Warhammer 40K Darktide has finally arrived on PS5, and it’s every bit as brutal and atmospheric as fans of the Grimdark universe could hope for. Developed by Fatshark, the creators of the acclaimed Vermintide series, Warhammer 40K Darktide trades swords and shields for chain swords and laser guns in a sci-fi setting teeming with heretics, mutants, and the horrors of Chaos. But does this long-awaited console release hold up to expectations? Let’s dive into the hive city of Tertium and find out.
Gameplay
At its core, Warhammer 40K Darktide delivers a co-op experience that’s as chaotic and thrilling as it is challenging. Players choose from four character classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles: the Veteran Sharpshooter, Zealot Preacher, Psyker Psykinetic, and Ogryn Skullbreaker. Team synergy is vital, as missions are designed to test coordination, adaptability, and teamwork.
The combat is a blend of melee and ranged engagements, with weapons that feel weighty and impactful. Whether you’re swinging an electrified hammer into a horde of poxwalkers or sniping elites with a laser gun, every encounter is a brutal dance of survival. Fatshark’s signature horde mechanics shine here, as waves of enemies crash upon your squad in overwhelming numbers, demanding quick reflexes and strategic planning.
Mission objectives vary—from data retrieval to holding defensive positions against relentless assaults—but repetition can creep in during longer play sessions. However, procedural elements and the unpredictable enemy AI keep things engaging.
Visuals and Performance
On the PS5, Warhammer 40K Darktide looks stunning. The hive city of Tertium is a character in its own right, with sprawling gothic architecture, flickering neon signs, and layers of grime and decay that ooze the atmosphere. The lighting and particle effects add a cinematic touch to firefights, making the chaos feel immersive.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly at 60 FPS, even in the thick of battle. Occasional minor frame drops during large-scale skirmishes don’t significantly detract from the experience. The DualSense controller integration is another highlight, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback enhancing immersion by simulating weapon recoil and environmental vibrations.
Sound Design
From the roar of chain swords to the unsettling chants of Chaos cultists, the audio in Warhammer 40K Darktide is top-notch. The soundtrack blends industrial tones with orchestral dread, perfectly complementing the grimdark setting. Voice acting brings the characters to life, with plenty of dark humour and grim determination in their banter.
Multiplayer Experience
The co-op gameplay shines brightest with a full squad of friends. Communication is key, and the game provides ample tools for strategic planning and on-the-fly coordination. Matchmaking works well, and the community has been welcoming overall, though occasional toxicity in public matches can be an issue.
Fatshark’s post-launch support and seasonal updates ensure fresh content and challenges, making Warhammer 40K Darktide a game that rewards continued engagement.
Comparisons to Other Warhammer Titles
Having explored other games in the Warhammer universe, such as Warhammer 40K Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, Space Marine 2, and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, it’s clear that Warhammer 40K Darktide brings something unique to the table. While Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters focuses on tactical turn-based strategy, allowing players to command elite Grey Knights in battles against Chaos, Warhammer 40K Darktide offers an entirely different thrill with its first-person, fast-paced co-op action.
Fans of Space Marine 2 will find parallels in the visceral combat and grim atmosphere, though Darktide leans more heavily on teamwork and survival in horde scenarios. The detailed environments in Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin echo the care Fatshark has taken to create a living, breathing world in Darktide. Despite their different genres, all these games excel at immersing players in the rich Warhammer lore.
What stands out in Darktide is its ability to capture the overwhelming scale of a hive city under siege, something that feels distinct compared to the more personal and character-driven stories of the other titles. This sense of scale is a double-edged sword, however, as the narrative often takes a backseat to the action.
Final Verdict
Warhammer 40K Darktide on PS5 is a gritty, heart-pounding co-op shooter that excels in atmosphere and gameplay. Its stunning visuals, engaging combat, and robust multiplayer experience make it a standout entry in the Warhammer franchise. While minor flaws like repetitive missions and occasional performance hiccups exist, they’re easily overshadowed by the game’s strengths.
For fans of Space Marine 2, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, or Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, Warhammer 40K Darktide offers another engaging slice of Warhammer action, proving that the universe still has endless stories to tell and battles to fight. Fatshark’s dedication to crafting a grim, immersive world ensures that Warhammer 40K Darktide stands as a worthy addition to any Warhammer fan’s library.
Warhammer 40K Darktide captures the grimdark essence of Warhammer 40,000 and delivers a co-op experience that fans will savour. Grab your chain sword and dive into Tertium—the Emperor demands it!
Warhammer 40K Darktide Trailer
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The code was provided by the distributor.
I reviewed it and edited it with my partner.
