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

11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of their acclaimed city-building survival game, announcing the development of Frostpunk 1886, a remake of the original Frostpunk set to release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months after the launch of Frostpunk 2, marking a significant milestone as the first Frostpunk game debuted back in 2018. With Frostpunk 1886's release, it will have been nearly a decade since the series began.

Set in an alternate late 19th century during a worldwide volcanic winter, Frostpunk challenges players to build and manage a city, make tough survival decisions, and explore the surrounding areas for resources and survivors. The original game received high praise, with IGN awarding it a 9/10, describing it as an "engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game." Its sequel, Frostpunk 2, while slightly less well-received with an 8/10 from IGN, was lauded for its "ground-up rethinking of its ice-age city builder mechanics," offering a more complex social and political experience.

Despite the focus on the new remake, 11 bit studios remains committed to supporting Frostpunk 2 with free major content updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs. The decision to shift from their proprietary Liquid Engine, used in both Frostpunk and This War of Mine, to the powerful Unreal Engine 5 for Frostpunk 1886 reflects the studio's desire to build upon the legacy of the first game. This transition not only promises enhanced visuals but also introduces new content, mechanics, laws, and an innovative "Purpose path" for a fresh gameplay experience.

Moreover, the use of Unreal Engine 5 will enable Frostpunk 1886 to become a living, expandable platform, fulfilling the community's long-standing request for mod support, which was previously unfeasible due to the limitations of the original engine. This move also paves the way for future DLC content, ensuring the game remains dynamic and engaging for both new and veteran players.

11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve in tandem, offering parallel paths of survival in the unforgiving cold. Meanwhile, the studio is also diligently working on another project, The Alters, set to launch in June, showcasing their commitment to delivering compelling gaming experiences across their portfolio.