Welcome Back to Purgatory: The New Painkiller Has Officially Launched
The wait is over, and the gates of Purgatory have been thrown wide open. Painkiller, the reimagining of the beloved, high-octane shooter from the 2000s, has officially launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The launch trailer is a minute-long symphony of destruction, showcasing brutal weapons, towering demonic bosses, and a relentless pace that promises a return to old-school, adrenaline-fueled action. However, this isn’t just a simple remake. Developer Anshar Studios and publisher Saber Interactive have made some bold changes, shifting the focus heavily towards cooperative play, and not everyone in the community is on board.
Three’s a Crowd: A New Co-op Focus
The biggest change in this new Painkiller is its structure. While the original was a sprawling, linear single-player experience, this reboot is built from the ground up for three-player online co-op. You’ll team up with friends (or AI bots if you’re playing solo) to battle through hordes of demons across gothic landscapes. Players can choose from one of four distinct characters-Ink, Void, Sol, and Roch-each with unique perks that can be combined for devastating team-based effects.
The core gameplay loop involves blasting through levels, upgrading an arsenal of seven infernal weapons, and using a Tarot card system to power up your abilities. It’s designed to be a fast, frantic, and collaborative experience, a significant departure from the lonely journey of the original game’s protagonist, Daniel Garner.
Enter the Rogue Angel: A New Roguelike Mode
Beyond the main campaign, the game also introduces a brand-new mode called Rogue Angel. This is a separate, roguelike experience where you and your team fight for survival in a series of randomized, handcrafted arenas. Along the way, you’ll collect weapons, items, and tarot cards, shaping your build on the fly as you face down epic bosses. This addition adds a layer of replayability and challenge designed to keep players coming back for one more run.
A Divided Reception
While the launch has generated excitement, the changes to the formula have created a rift in the community. On one side, players who tried the demo praised the fast-paced, Doom-like gunplay and satisfying weapon feel. However, many long-time fans of the original have expressed disappointment. They feel the shift to a co-op horde shooter with roguelike elements fundamentally misunderstands what made the original special.
Comments on forums like Reddit show a clear divide. Some players feel the new game is a “generic four-player horde shooter” that simply uses the Painkiller name. Others miss the intricate level design and exploration of the original. This has led some to believe that releasing a demo might have backfired, turning away purists who would have otherwise bought the game on brand recognition alone. It’s a classic case of innovation clashing with nostalgia.
Conclusion
The new Painkiller is here, and it’s a bold, modern take on a classic franchise. With a strong emphasis on co-op action and a new roguelike mode, it’s clear the developers are aiming to create a dynamic, replayable social experience. The game is available now with a Standard Edition for $39.99 and a Deluxe Edition for $49.99, which includes a Season Pass for future content. Whether this new direction will win over die-hard fans remains to be seen, but for those looking for a brutal new co-op shooter to play with friends, Purgatory is open for business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the new Painkiller release?
The reimagined Painkiller launched on October 21, 2025.
2. What platforms is Painkiller available on?
It is available on PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
3. Is the new Painkiller a single-player game?
While you can play the campaign solo with AI bots, the game is designed primarily as a three-player online cooperative experience.
4. What is the Rogue Angel mode?
Rogue Angel is a new, separate roguelike mode where players fight through randomized arenas, collect upgrades, and face epic bosses, adding a different style of replayable content to the game.
5. How is this game different from the original Painkiller?
The biggest difference is the shift from a linear, single-player focused campaign to a co-op-centric design. It also introduces four playable characters with unique perks and the new Rogue Angel mode.
6. How much does the game cost?
The Standard Edition is priced at $39.99, while the Deluxe Edition, which includes a Season Pass for future DLC, costs $49.99.