From the minds behind World War Z and SnowRunner comes an 80s-fueled co-op shooter backed by the master of horror himself. Get your first taste of the action in a limited-time demo starting February 19 for John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando.
If you have ever wondered what would happen if you combined the sheer overwhelming zombie numbers of World War Z with the off-road vehicle physics of SnowRunner, and then wrapped it all in the synth-heavy aesthetic of an 80s horror movie, wonder no more. Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment have officially blown the doors off John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando.
With a release date locked for March 12, 2026, the teams have premiered a high-intensity Gameplay Overview Trailer that showcases exactly how they are blending their expertise into this new IP. But players won’t have to wait until March to jump behind the wheel; a limited-time demo is hitting Steam later this month.
The Ultimate Mash-Up: Space Marines Meets Mud Runners
The pedigree behind Toxic Commando is undeniably impressive. The creative team includes veterans who worked on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, World War Z, and SnowRunner. This specific DNA sequence is evident in every frame of the new trailer.
The Swarm Engine Returns Powered by Saber’s proprietary Swarm Engine, the game promises to deliver “non-stop zombie destruction.” This is the same tech that allowed hundreds of zombies to pile over walls in World War Z, and it is being put to gruesome use here. Players will face “endless waves of mutated monstrosities” that flood the screen, requiring heavy firepower and crowd control to survive.
Off-Road Carnage This isn’t just a run-and-gun shooter; it’s a drive-and-gun. Drawing on the physics expertise from SnowRunner, the game features a “slime-proof line-up of badass vehicles.” Players won’t just use cars to get from Point A to Point B; the vehicles are weapons. You will navigate a semi-open world hellscape, smashing foes under your tires and utilizing vehicle-mounted weaponry to thin the herd before jumping out to finish the job on foot.
Choose Your Class, Pick Your Weapon
The gameplay loop centers on four-player co-op action. You and up to three friends (via matchmaking or private lobbies with full crossplay) will take on the role of highly trained mercenaries.
The trailer reveals four distinct classes, allowing teams to synergize their loadouts:
- Strike: Likely the DPS powerhouse.
- Medic: Essential for keeping the squad alive against the horde.
- Operator: A tactical specialist.
- Defender: The tank of the group, holding the line.
To dispatch the undead, players have access to a lethal menu of 16 primary weapon types. The arsenal ranges from the classic zombie-slaying staples—shotguns, SMGs, and assault rifles—to sniper rifles for long-range crowd thinning. Secondary weapons include pistols for backup and brutal melee options like machetes and crowbars for when ammunition runs low.
Play It First: Steam Demo in February
In a move that recalls the shareware days of the 90s, Toxic Commando is offering a pre-release trial. A limited-time demo will be available on Steam from February 19 to March 2, 2026.
This two-week window gives PC players the chance to “go commando” and test out the vehicle handling and shooting mechanics before the full game launches. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather your “carnage-minded buddies” and see if your squad has what it takes to survive the 80s apocalypse.
Pre-Order Details: The Blood Edition
With the release date just around the corner, pre-orders are now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).
Pre-Order Bonus: Ordering any edition of the game grants access to the “Leon’s Secret Stash” DLC, likely a pack of starting gear or cosmetics to give you an edge on Day 1.
The Blood Edition: For those who want the complete experience, the Blood Edition includes the base game plus the Bloody Pass. This pass features:
- Two Post-Launch DLCs: Including unique skins for characters, weapons, and vehicles.
- Golden Cosmetic Pack: A weapon charm and character skins to ensure you are the “most fashionable crew in the apocalypse.”
The Master of Horror Returns
Attaching John Carpenter’s name to the project sets a high bar for atmosphere and tone. Carpenter, the legendary director behind The Thing, Halloween, and They Live, is synonymous with synth soundtracks, anti-establishment heroes, and gross-out practical effects.
Toxic Commando leans heavily into this vibe, presenting a world that feels like a lost VHS tape from 1986. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it looks incredibly fun.
Watch the Gameplay Overview Trailer: YouTube Link
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando releases March 12, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Mark your calendars for the demo on February 19.
