11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series, announcing the development of Frostpunk 1886, a remake of the original game, set to release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the launch of Frostpunk 2, and nearly a decade since the debut of the first Frostpunk in 2018.
The new project will be powered by Unreal Engine 5, marking a significant shift from the studio's proprietary Liquid Engine, which was used for both the original Frostpunk and This War of Mine. 11 bit studios expressed that moving away from their old engine was necessary to bring the legacy of Frostpunk into the future.
Frostpunk, a city-building survival game set in an alternate late 19th century during a global volcanic winter, challenges players to manage resources, make critical survival decisions, and explore the harsh environment outside their city. The game received high praise, with IGN awarding it a 9/10, describing it as "an engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game."
Frostpunk 2, while also well-received with an 8/10 from IGN, introduced a larger scale and more complex social and political mechanics, though it was noted to be less intimate than its predecessor. 11 bit studios remains committed to supporting Frostpunk 2 with free updates, DLC, and a planned console launch while simultaneously working on Frostpunk 1886.
Frostpunk 1886 is not just a visual update; it promises to expand upon the original game with new content, mechanics, laws, and a new Purpose path, offering a fresh experience even for seasoned players. The use of Unreal Engine 5 also enables the addition of long-awaited mod support and the potential for future DLC content, making the game a living, expandable platform.
11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve in tandem, each representing different paths in the enduring saga of survival against the relentless cold. Alongside these projects, the studio is also working on another title, The Alters, which is slated for release in June.
