‘John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando’: How To Survive Solo

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a four-player co-op game, but it can be played solo with AI companions. Solo runs may be chaotic, but they are definitely still winnable with the right approach. Developed by Saber Interactive, the game was released on March 12, 2026.

Not all four classes are equally suited to solo play. The Strike class, with its Fireball ability, which can eviscerate large groups quickly, compensates for AI teammates’ inability to handle overpowering hordes. Once the player becomes more comfortable with the mission’s flow, the Operator can be a strong upgrade. Its combat drone provides constant, automated damage throughout the mission, which can help the player through weak-AI teammate support.

The AI teammates won’t act unless directed. The ping system is how you give them directions. Whether it’s a Spare Parts crate on the road or an infected bearing down on you, the bots will come to your aid. On defense, you can ping turret placements so your AI teammates will spend their parts building defenses so that you can save your own stash.

Regarding Spare Parts, consider them to be your most important asset. You use spare parts to create turrets, fix fences and set up traps; and each player (and bot) on your team will have one set of spare parts that they can carry with them. Therefore, if you have a well-coordinated group of four players, there are four different sets of spare parts working at once.

The thing to keep in mind when using your own spare part is not to waste it too quickly. Save your extra supply of spare parts for those critical defenses during wave attacks. At these times, placing a single well-positioned turret can often be the difference between maintaining and losing control.

The first thing you should do upon entering a mission is find a vehicle. Vehicles act as a mobile fortress, preventing standard zombie attacks from harming you while you’re inside the cabin, and AI bots will engage the enemies from the windows. Don’t forget to search for fuel, or else the advantage will be short-lived.

If you’re playing solo, the goal isn’t to be a lone wolf; you should aim to be more of a squad leader to the bots. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.