John Carpenter's Toxic Commando speculation, news, and more

Is Toxic Commando still happening? We can get firmly behind anything with John Carpenter's name on, so imagine our delight when John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, a videogame inspired by '80s horror and action and created by the horror legend himself, was revealed during Summer Game Fest 2023.

Part FPS game, part zombie game, part nostalgic horror trip, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando (herein referred to as just Toxic Commando) is set in the "near future", while being inspired by the mix of gore, comedy, and action of classic 1980s horror. Here's what we know about John Carpenter's Toxic Commando right now.

The John Carpenter's Toxic Commando release date was originally set for sometime in 2024. The official website states that it is coming 'Soon', but we aren't quite sure when that was written. Wouldn't expect Toxic Commando anytime before 2026.

Saber Interactive is also working on Jurassic World Survival and announced Turok Origins at the Game Awards, both of which have received recent updates on the developer's social media channels, while Toxic Commando remains a mystery. For this reason, we imagine that Toxic Commando is on the back burner, and shouldn't be expected before the other games currently being prioritized by Saber, if at all. The game is still listed as 'coming soon' on the Focus Entertainment website.

Developer Saber Interactive has a veritable feast of games under its belt from the last two decades of development, with most early titles being console games or ports. Their involvement in Windows PC titles has ramped up in recent years, and includes the likes of Evil Dead: The Game, Redout 2, Snowrunner, the Halo series, and Crysis 2 and 3 Remastered. If Toxic Commando ever sees the light of say, it is expected to be an Epic Games PC exclusive.

Toxic Commando beta

While there is no set launch date for a Toxic Commando beta right now, there is a sign-up link on the Focus Entertainment website. During the sign-up process, you can choose to exclusively sign up for the Toxic Commando closed beta, and you will receive an email invitation if you are invited to participate in the future.

By signing up on the Focus Entertainment site, there is no guarantee that you will be invited to join the closed beta, but it's worth getting your name down early just in case. You can also sign up for the publisher's playtest program while you're at it.

Toxic Commando trailers

So far, there has only been one trailer for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, the reveal trailer itself, but this tells us a surprising amount about what to expect if and when the Toxic Commando release date does finally arrive.

First off, we're introduced to the Toxic Commandos themselves, four characters sitting in a military vehicle. At first, the team looks sombre and serious, with the first few seconds perhaps attempting to misdirect the viewer about the professionalism of this team of mercenaries. A male in the backseat says, "We gotta be ready," as You Give Love a Bad Name plays on the radio, an obvious hint towards the game's '80s inspiration. Panning to the driver, another male, the dynamic of the team starts to play out, as he says, "No one half-asses it this time… Ruby," before Ruby, a female in the back, groans.

Finally, the second female, sat in the front passenger seat, reveals her position as the leader of the group, stating "On my mark" before cocking her shotgun. The vehicle hits a zombie, and the driver wipes blood from the windscreen with a determined look on his face. Strong, smart, serious - this group is bound to get the job done. The woman in the front counts down from five, the vehicle approaches a red-eyed zombie and the screen cuts to black. The team bursts into the chorus of the Bon Jovi hit in karaoke-style, out-of-time singing. OK, maybe they're not as slick as they looked.

Now clear that there's some fun to be had with The Commandos, we're introduced to some gameplay, witnessing weapons ranging from turrets and assault rifles, to melee gear, as a player is surrounded by zombies in muted reds and purples. Chaos ensues, and various vehicles, guns, and monsters are all shown off as the song plays on - though we're sure there are plenty of surprises still in store as well.

Toxic Commando comic book

If you want to get prepared for your time as a Toxic Commando, a prequel to the videogame has arrived in the form of a comic book series. There were three issues of the comic book, with the series running between March - May 2024.

With that, you're up to date on everything to do with the Toxic Commando release date so far, and we'll keep adding to this page as more information is revealed. Until then, take a look at some of the other upcoming games that should be on your radar. And while we're on the topic of a horror legend, perhaps check out some of the best horror games available right now.