Warhammer 40,000: Darktide’s crew of playable rejects is getting bigger with the launch of the Arbites Class DLC. Unveiled during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase, it is the game’s first paid content offering since its troubled release back in 2022.
The DLC is accompanied by a free update that improves Darktide’s divisive narrative experience and player onboarding while introducing a series of progression changes.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Arbites Class DLC and Free Update
An enforcer of the Lex Imperialis, Darktide’s Arbites class pursues heretics, xenos, and mutants alongside the cyber-mastiff, a loyal companion that can be ordered to “disable priority targets, maul enemies, and provide vital support to your strike team.”
The class comes with its own dedicated skill tree that supports three distinct playstyles, depending on the nodes we choose when designing our build.
Although it doesn’t lack lethality, crowd control is the name of the game for this newest reject. In addition to their trusty robo-doggo, they can also deploy the Nuncio Aquila, “an anti-gravity vox platform that barks imperial propaganda and suppresses the will of the enemy.”
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide’s Arbites Class DLC also introduces three new weapons in the shape of the Arbites Shotgun, the Assault Shield and Arbites Shotpistol – toted as “Darktide’s first hybrid defense/range combo weapons”, alongside the Dominator Maul.
Several customization options are also included with the purchase. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide’s Arbites Class DLC will be released on all platforms on June 23 for $11.99/€11.99 or your regional equivalent.
The free update accompanying it promises the following changes, as listed by the developer in an emailed press release:
Improved onboarding and narrative experience:
- A curated mission path will guide new players through Tertium, introducing key characters, locations, and threats across escalating difficulty tiers.
- Missions will feature increased story context, with debriefs showcasing the impact of strike teams across Tertium.
- Seasoned players will be offered the option to re-experience the improved story of Darktide from the start.
Changes to difficulty progression and selection:
- Introducing a reworked difficulty progression system: players will now unlock higher difficulties by demonstrating skills, not just by leveling up. Progression will be tied to completing a number of missions at your current difficulty, rewarding mastery over time played.
- Mission board changes: all missions currently in rotation will now be available at every difficulty level. This update significantly broadens the mission selection for players at any tier, offering greater variety and more meaningful choice when deciding how (and where) to fight.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide also joins the Skulls festival starting May 22, when a time-limited event sees us encountering Nurgle totems during missions. Destroying them summons Chaos Spawns while buffing nearby enemies for an extra dash of challenge.
The Mourningstar is also getting a fitting makeover for the duration of the festival, while The Commodore’s Vestures in-game store is bringing back a handful of fan-favorite premium cosmetics, including the Death Korps of Krieg, Elysian Drop Troopers, and more.
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