11 bit studios has recently announced Frostpunk 1886, a highly anticipated remake of the original Frostpunk game, set to launch in 2027. This exciting project comes just over six months after the release of Frostpunk 2, and it will mark nearly a decade since the debut of the first Frostpunk in 2018.

The Polish developer is leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5 for Frostpunk 1886. This move signifies a significant shift from their proprietary Liquid Engine, which previously powered both Frostpunk and This War of Mine. The adoption of Unreal Engine 5 will not only enhance the visual experience but also serve as a new foundation to continue the legacy of the original game.

Frostpunk is a city-building survival game set in an alternate history during the late 19th century. Players are tasked with building and sustaining a city amidst a global volcanic winter, managing resources, making critical survival decisions, and exploring the surrounding areas for survivors, resources, and other essential items.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, praising its blend of thematic ideas and gameplay elements into a unique, if sometimes unintuitive, strategy game. Meanwhile, Frostpunk 2 received an 8/10, with IGN noting its larger scale and more complex social and political dynamics, albeit less intimate than its predecessor.

11 bit studios has confirmed that it will continue to support Frostpunk 2 with free major content updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs, even as they embark on Frostpunk 1886. The new game, titled to honor a crucial moment in the Frostpunk universe—the Great Storm's descent upon New London—is more than a visual upgrade. It introduces new content, mechanics, laws, and an entirely new Purpose path, offering a fresh experience for both new and returning players.

By reimagining Frostpunk in Unreal Engine 5, 11 bit studios aims to create a dynamic, expandable platform. This shift will enable long-awaited mod support, previously hindered by the technical limitations of the original engine, and pave the way for future DLC content.

11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve concurrently, each exploring different facets of survival in the unforgiving cold. Alongside these projects, the studio is also preparing for the release of The Alters in June.