"Frostpunk 1886: 2027 Remake Announced, Dev Promises Ongoing Frostpunk 2 Updates"

11 bit studios has exciting news for fans of the Frostpunk series: they've announced Frostpunk 1886, a comprehensive remake of the original game, slated for release in 2027. This announcement comes a mere six months after the launch of Frostpunk 2, showcasing the studio's commitment to evolving its acclaimed franchise. The original Frostpunk, which debuted in 2018, will celebrate nearly a decade of existence by the time its remake hits the shelves.

Frostpunk is a gripping city-building survival game set in an alternate history during the late 19th century. Players must construct and manage a city amidst a global volcanic winter, balancing resources, making survival decisions, and exploring the surrounding areas for survivors and supplies.

IGN's review of the original Frostpunk awarded it a commendable 9/10, stating, “Frostpunk deftly mixes a variety of thematic ideas and gameplay elements into an engaging and unique, if occasionally unintuitive, strategy game.” Meanwhile, Frostpunk 2 received an 8/10, with IGN noting, "Thanks to a ground-up rethinking of its ice-age city builder mechanics, Frostpunk 2's larger scale is less intimate but more socially and politically complex than the original."

Despite the ongoing focus on Frostpunk 2, which will see free updates, DLC, and a console launch, 11 bit studios is shifting its technological foundation for Frostpunk 1886. The studio has transitioned from its proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both Frostpunk and This War of Mine, to the more advanced Unreal Engine 5. This change aims to build upon the legacy of the first game and provide a new platform for future content and community mods.

Frostpunk 1886 is more than just a visual update; it introduces new content, mechanics, laws, and an innovative "Purpose" path, promising a fresh experience for both new and veteran players. The title, Frostpunk 1886, pays homage to a significant moment in the game's universe — the Great Storm's descent upon New London.

11 bit studios envisions a future where both Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 will evolve in tandem, each offering unique perspectives on survival in the harsh, cold world. Additionally, the studio is also working on another project, The Alters, set for release in June.