11 bit studios has unveiled Frostpunk 1886, a brand-new entry in its icy city-builder franchise that revisits—and expands—the original game in Unreal Engine.
A fresh freeze built on new tech
The studio’s proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered Frostpunk (2018) and This War of Mine, is officially retired. In its place, Unreal Engine will underpin Frostpunk 1886, enabling not only a visual overhaul but long-requested features the old tech couldn’t support—most notably full mod support and an “expandable platform” for future DLC.
Why 1886?
The subtitle nods to a pivotal lore moment: the Great Storm that nearly wiped New London off the map. While Frostpunk 2 looks ahead to the industrialised, oil-driven society of the sequel, 1886 rewinds the clock to the community’s darkest hour—offering veteran players and newcomers an “evolved take” on the original’s moral-quandary survival loop.
What’s new besides snow?
11 bit says this is “no mere visual overhaul.” Expect:
- New mechanics, laws, and buildings that deepen the city-building layer.
- An entirely new Purpose path, adding another ideological route to guide (or oppress) your citizens.
- A design built for post-launch expansion, with the studio promising “a living, expandable platform.”
Two Frostpunks, one frozen horizon
Development on Frostpunk 1886 began in early 2025, with launch set for 2027. Meanwhile, Frostpunk 2 continues apace—a PC release, console launch, and free content updates remain on track.
With Frostpunk 2 charting the franchise’s future and Frostpunk 1886 re-forging its past, 11 bit studios is effectively running parallel ice ages. More details, gameplay reveals, and release platforms will surface “in the months ahead,” the studio says.
For now, shovel out a spot on your wishlist—winter is coming again.
