Warhammer 40,000: Darktide - Arbites Class Deluxe Edition: A Riotous Ride Through the Grimdark Future

When your dog is a grenade and your shield is a verdict

Launch Day Larry

In the vast, grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000, where the only thing more abundant than heretics is the number of DLCs, the Arbites Class Deluxe Edition of Darktide has stormed onto the scene. With a new class that promises to electrify your gameplay (literally, if you upgrade your dog companion right), this expansion is a mixed bag of explosive fun and wallet-wincing monetization.

Gameplay: A Class Act with a Price Tag

The Arbites class is the star of the show, bringing a fresh set of mechanics that will have you wielding a riot shield, mace, and shotgun with the kind of satisfaction that only comes from smashing heretics in the face. The new class is a delightful nod to the necromancer class from VT2, offering strategic depth and a power fantasy that feels both fresh and familiar. The ability to upgrade your dog companion into an electric shock grenade is a stroke of genius, adding a layer of tactical play that is as fun as it is shocking.

Progression in Darktide feels organic, with the story and campaign mode allowing for both solo and cooperative play. Unlocking new facilities or missions on your Starship as you advance adds a satisfying sense of growth. However, the monetization model is a major sticking point. Charging for classes in a game that some players feel is already light on content has left a sour taste. While the DLC and cosmetics are solid, they come with a price tag that might make your wallet weep.

Technical issues, such as crashes and freezes, also mar the experience. While some players report smooth sailing even on less powerful hardware, others find themselves stuck in a loop of crashes during character customization. It’s a shame because when the game runs smoothly, the gameplay is a riotous good time.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with Occasional Hiccups

When it comes to graphics, Darktide is a visual powerhouse—when it works. The game’s graphics have been described as “unreal quality,” and when everything is running smoothly, it’s easy to see why. The visual design of the new class and the grotesque dog skins fit perfectly within the Warhammer 40k aesthetic, creating an immersive experience that is both horrifying and beautiful.

The shotgun’s visuals and sounds are particularly noteworthy, delivering a punchy experience that is as satisfying to the ears as it is to the eyes. Cinematic sequences and character design are strong points, with the cinematics receiving high praise for their visual storytelling. However, technical issues, especially for those using AMD graphics cards, can lead to crashes and freezes, detracting from the overall experience.

Story: A Tale of Justice, Authority, and a Few Missteps

The narrative in Darktide is a mixed bag. The new story update is well-executed, adding value to the game with a structured narrative that feels organic. Missions leading to new facilities or features on the Starship are a nice touch, and the thematic focus on justice and authority resonates well with players. The quote, “Every step I take is sanctioned. Every bullet, a verdict,” encapsulates the Arbites’ ethos and adds depth to the story.

However, the portrayal of certain characters, like Rannick, and the narrative integration of the Arbites character leave much to be desired. The lack of acknowledgment of the Arbites’ unique status in the game world reduces them to just another “reject,” which is a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling. The removal of paid cosmetics from the new class has also frustrated players, overshadowing their enjoyment and leading to negative feedback.

Final Verdict

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide - Arbites Class Deluxe Edition is a thrilling addition to the Darktide universe, offering a new class that is both fun and engaging. However, the game’s monetization practices and technical issues hold it back from greatness. If you can look past these hurdles, there’s a lot to enjoy in this grimdark adventure.

Score: 7.0/10