Darktide has improved enormously since launch.

In 2022 Darktide was well designed with combat, atmosphere and sound But it was limited by its progression system, lack of content, performance issues, and the absence of different builds. Throughout the years, Fatshark has been gradually reconstructing many of these mechanics and, plus overhauling talent trees, they have added new game modes, improved progression, introduced new weapons missions balance passes, and additional classes.

Darktide's greatest asset Still is still its gameplay. This game is, by far, one of the very few co-op horde shooters that truly portray the feeling of being overrun by hordes of enemies (in this case, hundreds of enemies! ). The melee combat has really good impact, ranged combat is fun and rewarding and to top it all, the sound design is world-class.

This is not to say Darktide is flawless.

Sometimes content updates are released at a pace slower than many players expect, some missions might become a bit monotonous after several hundred hours of gameplay, and performance will still vary according to the hardware. The cosmetic shop continues to be a topic of criticism among the community as well.

Regardless of such imperfections, the Darktide of 2026 is by far the best iteration of the game we have ever experienced. Fatshark has been continually delivering major updates, new modes, class improvements, and additional content, and the gameplay core remains unrivaled in the co-op horde shooter arena.

Whether you are a Warhammer 40K fan, a Left 4 Dead/Vermintide fan, or someone who simply enjoys cooperative PvE games with a great variety of builds, Darktide is at such a level now that it is very easy to recommend.

The Emperor protects. Your teammates probably not so much.