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Painkiller

2004 People Can Fly First-person shooter Updated 25 Jul 2026

Painkiller is a 2004 first-person shooter developed by the Polish studio People Can Fly, a deliberate throwback to the fast, arena-driven action of classic 1990s shooters. Players take the role of Daniel Garner, battling through purgatory and hell, mowing down relentless hordes of demonic and undead enemies to earn his way to redemption.

The game stripped away modern conventions like regenerating health and cover in favor of pure, high-speed circle-strafing combat, throwing dozens of monsters at the player across atmospheric gothic levels such as cathedrals, asylums, and battlefields. An inventive arsenal, headlined by the versatile combined stakegun and grenade launcher, plus demon cards that granted temporary powers and demanding boss battles against towering creatures, was powered by a strong Havok physics engine that sent enemies flying.

Painkiller developed a cult following and spawned numerous expansions, spin-offs, and sequels of varying quality. The original remains available on digital storefronts, still cherished by fans of old-school run-and-gun action.

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Modern alternatives to Painkiller, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.

Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.

Modern alternatives to Painkiller compared: price, Steam Deck rating and the devices each one runs on.
Alternative	Price	Steam Deck	Runs on
DUSK Indie	€ 19,50	Steam Deck Verified	PC, PlayStation, Switch
Prodeus Indie	€ 24,99	Steam Deck Playable	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun	€ 21,99	Steam Deck Verified	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch