Classic FPS Painkiller is returning, but not exactly how you remember it

Gore-soaked, demon slaying FPS series Painkiller indeed on its way back from 3D Realms, but with some big alterations.

Where’s the black leather though?

First launched in 2004 (we could’ve sworn it was the 90s), Painkiller starred Daniel Garner, a man doomed to purgatory. That’s to say, doomed until an angel offered him a way out; become a hitman for Heaven. If it sounds cool, it was, with fast and bloody gameplay that saw players taking out huge amounts of demons as they carved a swath through hell’s worst.

The original actually spawned a whole series, with multiple sequels and spinoffs landing throughout the 2k’s. With the last entry arriving in 2012 though, that was kind of that… until today. A fresh announcement has revealed that 3D Realms and developer Anshar Studios will be bringing Painkiller back for consoles and PC, though without Garner included.

Instead, the new game (simply titled Painkiller) will see players taking on a role of someone else who’s been cast into purgatory. Yes, others, with an ‘s’. This time around, Painkiller (2025) will have an emphasis on co-op play, as fans tackle a full demonic invasion of Earth.

Cue the metal…

Welcome to Purgatory! You’ve been sentenced for your transgressions against Heaven, but the Voice of the Creator is giving you one chance to redeem yourself. Wield an arsenal of infernal weapons, including nods to the original Painkiller plus totally new creations to discover. Blast your way through hordes of demons and titanic terrors – solo or in online co-op for up to three players – across gruesomely detailed gothic environments to stop the fallen angel Azazel’s invasion of Earth and earn your salvation.

3D Realms press release

While you get a glimpse of it there in the first trailer for the game, Painkiller will open up multiple biomes of action in its campaign. 3D Realms promises plenty of demons to kill in those lands too, which certainly sounds in line with the original games. Though fans should expect some new threats as well, like the titanic Nephilim.

As for who you’ll be fielding in this adventure, that’d be one of four fresh faces, including Ink, Void, Sol, and Roch. Each playable hero will have his or her own unique perks, which can boost “energy, health, power and damage”, according to 3D Realms. Along with that, there’s also set to be a tarot system, used to “upgrade your abilities, rank up to expand your arsenal, and team up with other players to obliterate your foes.” Oh, and yes, you can play in solo mode, though you’ll be doing so with some bots at your back.

Stay tuned for much more about Painkiller in the months to come, as the game is set to arrive some time this fall for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.