Polish indie studio 11 bit studios has built a reputation for its raw, unfiltered, and downright brutal approach to game design. Despite skipping flashy production values, they've mastered the art of making players question their morals, scruples, and emotions. One of their standout titles is the Frostpunk franchise, which recently dropped a sequel. But the success has been so massive that they're now gearing up to reinvent the game that started it all.
Through a press release and social media posts, 11 bit studios unveiled Frostpunk 1886—one of its upcoming projects. According to the Polish studio, it's a complete reinvention of the original game that first launched back in 2018.
The first big change is the game engine—11 bit studios is building this new version in Unreal Engine 5, leaving behind their in-house Liquid Engine.
But Frostpunk 1886 isn’t just getting a visual and audio overhaul. It’s more than a remake, with new mechanics, fresh content, and a reimagining of core elements like Purpose, Faith, and the Constitution.
Finally, the studio announced that Frostpunk 1886 is set to launch in 2027 and dropped a first teaser—check it out below.
Frostpunk is a survival, strategy, and city-building franchise that first launched in 2018, earning immediate recognition.
The game is set in an alternate version of England, devastated by an unexpected and brutal winter storm in 1886. That pivotal year in the lore is now being revisited for the reinvented version currently in development.
Because of this climate catastrophe, technological advancement stalled beyond the Industrial Revolution. A group of survivors, after wandering in search of refuge, establishes New London around a generator, armed with only the bare necessities to forge a new society.
Managing materials and human resources, alongside exploration and research, drives social development. However, relentless snowfall and the growing challenges of an expanding population push players into tough situations.
The difficulty intensifies, forcing players to make controversial, high-stakes decisions with varying costs and benefits. Some will upset the people but ensure survival. Others might boost popularity but come at a hefty price with long-term consequences.