11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series with the announcement of Frostpunk 1886, a highly anticipated remake of the original game, set to launch in 2027. This reveal comes just over six months after the release of Frostpunk 2, marking a significant milestone as the first Frostpunk game was launched back in 2018. With Frostpunk 1886, players can look forward to revisiting the gripping city-building survival experience nearly a decade after its initial debut.
The Polish developer is harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5 for this ambitious project, promising a visually stunning and technically advanced experience. Frostpunk, renowned for its setting in an alternate history of the late 19th century, challenges players to build and manage a city amidst a brutal volcanic winter. The game’s core mechanics involve resource management, survival decisions, and exploration beyond the city walls to find survivors and essential supplies.
IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, praising its unique blend of thematic ideas and gameplay elements. They described it as an "engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game." Meanwhile, Frostpunk 2 received an 8/10, noted for its broader scope and increased social and political complexity, though less intimate than its predecessor.
11 bit studios is committed to supporting Frostpunk 2 with ongoing updates, including free major content, a console launch, and additional DLCs. Despite this, the studio has chosen to move forward with Frostpunk 1886, leaving behind its proprietary Liquid Engine, which also powered This War of Mine. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 not only enhances the visual and technical aspects but also introduces mod support and the potential for future DLCs, fulfilling long-standing community requests.
Frostpunk 1886 is more than just a visual refresh; it expands upon the original game with new content, mechanics, laws, and an exciting new "Purpose path," offering a fresh challenge for both new and veteran players. The title honors a crucial moment in the Frostpunk universe, the Great Storm's descent upon New London, and aims to provide an evolved, morally challenging survival experience.
11 bit studios envisions a future where both Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 will coexist and evolve, each contributing to the overarching narrative of survival in the harsh, unrelenting cold. Alongside these projects, the studio is also preparing for the release of The Alters in June, ensuring a busy and exciting period ahead for fans of their work.
