11 bit studios has announced Frostpunk 1886, a highly anticipated remake of the original game, set to launch in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the release of Frostpunk 2, marking a significant milestone as it will be nearly a decade since the first Frostpunk game debuted in 2018.
The remake will leverage the power of Unreal Engine 5, a significant shift from the studio's proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both the original Frostpunk and This War of Mine. This transition aims to breathe new life into the franchise, providing a robust foundation to expand upon the original's legacy.
Frostpunk is renowned for its unique setting—a city-building survival game set in an alternate history of the late 19th century, amidst a global volcanic winter. Players are tasked with constructing and managing a city, making critical decisions to ensure survival, and exploring the surrounding areas for resources and survivors.
IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, praising its blend of thematic elements and engaging gameplay, though noting some occasional unintuitiveness. Frostpunk 2, while still well-received with an 8/10, was described as less intimate but more socially and politically complex due to its reimagined mechanics.
Despite the focus on Frostpunk 1886, 11 bit studios remains committed to supporting Frostpunk 2 with free major content updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs. The studio's vision for Frostpunk 1886 is to not only enhance the visuals but to introduce new content, mechanics, laws, and a novel "Purpose path," ensuring a fresh experience for both new and returning players.
The use of Unreal Engine 5 will also enable Frostpunk 1886 to become a living platform, supporting long-awaited modding capabilities and future DLC content. This move addresses previous technical limitations and fulfills a significant community request.
11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve concurrently, each offering a unique take on survival in the unrelenting cold. In addition to these projects, the studio is also working on The Alters, slated for release in June.
For fans of the franchise, Frostpunk 1886 promises to be a thrilling return to the roots of the series, honoring the pivotal moment of the Great Storm in New London's timeline while pushing the boundaries of what the game can offer.
