The most controversial and chaotic racing franchise in history is back to paint the streets red, but this time, Carmageddon is embracing a genre Rogue Shift that promises to make every collision count.
Developer 34BigThings has officially unveiled Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, a surprise new entry in the legendary series that blends classic vehicular combat with modern roguelite depth.
Announced during the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted, this brutal reinvention is scheduled to smash its way onto Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam in Early 2026.
A Classic Franchise, Re-Ignited
It has been nearly a decade since we last sat behind the wheel of a Carmageddon machine.
Back in 2016, we took Carmageddon: Max Damage for a spin and found it to be a “truly enjoyable experience.” In our review, we noted that “with quick and easy to learn mechanics along with some humorous and wacky gameplay, Stainless Games have created a truly unique experience that, although not suitable for kids, is certainly something that gamers of the slightly older generation would appreciate.“
Carmageddon: Rogue Shift looks to take that appreciation for “wacky gameplay” and inject it with a shot of adrenaline. By moving to a roguelite structure, the game ensures that while you may crash and burn, a new driver will always be ready to step in – with your previous unlocks persisting and your resolve hardened.
Every Crash Makes You Stronger
In this new edition, the signature metal-on-metal carnage remains, but the stakes have changed. You are competing in the Carmageddon, a chain of lethal underground races where the champion earns a shot at the last spaceport beyond the mountains.
The gameplay loop is built around adapting and upgrading. You will choose your path through branching event maps, refitting your vehicle on the fly to survive dynamic challenges.
And the environment is just as deadly as your opponents. By day, the skyline smoulders, but by night, the streets are flooded by zombie hordes known as the “Wasted.” These shifts turn the race track into a kill-zone, requiring tactical loadouts and pure destruction to survive.
A Garage of War Machines
To help you crush the area bosses and open up new districts, you will have access to:
- 15 Upgradeable Vehicles: From rugged tanks to agile hot rods, each with unique weight and handling.
- 13 Weapon Classes: Equip shotguns, missile racks, lasers, railguns, and more.
- 80+ Perks: Stack outrageous synergies to turn your ride into a rolling executioner.
A Word from the New Drivers
Taking the reins of such a beloved and infamous franchise is no small task. Giuseppe Enrico Franchi, Game Director at 34BigThings, explains the vision behind this new direction:
“We are bringing something fresh to the franchise and the racing genre,” said Franchi. “Carmageddon means explore, experiment, paint the streets red and crumple up opponents. We want our players to adapt, upgrade, and unleash destruction on zombie hordes with glee behind the wheel of a killing machine. Rogue Shift will hit with those who fondly remember the legendary series, and those who are discovering it for the first time – reignited, reinvented and more thrilling than ever.“
Carmageddon: Rogue Shift Key Features
- Roguelite Campaign: Experience branching maps, permanent progression, and dynamic challenges.
- Dynamic World: Battle through rain-slicked streets and fog-shrouded ambushes with a full day-night cycle.
- Boss Battles: Face off against corrupted enforcers and supermutated Wasteds.
- The Black Market: Spend your hard-earned Beatcoins to unlock cars and weapons between runs.
The starting grid is being assembled, and the zombies are already gathering in the streets. Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is revving up to be a chaotic and addictive reinvention of a classic.
Prepare to mow down the Wasted when the game launches in Early 2026.
