Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has experienced a significant player resurgence following its first new class launch, though monetization concerns persist - particularly after developer Fatshark introduced a $5 cosmetic option for adjusting the Arbitrator helmet's visor.
Battle for Tertium Update Revamps Core Experience
The recent Battle for Tertium update, accompanying the Adeptus Arbites class DLC, overhauled the game's fundamental structure to deliver clearer narrative progression in this cooperative melee/shooter hybrid.
Players now encounter a streamlined campaign featuring cinematic debriefs and mission sequences. Fatshark explains these changes aim to "better onboard new players while gradually unlocking previously level-gated features."
The headline attraction for veteran players remains the Adeptus Arbites class DLC ($11.99), which successfully reinvigorated interest among both existing and lapsed players. Steam charts show Darktide peaking at over 43,000 concurrent players - its highest mark in two years - though this excludes additional console player counts.
Fatshark's Product Marketing Manager Rodrigue Delrue confirmed "high engagement across all platforms" while noting: "The community remains active and passionate, and we're incredibly thankful for that."
Monetization Controversy Emerges
The update's commercial elements have sparked debate, particularly regarding premium cosmetics purchasable with Aquilas (Warhammer's imperial currency). One contentious item - an Arbitrator helmet with raised visor priced at 900 Aquilas (~$5) - mirrors the class's default headgear.
Community backlash emerged swiftly, with one Reddit thread ("We've reached peak Fatshark greed") gaining 3,000 upvotes. Players criticized the microtransaction, with comments ranging from "Just give me a button to toggle this" to sarcastic remarks about paying extra to view their character's face.
Delrue addressed the concerns, acknowledging: "Cosmetic pricing is always a balancing act. As a live service game, we must fund continued development while respecting fair value perceptions. Community feedback helps guide our future cosmetic approach."
Future Content Roadmap
With Darktide approaching its third anniversary, questions arise about Fatshark's long-term support plans. Delrue pointed to their ongoing Vermintide support as precedent, confirming additional classes and free content are in development.
"Our commitment to Darktide remains unchanged," Delrue stated. "Players can expect ongoing support mirroring our Vermintide model - new classes and free updates as the game evolves."
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
