11 bit studios has unveiled an exciting new project, *Frostpunk 1886*, a highly anticipated remake of the original Frostpunk game, slated for release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the launch of *Frostpunk 2*, showcasing the Polish developer's commitment to the beloved series. With nearly a decade since the first Frostpunk's debut in 2018, this remake promises to breathe new life into the franchise.
*Frostpunk* is a unique city-building survival game set in an alternate history of the late 19th century, where players must construct and sustain a city amidst a global volcanic winter. The gameplay revolves around managing resources, making critical survival decisions, and exploring the surroundings for survivors, resources, and other vital items.
IGN's review of the original *Frostpunk* awarded it a commendable 9/10, describing it as "an engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game that deftly mixes a variety of thematic ideas and gameplay elements." On the other hand, *Frostpunk 2* received an 8/10, praised for its "ground-up rethinking of its ice-age city builder mechanics," yet noted for being "less intimate but more socially and politically complex than the original."
11 bit studios remains dedicated to enhancing *Frostpunk 2* with free major content updates, DLC, and a planned console launch, all while simultaneously developing *Frostpunk 1886*. The studio has transitioned from its proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both the original *Frostpunk* and *This War of Mine*, to the powerful Unreal Engine 5 for this new project.
"With the studio's proprietary Liquid Engine no longer in development, the team has long sought a new foundation to carry forward the legacy of the first game," 11 bit stated. *Frostpunk 1886* not only honors a crucial moment in the game's timeline—the Great Storm's descent upon New London—but also expands upon the original game with new content, mechanics, laws, and an entirely new Purpose path, ensuring a fresh experience for both newcomers and seasoned players.
By leveraging Unreal Engine, *Frostpunk 1886* will become a living, expandable platform, fulfilling long-awaited community requests for mod support and enabling the addition of future DLC content. 11 bit studios envisions a future where *Frostpunk 2* and *Frostpunk 1886* evolve together, offering two distinct yet complementary paths through the harsh, morally challenging world of Frostpunk.
In addition to the Frostpunk series, 11 bit studios is also working on another intriguing title, *The Alters*, set to release in June, further showcasing their dedication to creating immersive and compelling gaming experiences.