Painkiller returns with a look at a co-op romp through purgatory

Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms and Anshar Studios reimagining of Painkiller is ready to show off a new avenue for the series, co-op play.

Kill the pain, now with friends!

Purgatory can be a rough place, as seen in the various trailers for 3D Realms’ and developer Anshar Studios’ Painkiller. It’s easy to see why, as the realm is infested with a horde of bloodthirsty demons, all of which are out to take down the new team of Heaven’s hitmen/women.

But while the upcoming game will indeed be playable solo, there’s no strict need to take on those vile denizens of the netherworld alone. In fact, it’s actually not even the focus of the action. And to that end, we’ve got the first look at the game’s co-op play for you.

The mode will support up to three players, who can all engage with the game’s “vast, spine-chilling biomes” together. There players will make use of a devastating arsenal, as they blast away at everything from demons to massive Nephilim.

A timely launch, with a few options

Given the time of year that we’re about to enter into, Painkiller sure does have its launch on-brand. The first-person horror shooter will debut next month, arriving on consoles and the PC on October 21st. That should give players plenty of time to line up some online Halloween fun with pals.

Pre-orders are open now as well, covering the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. If you do reserve a copy for yourself before launch too, you’re in for some bonuses. Both digital and physical pre-orders will include the “Iron Crusade” pre-order bonus skin pack. And as an additional nicety, the physical version will stock the  “Burnished Pride” weapons pack. Look for additional gold weapon skins in that.

All of the above platform releases will have two flavors as well, with both Standard and Deluxe Editions on offer. Naturally, the console launch will support both physical and digital Standard versions, but the Deluxe will be digital no matter what platform you choose.

That latter version will come packed with the game’s Season Pass too, so there may be good reason to opt for it. Included will be the Night Watch DLC pack, which packs in “four character and six weapon skins at launch, plus an assortment of weapon and character skins post-release.”