ULTRAKILL stands out as a fast-paced first-person shooter that blends retro FPS elements with character action game influences, delivering intense, ultraviolent combat on PC. Drawing from classics like Quake and modern takes like Doom (2016), alongside mechanics reminiscent of Devil May Cry, this indie title throws players into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is gone, and blood-fueled machines descend into Hell for survival. As an Early Access game, it emphasizes skillful movement, combo-driven kills, and exploration in environments pulled from Dante's Inferno, making it a go-to for those seeking high-speed action without multiplayer distractions.
Gameplay
In ULTRAKILL, the core loop revolves around constant motion and aggressive combat to survive waves of enemies. Players control a machine protagonist equipped with an arsenal of powerful weapons, each offering multiple variations that can be unlocked using points earned from stylish kills. Health regeneration comes from soaking in enemy blood, encouraging close-range finishes and risky plays. Movement abilities like dashes and slides keep you agile, dodging attacks from demons, machines, and the undead while building combos through varied attacks and parries. The style system rewards creative kill chains with higher scores, which tie into level ranks and optional challenges that test mastery of these mechanics.
Exploration adds depth, with levels hiding secrets that reveal lore or bonuses. Combat feels fluid, with quick weapon swaps and environmental interactions enhancing the chaos. Points from combos allow customization between missions, letting you tailor loadouts for different strategies. This setup creates a rewarding progression where speed and precision directly impact survival and scoring.
Game Modes
ULTRAKILL focuses on single-player experiences through its campaign levels, which form the backbone of the game. These levels are structured into acts, each progressing deeper into Hell with escalating challenges. Secret levels provide hidden side content, often unlocked by finding collectibles or completing specific tasks in the main path.
Prime Sanctums offer ultra-difficult boss encounters designed for skilled players, while Encore levels revisit familiar areas with remixed enemy placements and objectives. There are no multiplayer modes, keeping the emphasis on solo runs and personal high scores.
Current State and Updates
As of early 2026, ULTRAKILL remains in Early Access, with ongoing development incorporating community feedback from platforms like Discord. The current build includes a complete Prelude, First Act, Second Act, plus layers 7 and 8, amounting to 33 campaign levels, 7 secret levels, 2 Prime Sanctums, and 2 Encore levels. Developers plan a full release with a third act, additional secret missions, and more enemies.
Updates have steadily added content, with price adjustments reflecting new features. This approach ensures the game evolves based on player input, maintaining a strong foundation in its retro-inspired FPS roots.
Is It Worth Playing?
With an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam from 136,885 reviews at 97% approval, and recent reviews holding at 95% positive from 11,262 entries, ULTRAKILL has earned widespread acclaim for its addictive combat and sound design. Players often highlight the satisfying parries, fast-paced movement, and combo variety as standout features.
If you enjoy skill-based FPS games that prioritize speed, style, and single-player depth over team-based multiplayer, this title delivers exceptional value. It's particularly suited for fans of retro shooters looking for a fresh twist, though its intense violence and difficulty might not appeal to everyone. Given the active updates and strong community support, jumping in now provides plenty of content with more on the horizon.
