Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Review – A Gritty Co-op Shooter with Room for Improvement

Introduction

Darktide long load times – If you are a fan of Warhammer 40,000, you might have been eagerly waiting for Fatshark’s latest co-op shooter, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Set in the grimdark universe of Games Workshop’s Warhammer, this game promises thrilling battles against hordes of infected mutants as you fight alongside fellow Rejects to take on the Chaos God Nurgle. While the game manages to capture the atmospheric essence of the Warhammer universe, it falls short in some areas that impact the overall gameplay experience. This review in progress will delve into the game’s strengths and weaknesses.

Embracing the Grimdark Universe

In Darktide, players will find themselves in a dirty dystopia, slashing their way through infected mutants with a variety of iconic Warhammer 40,000 weapons. From chainswords to bolters, each instrument of destruction is uniquely satisfying to use. The game’s sound design and visuals further enhance the atmosphere, creating thrilling moments that immerse players in the dark and gritty world.

Co-op Gameplay and Character Classes

The co-op gameplay allows players to team up with three others to form an imperial prisoner battalion, fighting against Nurgle’s forces. Each player can choose one of four classes: Veteran, Zealot, Ogryn, or Psyker. While these classes come with unique abilities and equipment, they share a common pool of weapons. The variety of weapons provides opportunities for different play styles, ensuring players can find their preferred combat approach.

A Half-Baked Release

Unfortunately, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide suffers from issues that mar the overall experience. Due to the impact of the pandemic on production, the game is missing key features that were expected at launch, such as the crafting system, single-player mode, private lobbies, and crossplay between Steam and Game Pass. The absence of the crafting system is particularly critical, as it hampers complex character builds necessary for higher difficulty levels.

Technical Hurdles and Performance

The technical state of the game presents challenges, with widely varying performance experiences for different players. Some encounter frequent crashes, while others enjoy smooth gameplay. Additionally, long load times, especially when entering the game’s central hub, further detract from the overall experience. These technical issues need immediate attention from the developers to enhance player satisfaction.

Content and Character Identity

Darktide offers a decent amount of content at launch, with four classes and a variety of missions and random modifiers. However, leveling up characters and acquiring resources separately for each class might discourage casual players from fully exploring all the classes. Furthermore, the individuality of characters could be better defined, as some classes lack distinct defining features.

The Potential of Darktide

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has the potential to be a standout co-op shooter within the grimdark universe. Its engaging gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and iconic weaponry create a thrilling experience for fans. However, the game’s release state leaves much to be desired due to missing features and technical performance issues. To fully realize its potential, Fatshark must address these shortcomings and refine the gameplay experience.

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide captures the essence of the Warhammer universe and provides players with an enjoyable co-op shooter experience. Engaging in battles against the forces of Nurgle is satisfying, and the game’s atmosphere immerses players in the grimdark world. However, the absence of key features and technical hurdles detract from the overall experience. With the developers’ attention and improvements, Darktide has the potential to become a truly exceptional Warhammer game.