Darktide to Add “RPG-Style Skill Trees” to Each of Its 4 Archetypes
Aug. 21, 2023Darktide to Add “RPG-Style Skill Trees” to Each of Its 4 Archetypes
Darktide is planning to add some massive skill trees to each of its four archetypes to increase player agency and choice.
Heads up, Rejects! Developer Fatshark has been hard at work making tons of improvements to its horde shooter, Darktide. There have been tons of content patches and updates ever since its launch in November of last year. Things like updated mission boards, enhanced rewards, and tons of balancing are just some of the items that the developers have addressed.
Thefour archetypes, theZealot, theOgryn, thePsyker, and theVeteranwill be getting some extensive reworks. And this is quite soon.
We did know at launch that Darktide would come with four base “archetypes” with one class each. Additional classes would have come much later as post-launch content. However, that has come with some criticism considering that Vermintide, their game set in the fantasy version of Warhammer, had tons of different classes.
Darktide’s incoming system is that an archetype will instead have a massive skill tree to allocate points into. It looks like the passive and active skills of a class are going to be spread out allowing players to mix and match styles.
One big example Fatshark showed off in an exclusive PC Gamer interview was that of the Zealot Archetype. These holy warriors of Darktide are some of the Emperor of Mankind’s most fanatical of combatants, striking fear into the hearts of heretics. As of writing, they only get access to the Preacher class, which makes them become more deadly the more damage they take. Come Patch 13 in October, they will be getting a massive skill tree that incorporates two more classes: that of the Fanatic and the Assassin. Each archetype will also be getting the same treatment in the sense that one skill branch represents the current class, while the two new branches will be different playstyles.
Not much is currently known in terms of specific skills and abilities for the Zealot. However, based on a preview image, it looks like the Assassin skill path can trade the use of grenades for throwing knives instead.
We also do know that players will gain a skill point every level now, instead of every 5 levels. This should make leveling up much more exciting as players will get to decide on what ability to focus on. The preview image also shows that each class has about 24 skills in total, giving off the impression that we can definitely mix and match abilities from different branches.
Darktide’s Psyker and Ogryn archetypes also got some preview information, this time with specifics in mind. For example, the Psyker can get access to a skill that will let them put down a shield that can protect against incoming fire. An upgrade later down the line can even increase the area of the shield, protecting even more allies.
The iconic Brain Burst skill can also be swapped out if you prefer not to be vulnerable while casting a single target nuke ability. Players can consider using a new psychic shards skill that can home into foes, or choose to nuke crowds of enemies with lightning.
Ogryns will also get some love with their grenade options. Instead of throwing an explosive block, the muscular brutes can hurl a gigantic rock at foes. The benefit of such is that the massive nuke will only incur a cooldown instead of requiring grenade ammo. The Ogryn can also choose to let go of their charge ability for a taunt that should get those pesky pox walkers off your allies.
Darktide was an extremely satisfying horde-based first-person shooter. While it had its fair share of flaws in terms of its rewards, the upcoming skill tree revamp looks like it’s pushing the title in the right direction. Be sure to check out ourDarktide Reviewto see our thoughts on the game!
In other news, check outSword of Convallaria is an Upcoming Pixel-Based Tactical RPG, andThe Signal is an Open-World Space Survival Game Announced.
Auberon
Writer at Fextralife. I really like vanilla ice cream.
