Summary
- John Carpenter's Toxic Commando faces stiff competition from other upcoming zombie games, and has not provided updates in a while.
- The game needs to showcase its unique features like vehicular combat to stand out.
- Releasing new footage and involving John Carpenter himself could help generate buzz and keep it relevant.
First announced at 2023's Summer Game Fest, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is an upcoming 4-player zombie-centric FPS from developer Saber Interactive in the vein of Left 4 Dead. While the genre has seen many similar entries of varying quality over the years, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando aims to stand out by having the star power of the iconic horror figure attached to the project, as well as emphasizing vehicular combat alongside the expected action.
However, as exciting as the prospect of a co-op zombie shooter with the involvement of the legendary director is, there remain notable unknowns surrounding John Carpenter's Toxic Commando. It was given a 2024 release window, but due to a lack of updates and very little promotion and marketing since its initial reveal, fans haven't seen much about it in some time. This was recently exacerbated by some of its major competitors showing up at Gamescom 2024 to drum up hype for themselves. Among them, No More Room in Hell 2, along with the reveal of Dying Light: The Beast, now put more pressure than ever on Toxic Commando to provide some firm information about its plans and how it seeks to impress audiences when it releases.
Saber also developed Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, itself a co-op shooter releasing soon on September 9, 2024, and is ostensibly continuing to work on the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake.
After Recent Competitor Reveals, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando Needs to Come out of the Gate Strong
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando Faces Some Major Roadblocks in Adjacent Games
Though it could be argued John Carpenter's Toxic Commando may have been a little late to the party, there remains a large portion of fans who enjoy co-op zombie shooters. Combined with having such a recognizable name, one which is synonymous with classic cult horror, it seems like a match made in heaven that would result in a quality and entertaining title. Now, though, given the radio silence from publisher Focus Interactive and Saber, the title is in danger of fading into the background against other upcoming games within the space.
One of the bigger surprises from Gamescom was Techland's Dying Light: The Beast, which will bring back Kyle Crane, the franchise's original protagonist, and something that fans have long been wishing for. Meanwhile, No More Room in Hell 2 is also highly anticipated and will launch into early access this Fall, boasting one major draw in 8-player co-op, double that of Toxic Commando's fairly standard four. With these and even some others -- not necessarily direct genre competitors, but notable to horror/zombie fans in general -- Toxic Commando currently appears like it's losing ground fast.
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando Needs to Make a Big Splash
Given the current situation, it is looking like a harder task for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando to make a mark in the zombie co-op area when it does release. As it is stated to integrate vehicular combat and mechanics more into its framework, this is one feature that could help it stand out in the field. It thus may behoove it to release some new footage that focuses on this to remind players about it, while assuring them it's still on track and generating positive buzz of its own in the process.
Carpenter is well-known for being an avid gamer, and one idea would be to release gameplay guided by the man himself, showing it off more and garnering some attention back. If Toxic Commando has the tone and vibe of many of John Carpenter's works, this could also aid in separating it from the pack, and put eyes firmly back on it. Whatever it plans to do, though, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando might want to do it sooner rather than later, as right now it would seem it needs a clear a high bar in terms of keeping it in the limelight and on the minds of fans.
- Released
- March 12, 2026
- Developer(s)
- Saber Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Focus Entertainment
- Engine
- Swarm Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
WHERE TO PLAY
In the near future, an experimental attempt to harness the power of the Earth’s core ends in a terrifying disaster: the release of the Sludge God. This eldritch abomination begins terraforming the area, turning soil to scum and the living… to undead monsters! However, the genius behind the experiment has a plan to make things right. All he needs is a team of competent, highly-trained mercenaries to get the job done. Unfortunately, those are all too expensive. Which is why he’s hired…
The Toxic Commandos!
Take control of one of the commandos, team up with your friends and send the Sludge God and its horde of things-that-should-never-be back to the underworld. Choose the class that matches your playstyle, pile into your favorite ride, and unload an array of gunfire, grenades, special abilities, and freaking katanas as you save the planet.
So if you’re the kind of person who likes:
• Buddy-movie vibes and the over-the-top humor, action, and horror of classic 80s cinema, inspired by the legendary John Carpenter…
• Teaming up with friends to face down hordes of monsters who want to eat your face…
• An explosive cocktail of visceral FPS action and apocalyptic environments…
• Upgrading your skills and testing new abilities against increasingly hardcore challenges…
• Saving the planet against impossible odds…
… then now’s your time to go commando!
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Zombie, Action
