Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
" Intense action-adventure shooter with engaging co-op and grimdark setting but plagued by performance issues "
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Review
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a cooperative FPS set in the grimdark Warhammer 40k universe, offering a fast-paced horde shooter experience with RPG elements. Players enjoy the core gameplay loop, atmospheric setting, and immersive audio design, which many find addictive and satisfying. However, the game has suffered from a rocky launch and ongoing performance issues, including crashes and poor optimization even on high-end PCs. The lack of promised features such as solo play with bots frustrates many, alongside slow content updates and a controversial paid DLC model for new classes. Despite these setbacks, the game continues to receive updates and improvements, and its core gameplay keeps a loyal player base engaged. The community is divided, with some praising the game’s potential and others criticizing the developers’ communication and monetization strategies.
Overall, Darktide delivers an enjoyable cooperative shooter experience with strong thematic elements but is marred by technical issues, limited content variety, and questionable business decisions that impact player satisfaction.
Highlights
Players praise Darktide’s engaging core gameplay loop, combining satisfying shooting and melee combat mechanics.
The game’s atmosphere and Warhammer 40k setting are highly regarded, supported by excellent sound design and music that enhance immersion.
Graphics are considered decent and fitting for the theme, creating a grim and dark ambiance.
Cooperative multiplayer with friends is highlighted as a fun and exhilarating experience.
Continuous updates have improved the game since launch, with some players noting the mid- to endgame content as particularly rewarding.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include persistent performance problems such as crashes, stuttering, and poor optimization even on powerful PCs.
The absence of solo play with bots, promised before launch, remains a major disappointment for many players.
Content updates are slow and limited, with recycled maps and little new enemy variety, leading to repetitive gameplay.
Monetization practices, including paid DLC classes and expensive cosmetic items, have frustrated the community.
Technical bugs, server instability, and inconsistent AI behavior further detract from the experience.
Some players find the grind excessive and progression systems unappealing, impacting long-term engagement.
Pros
- • Core gameplay loop is engaging and satisfying with varied combat mechanics.
- • Atmospheric Warhammer 40k setting with excellent sound design and music.
- • Cooperative multiplayer with friends is fun and exhilarating.
- • Graphics provide a fitting grimdark ambiance.
- • Continuous updates have improved stability and content over time.
- • Weapon handling feels impactful and rewarding.
- • Character banter adds charm and immersion.
Cons
- • Performance issues including crashes and stuttering persist on many systems.
- • No solo play with bots despite long-standing promises.
- • Content is limited, with recycled maps and few enemy types.
- • Paid DLC classes and expensive cosmetics frustrate players.
- • Server instability and poor netcode cause disconnects and lag.
- • Bugs and AI inconsistencies disrupt gameplay flow.
- • Grinding for progression and cosmetics is excessive.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Take back the city of Tertium from hordes of bloodthirsty foes in this intense and brutal action shooter. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the new co-op focused experience from the award-winning team behind the Vermintide series.
In the depths of the hive, the seeds of corruption threaten to turn into an overwhelming tide of darkness. A mysterious and sinister new force is seeking to take control of the entire city. It is up to you and your allies in the Inquisition to root out the enemy before the city succumbs to Chaos.
As Tertium falls, Rejects Will Rise.
Built on the legacy of Vermintide 2’s best-in-class melee combat, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide introduces intense WH40K gunplay to the mix. Master the balance between ranged and melee combat as you fight through a slew of enemies. Feel the impact of each swipe, swing, and slice of a chainsword, or fry some flesh with a lasgun.
Darktide is a co-op game. Wandering too far, risks punishment by foes looking to immobilize or capture stray Rejects, such as the slavering Chaos Hound or the Moebian Trapper. Once you fall prey to such foes, only your teammates can save you! More than that, your innate toughness – your determination to press on through the pain – only recharges when you are in the proximity of your strike team.
Create your own, unique character and customize their physical appearance, voice, and origin. Choose your class to determine which unique traits and skill sets they will make use of in battle. Will you be a seasoned veteran of the Imperial army, a snarky outsider, or a fiery zealot? The choice is yours.
Step into the violent, dystopian world of Warhammer 40,000. From boiling hot industrial factories to the decaying water maintenance zone afflicted by constant acid rainfall - Tertium Hive is a hard and unforgiving place even at the best of times. Your role is to serve the zealous Inquisition by embarking on missions to exterminate the threats lurking in the depths of the hive city, or die trying.
Adapt to the erratic whims of Chaos with conditions- mutators that add a spontaneous challenge to your mission. Your team must learn to adjust, adopt new tactics and change up their loadouts to face these ruthless challenges.
Polygon Recommends – Polygon
“Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's ferocious battles make for some of the most thrilling co-op action in years.”
8/10 – IGN
Take back the city of Tertium from hordes of bloodthirsty foes in this intense and brutal action shooter. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the new co-op focused experience from the award-winning team behind the Vermintide series. As Tertium falls, Rejects Will Rise.