Warhammer 40,000: Darktide introduces Today, Offering an Enhanced Gaming Experience

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, the highly anticipated co-op horde shooter, is making its explosive debut on XBOX Series X|S today. Developed by Fatshark, the creators of Warhammer: Vermintide, Darktide immerses players in the gritty and war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000. With its Game Pass launch, Darktide is accompanied by Patch 13, a game-changing update that introduces new class systems and a plethora of gameplay refinements. Prior to its console release, we had the opportunity to speak with three developers from Fatshark about what makes Darktide the ultimate version of the game.

One of the most significant changes in Darktide is the introduction of a brand-new class system. Each of the four archetypes – Veteran, Zealot, Psyker, and Ogryn – now has its own talent tree filled with unique skills and abilities. This allows players to have more control over how they build and play their characters. Victor Magnuson, Design Director on Darktide, explains that this change was made to give players more agency and freedom in defining their playstyle. The new class system also enables players to dive deeper into their character’s backstory and create their own version of the fantasy presented in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

In addition to the class system, Darktide has revamped its leveling system. Previously, players could only make meaningful choices every five levels. However, with the update, players can now significantly evolve their characters with each rank up. Juan Martinez, Executive Producer on Darktide, emphasizes that this change was made to cater to both new players and long-time fans of the game.

To get a sense of how the developers themselves enjoy playing the game, we asked about their favorite playstyles. Magnuson reveals that he used to be a dedicated Zealot main, favoring an aggressive melee-focused approach. However, with the new update, he has embraced a more ranged playstyle, utilizing perks that allow him to decimate enemies with minimal reloading. Anders De Geer, Darktide Chief Creative Officer, also leans towards a Zealot build but incorporates throwing knives for added flexibility. Martinez started as an Ogryn main but eventually gravitated towards the Psyker archetype, which now boasts new skills for controlling the battlefield.

Personally, I found myself drawn to the Psyker archetype as well. Unleashing streams of potent lightning with the Smite ability and shielding my allies while boosting our damage proved to be an exhilarating experience. The diverse talent trees offered a range of buffs and skills that complemented my chosen playstyle, resulting in potent combinations to explore.

For those unfamiliar with the expansive lore of Warhammer 40,000, fear not. Darktide is designed to be accessible to all players, regardless of their knowledge of the universe. De Geer assures us that the game is primarily a four-player co-op horde shooter set in the Warhammer universe, with the necessary information introduced within the game itself. The visceral satisfaction of combat transcends any prior knowledge of the lore, making Darktide an enjoyable experience for both die-hard Warhammer fans and newcomers alike.

Darktide is now available for download on Game Pass for Xbox and PC. Whether you’re a seasoned Warhammer veteran eager to explore the new class systems or a newcomer seeking an entry point into the vast world of Warhammer 40,000, Darktide offers a thrilling and violent shooter experience that is sure to captivate players. So grab your boltgun, rally your friends, and prepare to face the hordes in this epic journey through the grim darkness of the far future.