Painkiller
IGDB
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About Painkiller
Painkiller is a fast-paced shooter with adventure elements developed by Saber Interactive and published by Prime Matter. Released in October 2025, it brings back the chaotic action of the original series, tasking players with fighting through Purgatory using demonic weapons in co-op or solo modes. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game mixes frenetic combat with a redemption storyline where you battle endless hordes of demons. Available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, it leans into its roots with brutal, run-and-gun gameplay and a focus on variety in weapons and enemies. The game offers single-player, multiplayer, and co-op options, making it a blend of story-driven action and competitive play.
Gameplay
Painkiller centers around aggressive, high-octane combat. Players dual-wield weapons like shotguns, chainsaws, and rockets, with rapid fire and heavy melee attacks dominating the action. Co-op is a core feature, encouraging team coordination against waves of demons. Movement includes fast strafing, double jumps, and dashes to keep things fluid. Each level is a gauntlet of varied enemies, from basic spawns to armored bosses, often forcing you to adapt tactics mid-battle. The single-player campaign tasks you with navigating Purgatory’s levels while managing limited health pickups. Multiplayer modes like Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch emphasize speed and weapon mastery. Controls are responsive but demand precision, especially in tight firefights. The game’s difficulty spikes often, rewarding players who master weapon loadouts and positioning.
What Players Think
Painkiller holds a 4.2/5 PlayPile rating, with 78% of players completing the main campaign in an average of 14 hours. Community moods are split: 62% "Chaotic," 23% "Addictive," and 15% "Frustrating." Critics praise the weapon variety but note inconsistent enemy AI. A Steam user wrote, “The co-op is a blast, but the AI sometimes shoots my teammate.” Another review highlighted, “Demons feel relentless, but the story lacks depth.” The game has 104 achievements (38% completion rate), with “Boss Slayer” (defeating all 12 bosses) being the most skipped. Multiplayer servers remain active in 47% of communities, while 53% of players prefer co-op over solo.
PlayPile's Take
Painkiller is a hit for fans of chaotic, action-heavy shooters but may frustrate those seeking depth. Priced at $59.99, it’s a mid-tier buy with replay value in multiplayer and co-op. The weapon variety and fast combat justify the cost for many, but the story and AI limitations hold it back. If you want intense, short sessions with friends or a solo grind against hordes, it’s worth the price. For others, the $20 discount in sales could make it a riskier pick. Stick with it if you crave relentless action over nuanced storytelling.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
IGDB Rating
66.7
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