Publisher and developer 11 bit studios has offered a sneak peek at a few of the enhancements we can expect when Frostpunk 1886 launches in its December 2025 developer update, briefly showcasing the title’s improved animations alongside its upgraded lighting and textures.
In case you’re unaware, Frostpunk 1886 rebuilds the original survival city builder in Unreal Engine 5, refining its mechanics and visuals while also expanding the game with “a ton of unique content.”
Frostpunk 1886 December 2025 Developer Update
During today’s 11 bit studios digital showcase, Game Director Maciej Sułecki explained that “one of the biggest areas we are focusing [on] is the people of New London.”
Frostpunk 1886 aims to bring us even closer to the inhabitants of our post-apocalyptic city than the original did, which is why the developer is working to improve animations while exploring the use of motion capture.
“This will let us show you more expressive behaviors and, as such, [give] more personality to the citizens,” Sułecki said.
Frostpunk 1886’s lighting system is also getting an upgrade, in an effort to enhance the original game’s oppressive atmosphere and “highlight the harsh, frozen feel of the frostland.”
New London itself is also getting “a more grounded feel” through improved building textures.
Frostpunk 1886’s December 2025 developer update airs “about two years ahead of the release,” so the reimagined game is still early in development, but the studio aims to share more as it gets closer to the title’s 2027 launch.
The title’s Steam page notes that it “combines 70% of the original experience with 30% brand-new content, offering new ways to shape your society,” so it sounds like there’ll be something to look forward to for both veterans and newcomers.
In the meantime, the original game is still a blast to play and, while Frostpunk 2 focuses less on individual citizens, the sequel still provides a compelling take on post-apocalyptic survival city building.
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