The Darktide Arbites class adds a new dynamic to the Warhammer 40k co-op shooter

The launch of the new Warhammer 40k Darktide class, the Arbites, is about to transform the dynamic of the grimdark co-op FPS. Fatshark's brutal, chaotic horde shooter is the futuristic, heavy-metal sibling to Vermintide 2, and despite some early teething problems it feels like it's now in a good spot. Steam reviews are positive, a big update is set to improve both progression and new-player onboarding, and now the first Darktide DLC is ready to unleash a fresh presence upon proceedings. I took an early look at the Arbites in action, and I can't wait for the full release.

One of the main reasons I consider Darktide among the best Warhammer 40k games on PC is the variety of playstyles on offer. The four existing Darktide classes (the Psyker, Veteran, Zealot, and Ogryn) already each bring something unique to the battlefield, but Fatshark has managed to carve out another distinct space for its newcomer. The Arbites is accompanied into action by its Cyber-Mastiff, marking the first dedicated companion for the stomping FPS game, but that's just the start.

At a fundamental level, the Adeptus Arbites is unlike its Darktide counterparts. While you'll go through the same full setup process to build your character (and their canine companion), these aren't drafted rejects; they were already stationed at Tertium and have been called into action to turn the tide of battle in your favor. As such, there's a new prologue to represent their unique path to the Mourningstar. They're also naturally more professional in their attitude than the reject classes, which is reflected in their dialogue.

You'll have six personalities to choose from, with male and female variants for the Authoritarian, Fatalist, or Maul styles. Personally, I've already made my choice to commit to Devora Wilde (Baldur's Gate 3's Lae'zel), but Vermintide die-hards will be pleased to hear the voice of Kerillian, Alix Wilton Regan. You can also adjust the fur color and pattern for your Cyber-Mastiff, and decide whether more of their natural features are visible or if you'd prefer to opt for a more fully robotic look. There's also the ability to turn on a visual highlight if you need help keeping track of its location.

Of course, this is all just setup for the real business of crushing Chaos. As the Imperium of Man's riot cops, the Arbites are fully equipped to get up-close and personal in the thick of things, and their toolkit reflects that. They have four main offensive options that are exclusive to the class, although they will also be able to pick up many of the other Darktide weapons. The Arbites Shotgun is particularly powerful - so much so that Fatshark has had to rebalance all the existing shotguns to help them match up to the newcomer's might. It boasts an extra electric charge capable of temporarily locking down the few enemies it can't demolish in an instant.

The Arbites Shock Maul is your standard melee option, and gives you the ability to shove troublemakers to the ground if things get too busy. To step it up, you can combine a reinforced Assault Shield with the Dominator Maul, turning you into a full-on tank. You'll see a meter charging on the rear of your shield; this fills as you block attacks and can be spent on a big electric discharge that staggers everyone before you. Even more versatile is the combination of shield and Shotpistol, giving you a surprising amount of range with a real kick if you're able to land shots accurately.

As for the Cyber-Mastiff, he follows you and will automatically attack nearby enemies, but you can point at elites or specials to have him leap immediately upon them, pinning them down and disabling their actions. This can be supplemented by options in the Arbites skill tree such as Remote Detonation, which is a charge-based ability that causes an explosion around your pup that staggers and electrocutes any foes in the vicinity. Your alternatives here, if you'd rather take the lead yourself, are a Voltaic Shock Mine and the Arbites Grenade.

The Voltaic Shock Mine can be thrown to lock down a zone for 15 seconds, delivering vicious electrocutions to anyone that comes close. It's an ideal way to seal off choke points or cover your back in a situation where you're being surrounded. The Arbites Grenade is really just what it sounds like; there's nothing fancy here, but it explodes on impact with a wide range and impressive damage, so if you like to keep things simple then you'll find it a fantastic addition to your kit.

On the ability side of things, the Arbites can employ Castigator's Stance to become "practically immortal" for ten seconds while retaining high mobility; you can't sprint during this, but your base movement is higher and move speed penalties are ignored. Alternatively, Break The Line is a forward bash that heavily staggers enemies while buffing your damage and impact temporarily. Rounding out your options is the Nuncio-Aquila, a deployable broadcast drone that buffs all nearby allies while debuffing any enemies in proximity. While you and your team still have to do the dirty work yourselves, you'll have a much easier time within the Aquila's radius.

Alongside these abilities come all of the other aspects of the tech tree, which give you three main paths along with plenty of extra side branches. Fatshark loosely describes its trio of playstyles as investigator, space cop, and enforcer. The investigator nodes focus on the Arbites' skill as an animal handler and their ability to chase down perpetrators at speed. The space cop talents make you "relentless and brutal." The enforcer side of the tree lets you build "the tankiest human character yet."

Of course, you're free to mix and match nodes as suits your personal preferences. The result is a class that fulfills its roleplaying fantasy as an elite soldier, while also giving you several new ways to approach the numerous modes now available in Darktide.

Arriving alongside the DLC is a free update that improves the onboarding and early narrative experience with fresh VO and new cinematics. You won't need to go through this if you're an existing player, but the option is there if you'd like to see it. The difficulty progression has also been overhauled; Fatshark admits that the old method of unlocking difficulties based on your account level pushed players through the ranks too quickly. Now, your progress is based on your performances. Existing players will have their old ranks translated across to the new system, so you won't need to redo everything, but newcomers should find the experience much more welcoming.

The Darktide Arbites launches Monday June 23, priced at $11.99. A deluxe edition including an additional class and companion outfit, portrait frame, and four weapon skins will be available for $18.99. You can wishlist it now to be notified when it arrives.

Just getting started with Fatshark's FPS? We've noted down all the Darktide Grimoire locations to help you get to work. If you love blasting with your friends, the best co-op games are filled with plenty such options.

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