Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive have announced that John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, a first-person shooter soaked in ’80s-style horror and action, will launch in early 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

The game is powered by Saber’s Swarm Engine, the same tech used in World War Z: Aftermath and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II. Whether players are behind the wheel or on foot, they’ll face massive hordes of enemies and colossal bosses designed to test reflexes and coordination.

Full cross-platform co-op is supported, allowing up to four players to team up and dive into chaotic missions. Fans of adrenaline-fueled shooters and ’80s horror tropes can expect an explosive mix of carnage, grotesque creatures, and over-the-top action set in a post-apocalyptic world.

The story takes place in a near-future Earth where a failed scientific experiment intended to tap the planet’s core has unleashed a cataclysm, mutating the land and turning people into undead monstrosities. Lacking the budget for elite mercenaries, the scientist behind the accident hires a cheaper alternative: The Toxic Commando.

Players choose from multiple classes and pile into rugged vehicles before setting out to annihilate the “Sludge God” and its minions. Weapons range from machine guns and explosives to special abilities and even katanas, with gameplay focused on frantic, team-based combat.

Key features include tongue-in-cheek dialogue, buddy-action dynamics, and aesthetics heavily inspired by classic John Carpenter films. Players will be able to level up their skills and experiment with new loadouts as they face increasingly difficult enemies and missions. The tone is deliberately loud, campy, and aggressive, staying true to its retro horror roots.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando will launch in early 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. A new gameplay trailer is now available as part of Gamescom 2025.

Source: Gematsu