If the name John Carpenter attached to a video game immediately makes you think of synth-heavy soundtracks, apocalyptic horror and outrageous action, then John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando probably already has your attention.
Now the wait is over as the explosive co-op shooter has officially launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando throws players into a messy, monster-infested future where teamwork, ridiculous firepower and a healthy dose of dark humour are the only things standing between humanity and total extinction.
Available in a Standard Edition (£34.99) and a Blood Edition (£44.99) packed with extra cosmetic content, this over-the-top first-person shooter aims to capture the spirit of classic 80s action-horror cinema – exactly the kind of chaos you’d expect from a project tied to the legendary filmmaker behind Halloween, The Thing, and Escape from New York.
At A Glance
- Game: John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
- Developer: Saber Interactive
- Publisher: Focus Entertainment
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC
- Price: £34.99 Standard Edition / £44.99 Blood Edition
- Genre: Co-op First-Person Shooter
When Science Goes Very Wrong
The premise of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is exactly as wild as you’d hope.
In a near-future world, an experimental attempt to tap into the power of the Earth’s core goes catastrophically wrong. Instead of unlimited energy, the experiment unleashes an eldritch monstrosity known as the Sludge God.
The result? The surrounding environment begins to mutate. Landscapes are twisted into toxic wastelands and the living are transformed into hordes of undead creatures.
Naturally, the scientist responsible decides the best way to fix things is by hiring a team of elite mercenaries. Unfortunately, the budget doesn’t stretch that far.
So instead, he recruits the next best thing – The Toxic Commandos.
Assemble The Squad
In John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, players step into the boots of one of several chaotic commandos, each offering different abilities and playstyles.
The game is built around cooperative gameplay, encouraging teams to work together as they carve through enormous waves of enemies while completing objectives across hazardous environments.
Whether you prefer charging headfirst into battle or supporting teammates with specialist abilities, each class offers different ways to approach the carnage.
Of course, that cooperation is only half the fun – the other half is the arsenal.
Guns, Grenades And Ridiculous Weaponry
Combat in John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is designed to feel fast, loud and unapologetically chaotic.
Players will have access to a wide range of weapons and tools, including assault rifles and heavy firearms, grenades and explosive gadgets, as well as special abilities unique to each class, and the all-important melee options like katanas for getting up close and personal.
As missions progress, players can upgrade their characters, unlocking new abilities and experimenting with different strategies to handle increasingly dangerous enemies.
The Bloody Pass And Post-Launch Content
Alongside the standard edition, players can opt for the Blood Edition (£44.99), which includes the Bloody Season Pass and its associated cosmetic pack.
The Bloody Pass (£9.99 separately) introduces a range of cosmetic upgrades for characters, weapons and vehicles, along with additional post-launch DLC content planned after release.
Expect new skins, outfits, vehicle customisation options and more ways to personalise your commando squad as the game evolves.
A Long Road To Release
The arrival of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando has been a long time coming.
First revealed back in 2023, the game immediately caught attention thanks to its mix of horror, humour and co-op chaos. We later saw more gameplay and a release window confirmed in late 2025, before the title landed among the most anticipated games in our Best Xbox Games of March 2026 roundup.
Now it’s finally here, ready to unleash its unique blend of monster-blasting mayhem. Our full review is on the way too.
Time To Go Commando?
Now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando delivers exactly what its name promises – a chaotic shooter packed with 80s-inspired action.
Grab some friends, load up the biggest weapons you can find and prepare to face the Sludge God’s nightmare army. The world might be ending… but at least you’ll have fun saving it.
