The third major paid expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is officially live. Starting today, June 23, players on PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 can unlock the Skitarii class. This update introduces a heavily augmented cyborg operative from the Adeptus Mechanicus faction, bringing distinct tech-based weaponry and a radically different approach to character progression.
Radical cybernetic customization
The Skitarii are not just another soldier in uniform; they are living machines. The character creator for this class allows you to define exactly how much of your operative is flesh versus iron. You can select specific robotic limbs, adjust the extent of visible cybernetics beneath their robes, and even tweak the pitch and distortion of their voice modulator.
This level of detail extends beyond aesthetics. The visual feedback matches the lore: you are playing as an Alpha Skitarii, a high-ranking operative who can function effectively as a solo unit or within a squad. The customization options let you create a character that looks distinctly horrifying and mechanical, fitting the grimdark tone of the game.
A radial skill tree changes build diversity
Perhaps the most significant mechanical shift in this DLC is the skill tree structure. Unlike previous classes that rely on linear progression paths, the Skitarii utilize a radial grid system reminiscent of the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X. This open-ended layout removes rigid class archetypes, allowing players to spend points in any direction to tailor their playstyle.
You are no longer locked into a single role. The skill tree supports multiple viable builds:
- Support Specialist: Focus on deploying Servo-Skull drones to crowd-control enemies, revive downed teammates remotely, and hack terminals without leaving your position.
- Ranged Sniper: Augment weapons like the Galvanic Rifle or Arc Rifle with auto-tracking capabilities, allowing you to eliminate elite threats from a distance with minimal aim assistance.
- Melee Brawler: Equip electrified maces or dual blades and utilize a forcefield that absorbs incoming ranged attacks. Once the shield breaks, it explodes, dealing damage to nearby foes before you close in for melee combat.
This flexibility means you can mix and match abilities to create a hybrid build that serves as a jack-of-all-trades, adapting to the specific needs of your four-player squad.
Combat utility and team synergy
In practice, the Skitarii’s tools offer significant quality-of-life improvements for co-op matches. The Servo-Skull drone is particularly useful for handling tedious tasks. Instead of pausing combat to solve image-matching mini-games at terminals, you can command your drone to hack them automatically. Similarly, using a drone to revive a fallen teammate keeps you in the fight rather than exposing yourself while crawling toward a downed ally.
The melee-focused build provides a satisfying counterplay against ranged-heavy enemies. The ability to block projectiles with a shield that retaliates upon depletion creates a dynamic risk-reward loop. It encourages aggressive positioning, allowing you to close the gap on heretics and cultists who rely on keeping their distance.
What this means for you
If you have been playing Warhammer 40,000: Darktide casually, the Skitarii DLC offers a fresh incentive to dive deeper into the endgame content. The open skill tree reduces the pressure to min-max specific linear paths, making it easier for new players to experiment without feeling locked out of certain abilities. For veteran players, the drone utility and shield mechanics add new layers of strategy to high-difficulty missions.
The expansion is available immediately on all supported platforms. Whether you prefer the tactical advantage of remote hacking or the visceral feedback of cybernetic melee combat, this update expands the strategic depth of the game significantly.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Will you try the Skitarii’s melee shield build, or stick to your favorite existing class?
