Every now and then, a mod becomes so extraordinary and beloved that it transcends its origins to become a standalone legend. Take PUBG and DayZ, rising from the adaptable terrain of Arma, or The Forgotten City, emerging from the depths of Skyrim. Now we have Total Chaos, a gritty and intense horror FPS that has evolved from an epic Doom 2 mod, now beautifully remade with Unreal Engine 5. Developed with the original mod creator onboard, Total Chaos delivers the kind of thrills that bring to mind Silent Hill’s chilling atmosphere coupled with survival elements reminiscent of Stalker. And yes, not only is a fresh demo set for Steam Next Fest, but we’ve also pinned down an official release date for later this year.
Originally launched back in 2018 as a total conversion mod for Doom 2, Total Chaos has been given a fresh breath of life, standing on its own two feet as a separate game. It’s hauntingly atmospheric, drawing you into the desolate and shadowy remnants of Fort Oasis—a mining town once brimming with life, now tainted by corruption. A mysterious, crackling voice on the radio is your only company as you delve into the eerie mines and surrounding structures, searching for the truth hidden in the darkness.
Despite drawing from Doom’s lineage, don’t expect a chaotic, in-your-face style of gameplay. Although it’s an FPS, guns and bullets are in short supply, urging you to engage in melee battles. Resourcefulness is key, as you’ll need to craft makeshift weapons from whatever scraps you find within Fort Oasis. But beware: an inventory weight system means you can’t carry an entire armory or hoard piles of materials, so strategic thinking is vital.
For those craving to really dive deep into its unsettling world and confront its twisted creatures face to face, a VR version is set to launch alongside the standard release. Initially, Total Chaos was penciled in for a broad 2025 debut, but now we know it will land on Steam on Thursday, July 24, including its VR iteration.
Trigger Happy Interactive, the minds behind the game, have also announced a post-launch paid DLC named Epilogue. This additional content promises an expanded storyline, unexplored territories, and an exclusive tenth chapter for gamers to devour.
Not one for patience until July rolls around? No worries—there’s a freshly polished demo ready to play as part of Steam Next Fest. Jump in and experience Total Chaos now through Monday, March 3.
Once you’ve had your fill of fear from the demo, check out some top-tier horror games or peek into the future with our guide to upcoming PC games.
Don’t miss a beat—follow us on Google News for the latest in PC games, reviews, and guides. Or, dive into discussions with fellow enthusiasts in our community Discord.