Frostpunk 1886 Remake Set for 2027, 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 highly anticipated remake of the original game, set to launch in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the release of Frostpunk 2, showcasing the studio's dedication to expanding this beloved franchise.

For this project, 11 bit studios is leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, moving away from their proprietary Liquid Engine, which was used for both the original Frostpunk and This War of Mine. The first Frostpunk game debuted in 2018, and with the remake's planned release in 2027, it will mark nearly a decade since the series' inception.

Frostpunk is a unique city-building survival game set in an alternate history of the late 19th century, where players must navigate a global volcanic winter. The game challenges players to construct and sustain a city, manage resources, make critical survival decisions, and explore the surrounding areas for survivors, resources, and other essential items.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a stellar 9/10, praising its blend of thematic ideas and gameplay elements, describing it as an "engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game." Frostpunk 2, while still well-received, scored an 8/10, with IGN noting its "larger scale is less intimate but more socially and politically complex than the original."

Despite the focus on the new remake, 11 bit studios remains committed to supporting Frostpunk 2 with free major content updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs. The studio emphasized that Frostpunk 1886 is not just a visual upgrade but a comprehensive reimagining of the original game. It will introduce new content, mechanics, laws, and an entirely new "Purpose path," providing a fresh experience for both new and veteran players.

The transition to Unreal Engine 5 also paves the way for long-awaited mod support, fulfilling a community request that was previously unattainable due to the limitations of the original engine. This move also opens up possibilities for future DLC content, making Frostpunk 1886 a living, expandable platform.

11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve together, each offering a unique path through the harsh, morally challenging world of survival in the cold. The studio is also busy with another project, The Alters, which is slated for release in June.