John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando – First Gameplay Reveal

At Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando was officially revealed with the first-ever gameplay footage. The game is now confirmed for an early 2026 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).

Game Overview & Style

• This is a co-op first-person shooter that fuses ’80s-style action horror with over-the-top humor, all with the signature flair of legendary filmmaker John Carpenter.
  
• Players team up in squads of up to four, facing off against hordes of mutated undead while alternating between intense on-foot combat and chaotic vehicular action.
  
• The game is built using Saber Interactive’s Swarm Engine, known for handling massive enemy waves—used in titles like World War Z: Aftermath and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
  

Narrative & Core Mechanics

• The story takes place in a world where a failed experiment to tap into the Earth’s core unleashes an ancient evil known as the Sludge God. The environment is overrun with goo, and humans are turned into horrifying abominations.
  
• Humanity’s last shot lies in the hands of an unlikely team: The Toxic Commando—a group hired not for their skill, but because they were the cheapest option available.
  
• Expect wild, explosive combat with a wide range of weapons: firearms, grenades, special powers, and even katanas, all wrapped in a chaotic, grindhouse-style atmosphere.
  

Platform & Release Info

• The game supports full cross-platform co-op, letting players team up across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
  
• It’s scheduled to launch in early 2026, promising high-octane action with a heavy dose of retro horror charm.
  

Final Thought

Toxic Commando doesn’t just aim to entertain—it aims to embrace the absurd. By mixing horror, humor, and a co-op-driven experience, it sets itself apart in a crowded genre. Backed by John Carpenter’s unique vision and Saber Interactive’s tech, this game could become a cult favorite if it leans into its strengths. The wild tone, combined with fast-paced action and massive undead swarms, makes it a potential hit for players craving chaotic fun with friends. If it lives up to its promise, Toxic Commando might just be the best bad decision humanity ever made.