Fit check
Is Covid Carl worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Players who want a short 2D shooter with boss fights
- Fans of pandemic-themed satire who are comfortable with irreverent humor
- Action players seeking hidden rooms and alternate character skins
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a large or story-heavy campaign may find the brief narrative and 10-level structure limited
- Those wanting a forgiving shooter may dislike the emphasis on frequent deaths and reflex-based play
- Players looking for planned downloadable content will not find it here
- Those seeking a non-satirical setting may not suit the pandemic-based premise
Our take on Covid Carl
The page foregrounds shooting, explosions, and a 10-level campaign, but its own framing sets expectations for a modest, self-consciously rough production rather than a polished large-scale action game. The brief story and planned lack of downloadable content also keep the scope narrow.
What is Covid Carl?
Covid Carl is a 2D side-scrolling shooter with Metroidvania and Contra-style elements.
Its brief story follows a player trying to stop a mutated super soldier created by a failed government vaccination project. Movement includes running, jumping, shooting, going prone, and dying, with weapons and combat focused on shooting, burning, and explosions. The game includes 10 levels and boss encounters, plus hidden rooms, additional enemies, player skins, and altered versions of some stages. Satirical writing and self-aware humor frame the pandemic-themed premise. The vendor says future updates may address bugs or add a feature, while localization is also planned. No downloadable content is planned.
How Covid Carl plays
- 01Ten-Level Campaign
- The game includes a brief story spread across 10 stages with boss encounters.
- 02Hidden Rooms
- Some levels contain concealed areas to discover.
- 03Player Skins
- Additional character appearances are included.
- 04Stage Variants
- Some levels have alternate visual versions.
- 05Prone Movement
- The player character can move while lying down alongside running and jumping.
Covid Carl compared to similar games
Sundered: Eldritch Edition is also a Metroidvania, but its description emphasizes chaotic exploration, previous updates, and a new expansion update rather than Covid Carl's 2D shooting, 10 levels, and boss fights. Covid Carl presents a brief, linear-sounding stage structure, while Sundered highlights an expanded edition and ongoing content history.
Covid Carl: platforms & release
Is Covid Carl worth it?
It is worth it if: players who want a short 2D shooter with boss fights. Skip it if: players seeking a large or story-heavy campaign may find the brief narrative and 10-level structure limited.
Where can I download Covid Carl?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Covid Carl's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Covid Carl on?
Windows only.
