It’s been just over two years since gamers had their first glimpse of Toxic Commando, a first-person shooter created by famed horror writer and director John Carpenter. The drought was ended with the debut of a new trailer for the horror shooter during Opening Night Live at Gamescom, along with an early 2026 release window.
Focus Entertainment is developing Toxic Commando, which takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where an eldritch horror called the Sludge God has come to Earth and transformed most of the human population into zombie-like creatures. The game focuses on a team of well-armed mercenaries who are making their way across the country to finish their mission.
Toxic Commando is meant to invoke the over-the-top humor and horror from Carpenter’s 1980s films like Escape From New York, as well as buddy action movies. Players can team up in squads of up to four players, as they choose their characters, classes, vehicles, and an arsenal of weapons. The game also supports cross-play across PC and consoles.
The ultimate goal is to send the Sludge God packing from this plane of existence, if that’s even possible. The infected far out number the remaining human population. But as Carpenter said in 2023, “They blow up real good and there are a ton of them. People are going to love this game.”
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in early 2026.
