11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series with the announcement of Frostpunk 1886, a comprehensive remake of the original game slated for release in 2027. This announcement comes just over six months following the launch of Frostpunk 2, showcasing the studio's continued commitment to the franchise. The original Frostpunk game debuted in 2018, meaning that if the remake releases as planned, it will have been nearly a decade since the first game's introduction.

Set in an alternate history during the late 19th century, Frostpunk is a city-building survival game where players are tasked with constructing and managing a city amidst a global volcanic winter. The gameplay involves resource management, survival decisions, and exploration beyond the city limits in search of survivors, resources, and other useful items.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, praising it as an "engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game" that skillfully blends thematic ideas and gameplay elements. The sequel, Frostpunk 2, received an 8/10 from IGN, with reviewers noting that while it introduces a larger scale with more social and political complexity, it somewhat sacrifices the intimacy of the original.

Despite the focus on the new remake, 11 bit studios has confirmed that it will continue to support Frostpunk 2 with free major content updates, a console launch, and additional DLCs. The decision to develop Frostpunk 1886 comes after the studio's proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both Frostpunk and This War of Mine, was discontinued. The team sought a new foundation for the series, leading them to adopt Unreal Engine 5 for this project.

Frostpunk 1886 is more than just a visual upgrade; it aims to expand upon the original game's core with new content, mechanics, laws, and an entirely new "Purpose path," promising a fresh experience even for veteran players. The use of Unreal Engine not only enhances the game's visual and technical capabilities but also introduces long-awaited mod support and the potential for future DLC content, fulfilling community requests that were previously unachievable with the original engine.

11 bit studios envisions a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 coexist and evolve in tandem, each embodying the franchise's vision of survival in the face of unrelenting cold. Alongside this ambitious project, the studio is also working on The Alters, set to be released in June, further expanding their portfolio of challenging and immersive gaming experiences.