"Frostpunk 1886: Unreal Engine Revamps Classic"

11 bit Studios has officially announced Frostpunk 1886, a full remake of the original Frostpunk experience, now rebuilt using Unreal Engine. This exciting new project was unveiled via a Twitter (X) post on April 24 and further detailed in a dedicated Steam blog update the same day.

Read on for all the latest details about the Frostpunk 1886 announcement, its development goals, and what fans can expect moving forward.

A Fresh Vision: Remaking the Original with Unreal Engine

Rather than developing a sequel or spin-off, 11 bit Studios is revisiting the foundation of the Frostpunk universe by reimagining the very first game. The original title was built on the studio’s proprietary Liquid Engine, but now, with Frostpunk 1886, they’re bringing the world into a new era powered by Unreal Engine.

This transition allows for significant enhancements across the board. The team promises improved visuals, higher resolution textures, refined lighting, and more immersive environmental details—all while preserving the core atmosphere and emotional depth that made the original so impactful.

In addition to visual upgrades, Frostpunk 1886 will introduce a brand-new narrative path called the Purpose Path, offering players an entirely fresh storyline experience. Mod support is also coming at launch, giving the community tools to expand and customize the game from day one.

The decision to remake the original stems from the team's experience developing Frostpunk 2 using Unreal Engine 5. Looking back, they realized how much more could have been done with the first game had it been built on such a powerful engine. As stated in their Steam post, "Our goal is to expand upon it with improved visuals, higher resolution, and all the other possibilities Unreal has to offer."

Targeting a 2027 Launch

Currently in active development, Frostpunk 1886 is set to release in 2027. This remake aims to serve as both an entry point for newcomers and a lovingly crafted revisit for longtime fans of the series.

Beyond the base game, 11 bit Studios plans to support the title with new downloadable content (DLCs) and ongoing updates post-launch. This marks part of a broader strategy to deliver games and updates more frequently—breaking away from the long development cycles of the past.

For now, fans can look forward to Frostpunk 2, which is already available on PC. A console version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S is scheduled for release this summer, along with a major free update launching on May 8. More details on these updates are expected to be shared in line with the official roadmap.

Stay tuned for future announcements regarding Frostpunk 1886 and follow 11 bit Studios’ official channels for the latest news and reveals.