What is Showgunners?
Showgunners is a turn-based tactical combat game that blends strategy, brutal action, and dark humor into one wild package. Developed by Artificer and originally published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, the game first launched on PC in May 2023. Now, after more than two and a half years of PC exclusivity, it’s finally making its way to PlayStation and Xbox consoles on February 19, 2026.
The game puts you in control of Scarlett Martillo, an ex-bounty hunter fighting for survival and revenge in a dystopian future where corporations run everything. Your battleground? A brutal reality show called Homicidal All-Stars where contestants fight to the death for fame, fortune, and survival. Think XCOM meets Smash TV meets a cyberpunk fever dream.
Gameplay and Combat Mechanics
What makes Showgunners stand out is its hand-crafted, turn-based tactical combat system. Every single stage has been designed to create unique tactical challenges. The twist? A diabolical show director can either help or hinder your progress depending on how well you’re performing. This means no two levels play the same way, keeping the experience fresh throughout.
You won’t be fighting alone either. As you progress through the campaign, you’ll recruit unique partners who bring their own abilities and skill trees to the battlefield. Customize your team by spending talent points, equipping weapons earned or purchased at shops, and unlocking legendary gear through hidden challenges. Combat scenarios throw environmental hazards at you too – ticking time bombs, runaway trains, deadly traps, and twisted puzzles. It’s relentless.
Between battles, you’ll navigate real-time exploration zones filled with puzzles and traps. Sign autographs for fans, hunt for hidden weapons and rewards, and avoid getting blown up. The game nails the balance between strategic combat and exploration gameplay.
The Platinum Edition Upgrade
If you’re planning to grab this on PlayStation, here’s the sweet part: pre-orders come with a free upgrade to the Platinum Edition. This includes the base game plus exclusive DLC content that normally costs extra. You get the Neon Justice costume for Scarlett (exclusive to Platinum Edition), plus a Costumes and Weapons Pack featuring three unique outfits and two weapon reskins.
PlayStation pre-orders also get the Cyber Runner costume, which is exclusive to PlayStation. If you’re into cosmetics and want to make Scarlett look fresh while tearing through these arenas, the Platinum Edition is definitely worth the pre-order.
Platform Availability and Pricing
Showgunners is launching on February 19, 2026 across multiple platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and Windows. The base game is priced at $34.99, making it an affordable tactical experience. An Xbox demo is already available now on the Microsoft Store if you want to test drive the game before launch.
Features That Make It Stand Out
Showgunners comes loaded with accessibility and streaming features. The game includes multiple difficulty settings ranging from super easy to hard, plus a customizable Iron Man mode for hardcore players. Violence settings, announcer frequency sliders, full keybinding customization, and quality adjustments give you tons of control over your experience.
There’s built-in Twitch mode that lets your chat interact with your game – they can help or hinder your progress on the fly. Twitter and Discord integration are included too, making it perfect for content creators who want to share their runs.
Why This Game is Worth Your Attention
If you’re tired of the same old gaming experiences, Showgunners offers something genuinely different. The 80s and 90s cyberpunk aesthetic is dripping with style. The tactical gameplay demands real thinking. The dark humor and over-the-top violence create moments that are simultaneously brutal and hilarious. Character progression feels rewarding, and the dynamic difficulty system keeps things challenging without feeling unfair.
Plus, after nearly three years on PC, the console versions give tactical game fans on PlayStation and Xbox a chance to experience what PC players have been enjoying. Reviews have been positive, with critics praising the addictive gameplay loop and the way it blends strategy with spectacle.
Pre-Order Now or Wait for Launch
If you’re interested, pre-orders are live on PlayStation Store and Xbox Store right now. The Platinum Edition upgrade incentive is pretty generous if you’re considering playing at launch. If you want to try before buying, that Xbox demo gives you a taste of the gameplay.
FAQs
Q: When exactly does Showgunners release on console?
A: February 19, 2026 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows.
Q: Is this the same game that was on PC?
A: Yes, it’s the same game that launched on Steam and GOG in May 2023, now optimized for console platforms.
Q: What do I get with the Platinum Edition upgrade?
A: You get the base game, the Neon Justice costume (exclusive to Platinum Edition), Cyber Runner costume (PlayStation exclusive), and a Costumes and Weapons Pack with three costumes and two weapon reskins.
Q: Is there a difficulty option for casual players?
A: Yes. Showgunners has multiple difficulty settings ranging from super easy to hard, plus customizable Iron Man mode for different skill levels.
Q: Can I play this solo or is there multiplayer?
A: Showgunners is primarily a single-player campaign experience focused on story and tactical combat. The Twitch integration lets viewers interact with your game, but it’s not traditional multiplayer.
Q: Is the game still being supported by developers?
A: The game is published by Klabater for console releases. While the developer Artificer faced some organizational changes in 2024, the console versions represent an active push to bring the game to new audiences.
Conclusion
Showgunners represents exactly what makes indie and AA games special. It’s bold, weird, tactically demanding, and genuinely fun. The console release on February 19, 2026 gives PlayStation and Xbox players a chance to jump into a game that’s been winning over PC audiences for years. If you’re looking for a tactical game that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still respects your intelligence as a player, Showgunners belongs on your radar. Pre-orders are live now, and the Platinum Edition upgrade sweetens the deal considerably.