The Darktide Arbites is the first extra add-on for the Warhammer 40k game. It adds a Cyber-Mastiff pet and helps you take more damage in the game.
I think Darktide is one of the best Warhammer 40k games on PC because it lets you play in many different ways. There are four classes: Psyker, Veteran, Zealot and Ogryn. Each one is special and plays differently. Now Fatshark added a new class called the Arbites. The Arbites has a Cyber-Mastiff a robot dog that helps in the game. This is the first time the game has a companion like this and it makes playing even more fun.
The Adeptus Arbites are different from the other Darktide characters. You still create your character and their dog the same way but these soldiers are not rejects. They were already based at Tertium and are now called to help win the battle. Because of this they have a new introduction story showing their special journey to the Mourningstar. They also act more professional which you can hear in their conversations.
You can pick from six personalities each with male and female versions in three styles: Authoritarian, Fatalist or Maul. I chose Devora Wilde (like Lae'zel from Baldur's Gate 3). Fans of Vermintide will be happy to hear Kerillian’s voice, done by Alix Wilton Regan. You can also change your Cyber-Mastiff’s fur color and pattern and decide if it looks more natural or more robotic. There’s an option to highlight the dog’s location to help you find it easily.
The Arbites are the Imperium of Man’s special police who fight Chaos up close. They have four main weapons only they can use, but they can also use many other weapons in the game. Their shotgun is very strong so strong that the game makers had to make other shotguns weaker to keep things fair. This shotgun also has a special electric charge that can stop some enemies for a short time if it can’t defeat them right away.
The Arbites Shock Maul is a basic melee weapon that lets you push enemies down when things get crowded. If you want to be stronger you can use a reinforced Assault Shield with the Dominator Maul making you very tough. When you block attacks a meter on your shield fills up. You can use this to release a big electric shock that stuns all nearby enemies. Another option is to use the shield with a Shotpistol which gives you some shooting range and powerful attacks if you aim well.
The Cyber-Mastiff follows you and attacks nearby enemies on its own. You can also tell it to jump on strong or special enemies to stop them from acting. In the Arbites skill tree you can unlock Remote Detonation which makes your Cyber-Mastiff create an explosion that stuns and shocks nearby enemies. If you want to fight yourself you can use a Voltaic Shock Mine or an Arbites Grenade instead.
The Voltaic Shock Mine can be thrown to block an area for 15 seconds. It shocks anyone who gets near it. This is great for stopping enemies at narrow paths or protecting yourself when surrounded. The Arbites Grenade is simple it explodes when it hits the ground with a big blast and strong damage. If you like easy and powerful weapons, this grenade is a great choice.
The Arbites have special abilities to help in battle. One is Castigator's Stance which makes them almost impossible to die for 10 seconds and lets them move faster but they can’t sprint. Another is Break The Line a strong push that stuns enemies and makes your attacks stronger for a short time. They also have the Nuncio-Aquila a drone that helps your teammates by making them stronger and weakens nearby enemies. With these powers you and your team will find fighting easier inside the drone’s range.
The tech tree has three main paths and many smaller branches. Fatshark calls these three styles investigator, space cop and enforcer. Investigator skills help you catch criminals quickly and handle animals. Space cop skills make you tough and aggressive. Enforcer skills let you create the strongest and toughest human character.
You can choose any nodes you like to fit your own style. This creates a character who feels like a skilled soldier and lets you try different ways to play the many game modes in Darktide.
A free update comes with the new DLC. It improves how new players start the game by adding new voice acting and videos. If you already play the game you don’t have to use this but you can try it if you want. The way difficulty levels unlock has changed. Before it was based on your account level which made players unlock too fast. Now it depends on how well you play. If you are an existing player your old rank will move to the new system so you don’t have to start over. New players will find the game easier to enjoy.
The Darktide Arbites will come out on Monday, June 23. It costs $11.99. There is also a deluxe edition for $18.99 that has one extra class a companion outfit a portrait frame and four weapon skins. You can add it to your wishlist now to get a reminder when it’s released.
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