Frostpunk 1886 Is a Remake of the First Game Due Out 2027, Dev Insists It Will Continue to Update Frostpunk 2

11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series, announcing the upcoming release of Frostpunk 1886, a comprehensive remake of the original game, slated for 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the release of Frostpunk 2, and nearly a decade after the first Frostpunk game launched in 2018.

Frostpunk is renowned for its unique setting—a city-building survival game set in an alternate late 19th-century history amidst a global volcanic winter. Players are tasked with constructing and managing a city, making crucial survival decisions, and exploring the harsh environment for resources and survivors.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a 9/10, praising its "engaging and unique strategy gameplay," despite some occasional unintuitive elements. Frostpunk 2, on the other hand, received an 8/10, with IGN noting its "larger scale and increased social and political complexity," though it lacked the intimacy of the first game.

While continuing to support Frostpunk 2 with planned DLC and a console launch, 11 bit studios is now shifting focus to Frostpunk 1886. The original game was powered by the studio’s Liquid Engine, which is no longer in development. The new remake will leverage the power of Unreal Engine 5, a move that promises to enhance the game significantly.

"With the studio’s proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered not only the original Frostpunk but also This War of Mine, no longer in development, the team has long sought a new foundation to carry forward the legacy of the first game," 11 bit studios explained. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 for Frostpunk 1886 aims to reimagine the game, not just visually, but also by expanding its content, mechanics, and introducing new laws and an entirely new Purpose path. This approach ensures a fresh experience, even for veteran players.

The use of Unreal Engine also opens up new possibilities, such as long-awaited mod support and the potential for future DLC content, making Frostpunk 1886 a living, expandable platform. The title, named to honor the pivotal moment of the Great Storm descending upon New London, signifies a return to the franchise’s roots while pushing the boundaries of what the game can offer.

11 bit studios assures fans that both Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 will continue to evolve in parallel, each exploring different facets of survival in the unrelenting cold. Alongside these projects, the studio is also preparing for the release of The Alters in June, promising a busy and exciting future for fans of 11 bit's compelling narratives and challenging gameplay.