Frostpunk 1886 Remake Set for 2027, Developer Commits to Ongoing Frostpunk 2 Updates

11 bit studios has unveiled Frostpunk 1886, a highly anticipated remake of the original Frostpunk game, slated for release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months following the launch of Frostpunk 2, showcasing the studio's commitment to the franchise. With the first Frostpunk having debuted in 2018, the upcoming remake will mark nearly a decade since the initial release, promising an evolved experience for both new and returning players.

Set in an alternate history of the late 19th century, Frostpunk is renowned for its city-building survival gameplay amidst a global volcanic winter. Players are tasked with constructing and sustaining a city, managing scarce resources, making critical survival decisions, and venturing beyond the city limits in search of survivors and essential supplies.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, praising its blend of thematic depth and engaging strategy gameplay, though noting some occasional unintuitiveness. Frostpunk 2, while receiving a slightly lower score of 8/10, was recognized for its ambitious expansion into larger, more socially and politically complex city-building mechanics.

Despite the focus on the new remake, 11 bit studios reaffirms its ongoing support for Frostpunk 2, with plans for free major content updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs. The shift to Unreal Engine 5 for Frostpunk 1886 comes as the studio's proprietary Liquid Engine, previously used for both Frostpunk and This War of Mine, is no longer in development.

The studio emphasizes that Frostpunk 1886 is more than just a visual update; it aims to expand on the original's core with new content, mechanics, laws, and a novel Purpose path. This remake is set to honor a significant moment in the Frostpunk universe's timeline, the Great Storm's descent upon New London. Moreover, the use of Unreal Engine will facilitate the introduction of long-awaited mod support and the potential for future DLC expansions, fulfilling community requests that were previously unattainable.

11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 coexist and evolve in tandem, each embodying the essence of survival against the backdrop of unrelenting cold. Alongside these projects, the studio is also preparing for the release of The Alters in June, indicating a busy and exciting period ahead for fans of 11 bit's innovative gaming experiences.