John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando’s release is just around the corner, and we have just gotten an important update regarding what the game will look like post-launch. On the surface, the announcement may seem underwhelming, but knowing that content continues to be added to World War Z and Space Marine 2, you get the feeling that Saber Interactive will keep updating this game for as long as it makes sense to do so.
Toxic Commando is a co-op zombie shooter that shares similarities to games like Left 4 Dead. The biggest difference being that the game inherited gameplay elements from Saber's previous titles, World War Z and Mudrunner. Interestingly enough, the class perk system and the weapons themselves come from World War Z. What sets this game further apart from its zombie shooter contemporaries lies with its emphasis on vehicles and navigating a muddy, blood-soaked terrain.
Free Update 1 (Summer 2026)
- New Feature: Challenges to unlock cosmetics
- New Map
- New Enemy
- 4 New Primary Weapons
- New Secondary, Heavy, and Melee Weapons
- 2 New Vehicles
DLC – Cosmetic Pack 1 (Included with the Bloody Pass)
- Weapon Skin
- Weapon Charm
- Character Skin
- Weapon Charm
- Character Skins and Headgear
- Vehicle Customization: Skins, Graffiti, Honk Sounds
- Profile Titles and Icon
Free Update 2 (Fall 2026)
- New Feature: Ammo Mods
- Additional Difficulty
- New Defense Set Ups
- New Enemy
- 4 New Primary Weapons
- New Heavy and Melee Weapons
- New Consumables
DLC – Cosmetic Pack 2 (Included with the Bloody Pass)
- Weapon Skin
- Weapon Charm
- Character Skins and Headgear
- Vehicle Customization: Skins, Graffiti, Honk Sounds
- Profile Titles and Icon
The first free content update will launch in the Summer of 2026. It includes a new feature that allows players to unlock cosmetics after completing certain challenges. There is a high likelihood that it will be similar to challenges in the base, where you will need to take down a certain number of enemy types and perform certain actions. The new map will have its own quest line and subobjectives. It is unclear if it will be part of the main storyline or will be treated as a side story similar to the way it is done in Space Marine 2.
It is always appreciated to have more weapons in a Saber game. If you’ve played World War Z, you’ll know you’ll be grinding out random levels on account of that want and need to level up your weapons to turn them into death incarnate. The best part is that the weapons themselves don’t look like imported weapons from World War Z. I could be wrong, though. I’m a little hesitant to pick up the bolt-action rifle as they historically underperform in games like Left 4 Dead, but the long-range options do seem to be viable in Toxic Commando.
As for the 2 new vehicles, I don’t have much to say, and their silhouettes don’t exactly pop out as something I’ll actively seek out on the map. I’ll stick with the ambulance and Humvee for now.
The second free update is expected to be released later this fall. Its biggest feature addition is the ability to modify ammo types. I’m guessing somewhere along the lines of incendiary and shock rounds. A new difficulty setting means more extreme enemy modifiers and a higher overall risk for a chance at greater rewards.
Defense setups in the current game are pretty well-rounded. We’ve got everything we need to stop large hordes, including MG placements and the iconic mortal launchers. If anything, we need more options against heavier targets. I don’t mind seeing missile batteries and laser turrets as go-to options.
On the surface, it’s not the most eye-catching lineup of updates. Certainly, a step below what the devs offered in Space Marine 2. I believe they are taking a cautious approach with this one, taking in more feedback the longer the game is out in the wild. One thing is for sure: Saber Interactive will not hesitate to support a game long-term if they feel like the content resonates with their audience. World War Z is still getting updates to this day, years after its initial release. Space Marine 2 just recently added the Tech Marine class and will most likely keep getting impactful updates all the way to the release of Space Marine 3.
Toxic Commando will also receive a host of bug fixes and quality of life improvements in between content drops, depending on player feedback. Hopefully, they don’t pull a Helldivers 2 and commit sweeping nerf weapons for the sake of “balance”.
All in all, I say the updates are just about right. That’s coming from someone who puts in a few extra hours into World War Z and Space Marine 2 after content updates. All that remains is to gauge player reception to the game and make changes to the plan based on it.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is out now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games).
