Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, developed by Fatshark, made its debut, aiming to offer an immersive Warhammer 40K cooperative gaming experience. However, criticism swiftly arose regarding the game's class system compared to its predecessor, Warhammer 40,000: Vermintide 2. A significant improvement is on the horizon, with the upcoming October update set to introduce RPG-style skill trees for each of Darktide's four available classes.
Evolving from Vermintide 2
In March 2018, Warhammer 40,000: Vermintide 2 laid the groundwork for the Warhammer 40K gaming universe. Its diverse character selection and intricate class structure were notable features. The game featured five playable characters with an array of careers, offering players 15 distinct gameplay styles. Darktide, the spiritual successor to Vermintide 2, launched with four classes, sparking disappointment among players. In January 2023, Fatshark's Martin Wahlund acknowledged these concerns, pledging to enhance Darktide's progression mechanics, performance, and stability.
Addressing Class System Critiques
One of the primary criticisms aimed at Darktide revolved around its character progression system. Steam reviews, social media comments, and various press analyses all highlighted the game's limited character development options. The existing system awarded a new perk every five levels, capping progress at level 30. With just three perk choices, player flexibility was notably restricted. Recognizing the need for improvement, a substantial overhaul is slated for October.
Revolutionizing Skill Progression
Anders De Geer, Darktide's game director, shared insights into the upcoming changes in a recent interview with PC Gamer. De Geer emphasized the developers' commitment to enhancing player experiences by expanding the realm of possibilities. He stated, "We felt like the fantasy of the Ogryn was not done. The story of the Psyker was not done. So we wanted to add more. Basically what we've done is reimagine what a class in Darktide is. This is our huge update: we've expanded the talent trees, added a ton of new options and abilities, passives and actives."
Fatshark aims to maintain Darktide's level cap at 30. However, the forthcoming update will revolutionize character progression. Players can anticipate multiple paths for character development, introducing a dynamic element to gameplay. Notably, the RPG-based skill tree had been in development since the game's launch, underscoring the developers' commitment to enhancing the game's depth and replayability.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Warhammer 40,000: Darktide approaches its first anniversary on November 30, players and fans eagerly await the potential transformation of the game. With the anticipated update, the developers aspire to fulfill the game's initial promise and potential. While an exact launch date for the update remains undisclosed, the gaming community can look forward to further details being unveiled by the end of September.
Conclusion
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's journey since its launch has been a testament to the developers' commitment to addressing player feedback and evolving the game's mechanics. The introduction of RPG-based skill trees stands as a pivotal moment in Darktide's development, promising to breathe new life into the gameplay experience and offering players a more diverse and engaging path for character progression.
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