With so many more variables in terms of ranged threats, special enemies, and the tools you have to deal with them, Darktide is Fatshark's most comprehensive iteration of their co-op combat yet: fast and fluid as you move point-to-point, threat-to-threat.

The ranged weapons are great, too: planting a lasbolt in the head of a sniper or clocking them in the head with an Ogryn grenade is extremely satisfying. The core is certainly there in terms of how good its chaotic combat and weapons feel-revving my chainsword to bisect an enemy champion is exactly the kind of 40K experience I was craving. I genuinely expected the full introduction of hybrid combat to feel broken at first, but Fatshark has done an amazing job. It is nice to be able to use a ranged weapon for something other than picking off special enemies, though. After Vermintide 2’s stingy ammo economy, I don’t feel right leaving ammo behind, but sometimes my gun is just plain full. What is death if not the ultimate form of suppression? Not that ammo is in short supply: there are so many bullets now, maybe even too many. You can also suppress ranged enemies by firing at them, though in-practice this does feel a little pointless when you can usually just shoot them instead. My personal favourite is the Zealot, dashing at enemies in-between volleys to bring them into melee.ĭarktide is Fatshark's most comprehensive iteration of their co-op combat yet: fast and fluid as you move point-to-point, threat-to-threat. A Veteran Sharpshooter might pick off ranged units from a distance, or the Ogryn may use their riot shield to tank incoming shots for the squad. They’ll be just beyond your smacking range, and as you try to close the distance and get shot up, you’ll understand Darktide's challenge.ĭealing with distance and ranged enemies is the game's most significant hurdle, but there are multiple ways to approach it.

As you happily slaughter your way through Tertium’s cramped corridors and gloomy halls with an array of 40K weapons, you’ll eventually come face-to-face with a squad of heretic troopers armed with guns.

(Image credit: Fatshark) Walk softly and carry a big gunįor those familiar with Vermintide 2’s skull-splitting melee antics, Darktide will feel like chatting with an old friend, until that friend pulls out a lasgun and vaporises your face. Your Reject is never far beyond the realms of suspicion.

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