While I love my RPG’s, I occasionally branch out due to sheer curiosity (you should too!). I recently purchased Xbox Game Pass and noticed Warhammer 40K: Darktide was among the included games. It’s been sitting in my Steam wishlist for a bit, so I opted to give it a go.
If you’re a fan of zombies from COD, then you’ll love this. It basically fuses zombies with a campaign mode. There’s a developing story, but the action is all mass enemy, grip-it-and-rip-it shooting and smashing. The game’s unique blend of elements has genuinely amazed me. Here are some cool aspects that have caught my attention from a newbie:
Weapon Upgrading
One feature in Darktide is the system for upgrading your weapons. You don’t just pick up new guns; you can actually customize and upgrade your weapons to match your playstyle.
As you complete missions and level up, you earn resources and find components. These can enhance your weapons’ damage, fire rate, accuracy, and even add effects like elemental damage or increased critical hit chance. It’s incredibly satisfying to evolve your weapon the way you want, creating an absolute unit of a weapon that suits your preferred tactics.

Skills and Abilities
The skill progression in Darktide adds a layer of depth to the experience. As you level up, you can distribute points to various skills. Each character class has its own set of abilities that cater to different playstyles. Whether you want to be a beefy brawler, a versatile ranged combat specialist, or provide overall team support, there are plenty of skills to choose from that will help you excel in each role.
It’s quite rewarding to unlock new abilities and watch your character turn into a force to be reckoned with.
Character Customization
The level of character customization in Darktide is impressive. Before even getting into it you create a character “profile”, choosing your class and history. There are also several appearance options so you can create a unique looking character based on your preferences.
As you progress, you’ll be gifted and able to purchase different armor sets, weapons, accessories, and cosmetic items that not only alter your character’s aesthetics but also provide a range of bonuses. This means that you can tailor your look while optimizing your performance for the challenges you will face.
Cooperative Gameplay
Darktide truly shines when played with friends or other players online. The cooperative gameplay aspect is reminiscent of Call of Duty Zombies, where you and your team work together to survive waves of enemies. But what sets Darktide apart is its campaign-like structure. The missions and story progression create a more immersive experience, making you feel like you’re a part of something bigger than just surviving wave after wave.
Atmospheric Setting
The Warhammer 40,000 universe is known for its rich and darkly atmospheric setting, and Darktide doesn’t disappoint. The game plunges you into a grim future where humanity is besieged by various threats. The level design, enemy designs, and environmental details all contribute to a tense and immersive atmosphere that draws you into the world.

Final Thoughts
Overall, Warhammer 40K: Darktide offers a fantastic blend of familiar elements from other games while adding its own unique twists. Whether you’re a seasoned Warhammer fan or a newcomer like me, the game’s engaging mechanics and immersive universe make for an exciting and enjoyable gaming experience. You can learn more about Warhammer history and lore from this previous TGON article.
Happy gaming nerds!
Warhammer 40K: Darktide is available on Steam and Xbox Game Pass, or you can visit the Official website to learn more.