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Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Item: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, RPG, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 30, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperFatshark

Overview

From the developers of the best-selling and award-winning franchise Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a visceral 4-player co-op action game set in the hive city of Tertium. Fight together with your friends against hordes of enemies in this new Warhammer 40,000 experience.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide boasts a rich setting and engaging character interactions but suffers from a weak, disjointed narrative that critics deem forgettable. While the game excels in cooperative gameplay, the story feels like a mere backdrop, lacking depth and cohesion, making it more appealing to franchise fans than those seeking a compelling narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide reveals a few positive aspects that critics appreciate. Many reviewers acknowledge the game's setting within the dark and rich Warhammer 40,000 universe, which provides a compelling backdrop for the gameplay. For instance, Twinfinite highlights the "dark and straightforward story with a bitter undertone," which aligns well with the thematic elements of the franchise. Additionally, the character creation and backstory options, while noted to have limited impact on the narrative, still provide players with a sense of agency, as mentioned by Eurogamer Poland. Some critics, like Windows Central, appreciate the character dialogues that shine through, adding a layer of personality to the Operatives, even if the overarching narrative is lacking. However, the negatives dominate the critical discourse surrounding Darktide's story. A consensus emerges that the narrative is weak, often described as a mere pretext for the gameplay. Critics such as Finger Guns and SpazioGames emphasize that the story lacks depth and cohesion, with missions feeling disconnected and serving primarily as gameplay objectives rather than a coherent narrative. MMORPG.com notes the absence of a true campaign, which further detracts from the storytelling experience. The overall sentiment is that while the game features some engaging cutscenes, they are few and far between, and many critics, including GameSpot and Ragequit.gr, feel that the storytelling is forgettable and skippable, especially for those unfamiliar with the Warhammer lore. In summary, while Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers a captivating setting and some engaging character interactions, the overall narrative experience is widely regarded as lacking. Critics agree that the story serves more as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a driving force, with many noting its disjointed nature and minimal plot development. The game appears to cater more to fans of cooperative gameplay and the Warhammer universe than to those seeking a robust narrative experience. As Hooked Gamers succinctly puts it, the gameplay takes precedence over storytelling, which seems to be the prevailing sentiment among reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide impresses with its engaging four-player co-op gameplay and diverse class mechanics, delivering intense, tactical combat that's especially fun at higher difficulties. Critics praise its replayability through varied missions, but raise concerns about weapon balancing, difficulty spikes, and potential repetitiveness. Despite some progression issues, the game's strengths in teamwork and combat keep it addictive for fans of cooperative shooters, making it a solid, entertaining experience overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise its cooperative multiplayer experience and engaging combat mechanics. Reviewers like COGconnected and GamingBolt highlight the game's focus on four-player co-op missions, emphasizing teamwork and the importance of class diversity. The variety of classes, each with unique abilities, is a recurring theme, noted by critics such as PC Invasion and God is a Geek, who appreciate how these elements contribute to the overall gameplay experience. The combat is described as intense and satisfying, with a blend of melee and ranged mechanics that require tactical thinking, especially at higher difficulty levels, as pointed out by SpazioGames and XGN. The replayability factor is also emphasized, with mission selection and modifiers adding depth to the gameplay loop, as mentioned by Eurogamer Poland. Despite the many strengths, several critics have pointed out notable weaknesses in the gameplay. Finger Guns and MMORPG.com express concerns regarding balancing issues, particularly with weapons and difficulty spikes at higher levels, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, some reviewers, like Twinfinite and PlaySense, mention that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, with melee-focused combat lacking variety and special abilities feeling limited. Furthermore, MMORPG.com notes that the progression system is slow, making equipment crucial only after reaching max level, which could hinder the experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers a compelling and addictive gameplay experience, particularly for fans of cooperative shooters. While there are criticisms regarding balance, repetitiveness, and progression, the core mechanics and team-based gameplay are celebrated as the game's greatest assets. Critics like IGN France and Push Square underscore that the engaging combat and variety of missions contribute significantly to the game's appeal, suggesting that despite its flaws, Darktide successfully delivers an entertaining experience that encourages teamwork and strategic play.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide wows with stunning visuals and immersive art that bring the iconic universe to life, earning praise for its detailed designs and atmospheric levels. Critics celebrate the vibrant graphics enhanced by Ray Tracing, but the experience is hindered by serious performance and optimization issues, pushing players to reduce settings and facing monotony in level design. While the game captures the gothic aesthetic beautifully, its technical shortcomings leave a mixed impression, blending visual brilliance with frustrating execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting the game's ability to capture the essence of the Warhammer 40K universe. Critics like Finger Guns and MMORPG.com laud the stunning visual design, with Finger Guns remarking on the breathtaking views and detailed enemy designs, while MMORPG.com emphasizes the impressive visuals enhanced by Ray Tracing, which adds vibrancy to the dystopian environments. Additionally, critics such as Hooked Gamers and XGN commend the phenomenal art design and atmospheric levels that effectively convey the dark, gothic aesthetic of the game. Overall, many reviewers agree that the game successfully brings the Warhammer 40K lore to life, with detailed environments and character designs that resonate with fans of the franchise. However, the visual experience is marred by several criticisms regarding performance and optimization issues. Eurogamer Poland and Twinfinite point out significant stability problems that force players to lower graphical settings, which detracts from the overall visual fidelity. Critics like GameSpot and PlaySense also note that while the graphics are generally appealing, many locations feel monotonous and lack distinctiveness, leading to a repetitive experience. Furthermore, multiple reviewers, including Windows Central and SpazioGames, highlight that the game's optimization issues can lead to performance problems, even on high-end hardware, which can detract from the immersive experience intended by the developers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide features a visually striking world that is both artistically rich and thematically appropriate for the franchise. However, these strengths are somewhat undermined by performance issues and a lack of variety in level design. While critics like COGconnected and Ragequit.gr find the graphics adequate for gameplay, others express disappointment in the optimization and repetitiveness of the environments. Thus, while the game excels in capturing the Warhammer 40K aesthetic, it struggles with technical execution, leaving a mixed impression on the overall visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's sound design and music receive rave reviews, praised for immersive voice acting and a stellar synth-heavy score by Jesper Kyd that enhances the chaotic gameplay. Critics highlight well-crafted sound effects that deepen immersion, though some note optimization issues may detract from the experience. Overall, the audio elements are seen as a standout feature, significantly contributing to the game's success despite minor technical drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive and engaging audio experience. Critics such as COGconnected and Finger Guns praised the effective voice work and stellar voice acting, emphasizing how these elements enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, the synth-based score and the phenomenal music by Jesper Kyd were frequently mentioned, with Eurogamer Poland and Windows Central noting how the soundtrack complements the chaotic battles and dark atmosphere of the game. The sound effects, including weapon impacts and distinct enemy sounds, were also highlighted as well-designed, further contributing to the overall immersion and excitement of the gameplay. Despite the largely favorable reviews, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that could impact the experience. Ragequit.gr noted that while the background music is impressive, technical issues with optimization can detract from the overall enjoyment. This sentiment suggests that while the sound design is commendable, performance-related problems may hinder players from fully appreciating it. However, such criticisms appear to be isolated, with most reviewers focusing on the strengths of the audio elements rather than significant flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide excels in its sound design and music, creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances the gaming experience. The majority of reviewers, including GamingBolt and Push Square, lauded the relentless dark techno soundtrack and the epic compositions that resonate with the Warhammer universe. This strong positive sentiment indicates that, despite minor technical issues, the audio aspects of Darktide significantly contribute to its success, making it a standout feature of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, praising its humor, character depth, and immersive atmosphere. While generally positive, some minor critiques point to inconsistent quality and varying player experiences. Overall, the voice work is a standout feature that enhances gameplay and deepens the Warhammer lore.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the overall gaming experience. Critics from COGconnected and Finger Guns praised the voice work for its ability to add amusing banter and deepen immersion within the game world. MMORPG.com noted how the characters' interactions during missions help to immerse players in the rich lore of the Warhammer franchise, while GamingBolt emphasized the strong character writing and entertaining exchanges between playable characters. Additionally, God is a Geek and PlaySense both acknowledged that the voice acting contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere, providing context and enriching the cooperative gameplay experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critiques are present, albeit less pronounced. IGN France pointed out that while the character dialogues are enjoyable, they did not delve into specifics regarding the quality of the voice acting itself. Ragequit.gr highlighted the importance of character voice choices, suggesting that while this feature is impactful, it may lead to a disparity in experiences based on individual player selections. This indicates that while the voice acting is generally well-received, there may be nuances in quality and player experience that are not universally addressed. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a strong asset to the game, enhancing immersion and player engagement. The combination of effective character banter, strong writing, and the ability to personalize characters through voice choices has resonated well with reviewers. Critics like COGconnected and Finger Guns encapsulate the sentiment that the voice work not only complements the gameplay but also enriches the lore and atmosphere of the Warhammer universe, making it a highlight of the gaming experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide performs significantly better on PS5 than on PC. Critics praise the PS5 version for its smooth gameplay, stable frame rates, and effective use of DualSense, while the PC version is plagued by serious performance issues, crashes, and long loading times. Players on PC may need to tweak settings for a decent experience, while PS5 users enjoy a polished game. This stark divide underscores ongoing optimization challenges across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

38%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide varies significantly between platforms, with the PS5 version generally receiving more favorable reviews compared to the PC version. Critics such as GamingBolt and God is a Geek noted that the PS5 port plays well, showcasing solid performance and a smooth gameplay experience even during intense encounters. IGN France highlighted the improvements made since the game's initial release, indicating that the PS5 version benefits from a stable frame rate and effective use of the DualSense controller. PlaySense further emphasized the lack of crashes or bugs during gameplay, suggesting a well-optimized experience on this platform. In contrast, the PC version suffers from a multitude of technical issues, as outlined by several critics. COGconnected and Eurogamer Poland pointed out significant performance problems, including framerate slowdowns and instability, which require players to compromise on visual settings. PC Invasion echoed these sentiments, mentioning long loading times and poor optimization even on high-end hardware. Other reviewers, such as Twinfinite and Windows Central, reported major stability issues, including crashes and inconsistent frame rates, which detract from the overall experience. SpazioGames and Ragequit.gr also noted that optimization issues persist, making it challenging to achieve a smooth 60 fps during intense gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a stark divide in technical performance between the PC and PS5 versions of Darktide. While the PS5 version is praised for its stability and improvements since launch, the PC version is criticized for its numerous performance issues, with many reviewers like Finger Guns and XGN acknowledging that while some improvements have been made, significant problems remain. The feedback suggests that players on PC may need to invest time in tweaking settings to achieve a satisfactory experience, whereas PS5 players appear to enjoy a more polished and reliable performance. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges developers face in optimizing games across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide shows promise for replayability with its fun co-op action, diverse classes, and engaging missions, according to critics. However, it faces significant criticism for limited content and a repetitive gameplay loop, which could lead to player fatigue. Key issues include frustrating equipment randomness, slow leveling, and melee combat problems. While there's room for improvement with updates, the game currently presents a mixed bag—enticing yet flawed—leaving its long-term replay value uncertain.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is notably positive among several critics, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its longevity. COGconnected praises the game for its fun cooperative action and variety of starting classes, suggesting that these elements create a solid foundation for replayability. Eurogamer Poland also acknowledges the mission variety and difficulty levels that enhance the gameplay experience, while Finger Guns emphasizes the unique abilities of different classes and the diverse missions available. Critics like GamingBolt and God is a Geek further bolster the positive sentiment by noting the extensive playtime offered, comprehensive weapon-based progression, and engaging endgame content that keeps players invested. However, several criticisms arise regarding the game's replay value, which may temper the overall enthusiasm. Critics like Hooked Gamers and MMORPG.com point out that limited content and a repetitive gameplay loop can detract from the experience, potentially leading to player fatigue. The randomness of equipment acquisition and the absence of crafting options, as noted by Finger Guns and Ragequit.gr, may also frustrate players seeking more control over their gameplay experience. Furthermore, PC Invasion and Twinfinite highlight concerns about slow leveling progression and melee combat issues, which could limit the game's appeal over time. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has a solid framework for replayability, driven by its cooperative gameplay and class diversity. However, the game is hampered by a lack of content variety and some design choices that could lead to frustration. While many reviewers, such as Push Square and Windows Central, recognize the potential for improvement with future updates, the game currently stands as a mixed bag—promising yet flawed. The balance between enjoyable mechanics and the need for more content and features will ultimately determine its long-term replay value in the eyes of the gaming community.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is largely positive, with many critics praising its engaging cooperative gameplay, strong combat mechanics, and immersive atmosphere. COGconnected highlights the game's potential for longevity thanks to its variety of classes and effective use of the Warhammer license. Similarly, Hooked Gamers and God is a Geek commend the title for its enjoyable co-op experience and solid shooting mechanics, making it a worthy addition to the franchise. Critics like XGN and Windows Central also emphasize the game's intense combat and stunning visuals, suggesting that it has the foundation to become a standout title in the cooperative FPS genre. However, the game is not without its drawbacks, as numerous reviews point to significant technical issues and a lack of content. Eurogamer Poland's score of 6 out of 10 reflects concerns about the game's distinctiveness compared to other titles in the genre. Finger Guns mentions that the game feels unfinished in some areas, while MMORPG.com and PC Invasion note that the repetitive gameplay and progression concerns detract from the overall experience. Critics like SpazioGames and Twinfinite echo these sentiments, indicating that optimization issues and stability problems make the game feel incomplete, akin to an early access title. The overall consensus among critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a promising entry in the cooperative FPS landscape, with a solid foundation that could be built upon with future updates and improvements. While many reviewers, such as PlaySense and Push Square, acknowledge the game's enjoyable gameplay and atmosphere, they also stress the need for further development to address its technical shortcomings. As noted by IGN France, the game has already seen substantial improvements since its launch, suggesting that with ongoing support from the developers, it has the potential to evolve into a truly remarkable experience for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide impresses with engaging co-op gameplay, strong combat, and an immersive atmosphere, earning praise from critics as a solid addition to the franchise. However, significant technical issues, content gaps, and a feeling of incompleteness hold it back, with some reviewers likening it to an early access title. While it shows promise and has improved since launch, ongoing development is crucial for it to reach its full potential in the cooperative FPS genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 reviews found

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Dec 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40K: Darktide on PS5 is recommended for its solid performance, tight shooting mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and engaging cooperative gameplay, making it a great action game for fans of the universe.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Dec 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has grown into a fantastic title with great co-op gameplay, expert art direction, and plenty of customization options, despite its forgettable main narrative.

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Hooked Gamers

Dec 21, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An excellent sci-fi co-op FPS experience that may not reach the quality of the previous title but is still enjoyable for Warhammer and co-op FPS fans.

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Ragequit.gr

Jan 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers fun gameplay but has problems and shortcomings attributed to a rushed release. It is considered a worthy addition to Fatshark's Warhammer games but needs more polishing and support.

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COGconnected

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000 Darktide is praised for its cooperative gameplay, replayability, variety of classes, and effective use of the Warhammer license. Despite some technical issues, the game is off to a great start and has the potential for an extended life with continued support from the developers.

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Vandal

PlayStation 5

Dec 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a strong recommendation for cooperative action fans, showcasing significant improvements and potential for future content.

XGN

Dec 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers intense combat, strategic depth, and a beautifully dark atmosphere, but was marred by technical issues at launch. With ongoing support from the developer, it has the potential to be a great game.

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MMORPG.com

Jan 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40000: Darktide is an immersive and fun experience that delivers graphically with RTX on, but loses some appeal without it. The gameplay is satisfying and challenging, but the repetition may leave players wanting more. The game has the potential to offer a unique experience for those seeking a challenging gameplay environment.

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GameSpot

Dec 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Darktide is praised for its combat mechanics, pacing, and team synergy, but criticized for its unappealing visuals, lack of distinctiveness in levels, and issues with cosmetics pricing and rewards. The game is seen as a promising entry in the genre with fixable flaws.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Dec 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic co-op shooter with strong gameplay and atmosphere, despite some shortcomings in technical performance and crafting systems.

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