"Frostpunk 1886 Remake Set for 2027, Developer to Keep Updating Frostpunk 2"

11 bit studios has recently announced an exciting new project: Frostpunk 1886, a remake of their critically acclaimed first game, set to release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the launch of Frostpunk 2, showcasing the studio's continued dedication to the beloved franchise. The original Frostpunk debuted in 2018, making the upcoming release almost a decade after its initial launch.

For this ambitious project, 11 bit studios is harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5, promising a visually stunning and technically advanced experience. Frostpunk is renowned for its unique setting in an alternate history of the late 19th century, where players must build and manage a city amidst a devastating volcanic winter. The game challenges players to make tough decisions on resource management, survival strategies, and exploration for survivors and essential supplies.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a remarkable 9/10, praising its "engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game" qualities. Meanwhile, Frostpunk 2 received an 8/10, with IGN noting its "larger scale [that] is less intimate but more socially and politically complex than the original."

While continuing to support Frostpunk 2 with free updates, DLCs, and a planned console launch, 11 bit studios is shifting away from its proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both Frostpunk and This War of Mine. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 for Frostpunk 1886 signifies a new era for the franchise, enabling the team to fulfill long-standing community requests like mod support, which was previously unfeasible due to technical constraints.

Frostpunk 1886 is more than just a visual upgrade; it aims to expand the original game's core with new content, mechanics, laws, and an innovative "Purpose path," providing a fresh challenge even for seasoned players. Named to commemorate a crucial moment in the Frostpunk universe—the Great Storm's descent on New London—this remake promises to deepen the harsh, morally complex survival experience that captivated players worldwide.

11 bit studios envisions a future where both Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve in tandem, offering parallel paths of survival in the unrelenting cold. Alongside this, the studio is also preparing for the release of The Alters in June, further expanding their portfolio of compelling narratives and gameplay.