Frostpunk 1886 is something all fans of the franchise should keep their eyes out for.11 bit studios is proud to draw back the curtain and present the first glimmer of a brand-new title in the Frostpunk franchise. This project revisits and expands upon the beloved city-builder and society survival experience of the original Frostpunk, now fully reimagined in Unreal Engine. This is Frostpunk 1886.
With the studio’s proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered not only the original Frostpunk but also This War of Mine, no longer in development, the team has long sought a new foundation to carry forward the legacy of the first game.
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While Frostpunk 2 continues to forge ahead with free major content updates, a console launch, and DLCs, this newly announced project marks a return to the franchise’s roots. It offers both newcomers and longtime citizens of New London an evolved take on the harsh, morally challenging survival experience that started it all.
More on Frostpunk 1886 and its early stages
But Frostpunk 1886—so titled to honour a pivotal moment in the timeline of the universe, when the Great Storm descended upon New London—is no mere visual overhaul. It builds upon the core of the original, expanding it with new content, mechanics, laws, and—perhaps most excitingly—an entirely new Purpose path, offering a fresh experience even for the most seasoned players.
Reimagining Frostpunk in Unreal Engine also allows the game to become a living, expandable platform, bringing with it long-awaited mod support—a community request that was previously impossible to realize due to the technical limitations of the original engine—as well as the possibility of adding future DLC content.
Frostpunk 1886 is set for release in 2027, with development having already begun in early 2025. The title marks the start of a new era for 11 bit studios—one focused on delivering in-house projects more frequently than ever before. More details, including a deeper look at the game, will be unveiled in the months ahead.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve side by side—two paths forged in parallel, each carrying the vision of survival into unrelenting cold.
Why should fans be further hyped?
The success of Frostpunk 2 highlights how successful 11 bit studios has been in expanding and improving on their franchise. It stands to reason that this investment and success will carry over to Frostpunk 1886. Don’t believe us? Here is what our critic had to say about Frostpunk 2:
“What is most impressive about Frostpunk 2 is how well it blends its emotional narratives with its gameplay mechanics. It challenges the player on an emotional and moral level while also challenging them to grapple with some of the most intricately linked and well-refined gameplay the strategy genre has seen in years. The world of Frostpunk 2 is one void of large-scale happy endings.
Humanity most likely won’t end up bringing the apocalypse to a close or returning to how life once was. But it uses that to highlight the beauty of the more minor victories—the achievement of surviving through the blizzard. The satisfaction of getting a critical law passed that you’re sure will help people. It isn’t a traditional power fantasy, but it enables you to see just how much power there is in getting through today, tomorrow, and the next day.”
The successful blending of narrative with impactful gameplay mechanics is every player’s dream, and 11 bit studios did that in spades with Frostpunk 2. Carrying everything they have learned from the game, it’s expected that they’ll apply it and more when tackling Frostpunk 1886 for fans.
About 11 bit studios
11 bit studios is a collective of talented developers and skilled publishers who reach millions of dedicated gamers, all united by the goal of creating meaningful entertainment. They are looking for experienced development teams to form publishing partnerships with—teams that share their artistic sensibility and the desire to create thought-provoking games while maintaining a smart business approach.
Their goal? A high-quality experience at every level is essential. Their focus is on evoking emotions, both within the game and through the marketing campaign. They hold high standards for both artistic and commercial value, and with their focus on Frostpunk 1886, they aim to achieve that once more.
