflect a crucial moment in the game's universe—the Great Storm's descent on New London—will also introduce mod support, a long-awaited feature that was technically unfeasible with the original engine. This move positions Frostpunk 1886 as a living, expandable platform capable of supporting future DLC and community-driven content.
11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 develop in tandem, each offering unique paths through the relentless cold. Alongside these projects, the studio is also working on The Alters, slated for release in June, ensuring a busy and exciting period for fans of their work.
