11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series: they've announced Frostpunk 1886, a comprehensive 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 commitment to the franchise. The original Frostpunk game, which debuted in 2018, introduced players to a unique blend of city-building and survival set in an alternate 19th-century world engulfed by a volcanic winter. With Frostpunk 1886, fans can expect to return to this chilling universe nearly a decade after the first game's release.
For Frostpunk 1886, 11 bit studios is harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5. This shift from their proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both the original Frostpunk and This War of Mine, marks a significant step in their technical evolution. The studio aims to build upon the original's foundation, introducing new content, mechanics, laws, and an entirely new Purpose path to offer a fresh yet familiar experience.
IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a 9/10, praising its mix of thematic ideas and gameplay elements into a compelling strategy game. Frostpunk 2, while receiving an 8/10, was noted for its larger scale and increased social and political complexity, though it was less intimate than its predecessor.
While Frostpunk 2 continues to receive updates, including free major content updates, a console launch, and planned DLCs, Frostpunk 1886 promises to be more than just a visual update. It aims to become a living platform with long-awaited mod support and the potential for future DLCs, fulfilling a community request that was previously unattainable due to the technical limitations of the original engine.
11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve in tandem, each exploring different facets of survival in the unrelenting cold. Alongside this, the studio is also working on The Alters, slated for release in June, keeping their fans eagerly anticipating more groundbreaking content.
The title Frostpunk 1886 honors a pivotal moment in the game's universe, the Great Storm's descent upon New London, promising an evolved take on the harsh, morally challenging survival experience that captivated players in the original game.
