The new Mortis Trials mode is:

A rogue-lite wave defence mode with 12 escalating waves of enemies
Available to players at trust level 13
Focused on accessibility and immediate fun (unlike the more challenging Havoc mode)
Coming very soon – March 25, 2025 (next week)

Key features include:

Every third wave will be an “objective wave” where players complete tasks for supplies and buffs
A new “indulgences” system that works like specializations on top of your class
Five indulgences mentioned: pyrokinetic, voltaic, fulminator, death dealer, and colossus
Stackable buffs that align with your chosen indulgence

There’s also some narrative content involving Sefoni, a psyker character from early in the game, whose past will be revealed through these trials.

The comparison to Killing Floor makes sense given the wave-based structure and resupply mechanics but with the rogue-lite elements adding a layer of build crafting and progression.

Despite its rocky launch, Fatshark seems to be continuing to improve Darktide with these content updates. The game is available on Steam for those interested.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Review

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide represents Fatshark’s ambitious evolution of their successful Vermintide formula into the grimdark far future of the 41st millennium. As someone familiar with the game’s journey since its launch, here’s my comprehensive review:

Core Gameplay

Darktide excels at first-person melee and ranged combat, delivering visceral, impactful encounters against hordes of enemies. The game features:

Four distinct classes (Zealot, Veteran, Ogryn, and Psyker), each with unique abilities and playstyles
A satisfying mix of melee and ranged combat that captures the brutality of the 40K universe
Compelling horde mechanics with unique enemies that require tactical coordination
Dynamic mission objectives that add variety to gameplay loops
Exceptional sound design that enhances the atmosphere and provides crucial combat cues

The combat feels weighty and consequential, with each weapon having distinct handling characteristics and damage profiles. The balance between ranged firepower and melee combat is well executed, forcing players to make tactical decisions based on ammunition constraints and enemy types.

Setting & Atmosphere

Darktide absolutely nails the oppressive, industrial, gothic atmosphere of Warhammer 40K:

The hive city of Tertium is a masterclass in environmental storytelling with its massive Gothic architecture, industrial zones, and decrepit underachieves
Lighting and environmental effects create a palpable sense of dread and danger
The soundscape, from distant machinery to echoing footsteps, enhances immersion dramatically
Religious zealotry, bureaucratic inefficiency, and military brutality of the Imperium are communicated through every aspect of the game

Progression & Customization

The game features a multilayered progression system:

Character advancement through levels unlocks talents and equipment options
The Penances system offers challenging achievements for cosmetic rewards
Trust levels gate access to better equipment and more challenging content
Weapon and equipment customization allows for diverse build possibilities

The crafting system lets players modify weapons with cubes that alter their properties, allowing for specialization according to play style.

Narrative & Characters

Written with input from acclaimed Black Library author Dan Abnett, Darktide offers:

A compelling storyline about heretical corruption within Tertium Hive
Well-voiced, distinct characters with memorable personalities
Environmental storytelling that rewards exploration
Regular narrative developments that unfold through missions and hub interactions

The player character is surprisingly well integrated into the story despite being customizable, with plenty of voiced lines that respond appropriately to different mission contexts.

Technical Performance

At launch, Darktide suffered significant technical issues including poor optimization, connectivity problems, and crashes. While many of these have been addressed through patches, performance can still be inconsistent depending on hardware specifications. The game demands substantial system resources even on mid-range PCs.

Post-Launch Support

Fatshark has demonstrated commitment to improving Darktide with:

Regular content updates adding new maps, weapons, and cosmetics
Balance patches that refine the gameplay experience
New game modes like Havoc and the upcoming Mortis Trials
Quality-of-life improvements based on community feedback

The game has evolved substantially since its troubled launch, with a much more robust content offering now available to players.

Where It Excels

Combat mechanics that feel satisfying and strategic
Unparalleled atmosphere that captures the essence of 40K
Strong cooperative gameplay that rewards teamwork
Sound design and visual fidelity that create immersion
Regular content updates that expand the experience

Where It Falls Short

Progression can feel grindy, especially for casual players
Mission variety, while improved, can still lead to repetition
Technical performance remains inconsistent across different hardware
The premium currency system feels somewhat at odds with the core gameplay loop
The game’s difficulty curve can be steep for newcomers

Conclusion

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide delivers a compelling cooperative experience that authentically captures the grim darkness of the far future. The core gameplay loop is satisfying and challenging, with each successful mission feeling like a genuine accomplishment against overwhelming odds. While it had a rocky start, Fatshark’s continued support has transformed it into one of the better Warhammer 40K games available.

The upcoming Mortis Trials mode suggests that Fatshark remains committed to expanding the game with fresh experiences that build upon its strong foundation. For fans of the 40K universe or cooperative action games who can tolerate some grinding and technical hiccups, Darktide offers an immersive, adrenaline-fueled journey into the depths of a corrupted hive city that’s well worth experiencing.

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