Frostpunk 1886: 2027 Remake Announced, Dev Promises Ongoing Updates for Frostpunk 2

11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series: they've announced Frostpunk 1886, a much-anticipated remake of the original game, set to release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the launch of Frostpunk 2, highlighting the studio's commitment to expanding its critically acclaimed universe. The original Frostpunk, which debuted in 2018, will see a significant update with this remake, marking nearly a decade since its initial release.

Frostpunk is a unique city-building survival video game set in an alternate history of the late 19th century. Players are tasked with constructing and sustaining a city amidst a global volcanic winter, juggling resource management, survival decisions, and expeditions to find survivors, resources, or other essential items beyond their city walls.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, praising its blend of thematic depth and engaging gameplay: “Frostpunk deftly mixes a variety of thematic ideas and gameplay elements into an engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game.” In contrast, Frostpunk 2 received an 8/10, with IGN noting its larger scale and increased social and political complexity: "Thanks to a ground-up rethinking of its ice-age city builder mechanics, Frostpunk 2's larger scale is less intimate but more socially and politically complex than the original."

11 bit studios has assured fans that they will continue to support Frostpunk 2 with free updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs, even as they develop Frostpunk 1886. The studio has transitioned from its proprietary Liquid Engine, used in both the original Frostpunk and This War of Mine, to the more advanced Unreal Engine 5 for this new project. This shift aims to build a more robust and expandable platform for the franchise.

"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 explained. They emphasized that Frostpunk 1886 is not just a visual upgrade but a comprehensive reimagining of the original game. It will feature new content, mechanics, laws, and an exciting new Purpose path, ensuring a fresh experience for all players.

The use of Unreal Engine 5 also facilitates the introduction of long-awaited mod support and the potential for future DLCs, enhancing the game’s longevity and community engagement. 11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve together, offering two distinct yet complementary paths through their challenging, frostbitten world.

In addition to these Frostpunk developments, 11 bit studios is also preparing for the release of The Alters in June, promising fans another compelling narrative-driven experience.