Painkiller: Everything We Know

For many gamers, only a few genres come close to the thrill of first-person shooter video games. Most titles in this category are typically filled with adrenaline-pumping action that is often pretty fast-paced. You dive into the dangerous game world and catch the action directly in your player character’s eye. Even so, the developers in this category still find ways to add to the fun. For instance, FPS franchises like Painkiller embed gothic and horror elements in a bizarre story where you fight off armies of Lucifer in your quest for salvation. The series first dropped in 2004 with Battle Out of Hell, and after four different installations, a new Painkiller iteration is set to drop in 2025. Here is everything we know about the new game. 

What is Painkiller?

Experience the depths of Purgatory with Painkiller’s new action-packed title. Announced on March 20, 2024, the upcoming first-person shooter reimagines the popular Painkiller series. Unlike the remake and sequel Painkiller: Hell & Damnation, the game goes by the title of Painkiller. It’s a different developer’s work, Anshar Studios S.A, with the publishing team from Saber Interactive and 3D Realms Entertainment. Players will still battle their way through Purgatory in an epic attempt at redemption. Will you seize your Creator’s offer or watch your character get lost in darkness? 

Story

Painkiller’s story follows the original game’s plot. After suffering a high-speed crash with a truck along with your wife, you both succumb to the injuries instantly. Your wife makes it to Heaven, but you are left trapped in Purgatory after being condemned for your sins. However, through an Angel, your Creator offers you a chance at purification to help you ascend to heaven and reunite with your wife.

As the only option available, you agree to kill Lucifer and his generals, including different portions of their armies. Still, in the upcoming release of Painkiller, you are still fighting off the forces of hell to seize your chance at redemption. Lucifer has taken over and corrupted Purgatory. He’s still mobilizing his armies, which could overwhelm Heaven. 

Now, you are one of the heroes out to stop Azazel, the fallen angel who is about to wreak havoc on Earth. Azazel leads demonic armies with bizarre powers, including his three monstrous children, the Nephilim. 

Gameplay

The renowned 2004 franchise returns with intense combat and massive co-op action. You’re back from Purgatory, and all you can do is prepare to endure the pain. It’s the price you pay for your unknown transgressions against Heaven, or else you will be lost to darkness forever. Like with the original game, Purgatory is your playing field where you wield infernal weapons to unleash your wrath against hordes of relentless demonic enemies. 

The creator’s voice is out, and Purgatory awaits you with mobs of demons and titanic terrors spread across the gothic environments with rich graphics. The fallen angel, Azazel, is your top enemy here and is about to release grotesque terror onto Earth. You will jump, run, and hook yourself onto extensive biomes as you fight off the enemies. Your opponents range from the small demons to the titanic terrors. 

However, with a selection of new and classic weapons for Painkiller, nothing can hold you back. You have up to four different characters to choose from, but you can only play one at a time. Play as Void, Sol, Roch, or Ink, and use their unique skills to give you an edge in the action. Each character carries special perks that boost your energy, power, health, and the damage you deal. 

Further, players still have the tarot cards feature from the original game. You get the tarot card after completing a special task in each level. The card unlocks a rare bonus, such as powering up your weapons for a limited time. It’s a great feature that helps you destroy enemies, especially when coupled with your character’s special abilities. 

Finally, the upcoming Painkiller installation features one of the best co-op gameplay, where gamers can experience fast-paced action with two other players and have full offline support. 

Development

Painkiller’s design portrays a reboot of the original entry in the Painkiller Franchise. However, the original game was created by the video game studio People Can Fly. With the reboot, Anshar Studios S.A. is the creator, with Saber Interactive and 3D Realms Entertainment as the publishers. 

Until the game’s announcement on March 20, 2025, little about its development had come to the limelight. But for now, fans can be sure the game uses the Unreal Engine. The game world is still set in Purgatory, with gothic environments depicting the developers’ excellent graphics work. 

Additionally, many of the features appearing in other FPS games in the series are also embedded in the new game. For instance, players still have tarot cards and hordes of demonic enemies with small and titanic creatures. The team has, however, featured a list of new and classic weapons exclusive to this release. The player characters are also made unique, with up to four different to choose from, each carrying special abilities. 

Trailer

The classic Painkiller game’s unveil came with a captivating announcement trailer available on the publisher’s game page. The 0:52-minute trailer embedded on the YouTube game page of Saber Interactive paints a clear picture of what fans can expect from the gameplay from the different weapons you wield as you move across the game environments and the unending locations. 

You can see the hordes of enemies appear from multiple directions as you obliterate them with your infernal weapons. A fast-paced soundtrack plays in the background, delivering the perfect atmosphere and mood for the intense action. The trailer also leaves fans with a message that only builds anticipation for the game’s release. “The renowned franchise has returned from Purgatory with intense co-op action. Prepare for pain.”

Release Date & Platforms

For now, the creators of the latest Painkiller entry have yet to issue an official release date. However, their announcement said the game is set to drop in Q2 of 2025. It will be available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Fans can already wishlist the game pending its launch during Fall 2025.