Updated Article – December 12th 2025
Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment have confirmed that the ’80s action-horror-inspired co-op shooter John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando will infest PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on March 12th 2026.
Pre-orders are live on all platforms (including the Xbox Store), with a free DLC to grab.
And yes, of course there’s a new trailer to celebrate the release date confirmation…
Original Article – August 19th 2025
The choppers are spinning up and the one-liners are being polished.
Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment have descended upon Gamescom’s Opening Night Live with the first proper look at the gameplay for John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando.
This new trailer for the 80s-inspired, action-horror co-op shooter has also confirmed a new release window, with the game now set to arrive in early 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
A Long-Awaited Dispatch
This is our first major dispatch from the front lines of this highly anticipated title in some time, and it’s packed with hordes of monsters, explosive off-road action, and all the buddy-movie vibes you could ask for.
It’s been a while since we first heard the call to arms for this explosive co-op shooter. When we first covered the game’s announcement back in 2023, it was slated for a 2024 launch. After a period of radio silence, this new “early 2026” release window and the first proper gameplay reveal have reignited the hype, giving us a much clearer picture of the carnage to come. All we can do is cross fingers and hope this one sticks…
Welcome to the Toxic Commando
The premise of the game is pure 80s gold. In the near future, an experimental attempt to harness the power of the Earth’s core goes horribly wrong, unleashing a “Sludge God” that turns the living into undead monsters. The genius behind the experiment knows he needs a team of highly trained mercenaries to fix his mess… but they were all too expensive.
And that’s why he hired THE TOXIC COMMANDO.
Hordes, Humour, and High Explosives
This is an over-the-top, co-op shooter that blends visceral first-person action with chaotic off-road driving.
You will team up with up to three friends in squads of four – with full cross-platform support across PC and consoles – to send the Sludge God and its minions back to the underworld.
You’ll pick your character and a class that matches your playstyle, pile into your favourite ride, and unload an array of gunfire, grenades, special abilities, and even “freaking katanas” on the slathering hordes.
Powered by the Swarm Engine
The massive enemy hordes you’ll face are all powered by Saber’s acclaimed Swarm Engine.
This is the same technology behind the unrelenting zombie waves in World War Z: Aftermath and the upcoming Tyranid swarms in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, so you can expect to be truly overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
The 80s Action-Horror Vibe
The entire experience is inspired by and created with the involvement of the legendary director, John Carpenter. The game aims to capture the unique blend of over-the-top action, genuine horror, and buddy-movie humour that defined the classic cinema of the 1980s. You’ll be saving the planet against impossible odds, and you’ll be having a damn good time doing it.
The mission has been set, and the commandos are gearing up for deployment. With the masters of horde gameplay at the helm and the blessing of a true horror icon, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is shaping up to be the ultimate co-op creature feature.
The war against the slime begins in early 2026. Hopefully.
Expect to find it on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, through both Epic and Steam.
Yuck. Another 80s horror gem turned into a co-op shooter. What disappointment.