Polish game developer 11 bit studios has announced Frostpunk 1886, a reimagining of their acclaimed city-building survival game in Unreal Engine, with development having begun in early 2025.
The new project marks a return to the franchise’s roots while expanding upon the harsh, morally challenging experience that defined the original title. Named after a pivotal moment in the game’s timeline when the Great Storm descended upon New London, Frostpunk 1886 will introduce new mechanics, laws and an entirely new Purpose path.
According to the studio, the shift to Unreal Engine was necessitated by the retirement of their proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered both the original Frostpunk and This War of Mine. The new engine will transform the game into “a living, expandable platform,” enabling the long-requested mod support that was technically impossible with the previous engine.
The announcement comes as the studio continues development on Frostpunk 2, which will receive free major content updates, DLCs and a console launch. Both titles will evolve in parallel, with each offering distinct experiences within the same universe.
11 bit studios indicated that Frostpunk 1886 represents a strategic shift toward more frequent in-house project releases. More details and a deeper look at the game are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
