For those who are fans of city-building simulation games, Frostpunk from 11 bit studios should be more than familiar. Unlike most games in the genre, it stood out for its bleak, atmospheric world and its challenging scenarios steeped in moral dilemmas. Players were constantly faced with tough choices in order to ensure the survival of their citizens amidst an unrelenting, apocalyptic winter. After confirming plans that a new entry would arrive in 2027, we now know what it is: Frostpunk 1886.
However, contrary to what many fans might have expected, Frostpunk 1886 is not a sequel or an expansion to the already announced Frostpunk 2. Instead, it is a full remake of the original Frostpunk. One of the most significant changes in the upcoming game is the shift away from the studio’s in-house Liquid Engine.
The game will be rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5, allowing for significant advancements not just in visual fidelity, but also in gameplay content, mechanics, the legal system, and the Purpose narrative paths that define a player’s ideological direction in the game.
11 bit studios is confident that these additions and overhauls will breathe new life into the original experience, offering something fresh even for veteran players familiar with the first instalment. The transition to Unreal Engine also opens doors for better modding support and the potential for richer downloadable content post-launch.
Crucially, the studio has assured fans that the development of Frostpunk 2 will continue in parallel with Frostpunk 1886. Work on the remake officially began in early 2025, and the team remains optimistic about meeting their 2027 release target. Although previous games have come to consoles, for now, only PC is confirmed with a Steam listing.
With Frostpunk 1886, the studio is not just revisiting its iconic title but reimagining it to align with modern gaming standards while staying true to its harrowing and thought-provoking roots. That should make for a freezing good time once more.
