The Boomer Shooter Renaissance: Cultic Shines Brightly
The resurgence of boomer shooters continues to captivate gamers, with each passing year unveiling remarkable titles that pay homage to the genre’s roots. Among the standout releases of the previous year, Cultic has garnered significant acclaim. Ted Litchfield, associate editor at PC Gamer, hailed it as “one of the best shooters of 2025,” noting its ability to stand out amidst a sea of competitors like Dusks and Turbo Overkills, thanks to its high-level execution across the board.
As the festive season approached, players found an opportune moment to dive into the game, coinciding with the launch of its holiday update, affectionately dubbed “Cultmas.” This update introduced a plethora of enhancements, including a delightful bonus map titled “I’ll Be Home For Cultmas.” According to a Steam community news post, this new map boasts a unique arsenal of weapons and introduces a fresh enemy type, promising an engaging experience for players. A recently released trailer showcases the map’s snowy aesthetic, reminiscent of classic titles like Blood, featuring explosive dynamite and the dramatic skewering of brown-robed cultists.
In addition to the festive content, the update brings a series of optimization tweaks and balance adjustments. Notably, the burn damage mechanics have undergone a complete overhaul, now inflicting direct damage rather than relying on a concealed ignite meter. The patch notes suggest that players will find it easier to “hose enemies with damage while burning to melt them even faster,” adding a touch of holiday cheer to the gameplay.
As the landscape of boomer shooters expands, it can feel overwhelming to keep pace with the myriad of titles available. However, this abundance may be a blessing in disguise; even if the industry were to halt game development today, one could spend a lifetime exploring the rich tapestry of exceptional games that have already been created.
Cultic and its comprehensive version, Cultic: Complete Edition—which includes both chapters of the game—are currently available for purchase on Steam. Notably, players can access the Cultmas map from the “new game” menu without needing to acquire the second chapter, released as DLC in 2025.
