Warhammer 40K: Darktide - Every Character Class, Ranked (2024)

The Warhammer 40K: Darktide allows you to select a character from four classes: Ogryn, Psyker, Zealot, and Veteran. Each class has unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses that cater to different playstyles. When selecting your class, consider critical factors like preferred combat range, ability to handle swarms or elites, and party role. For example, the Ogryn excels as a tank while the Veteran shines at long-range.

Understanding each class' starting loadout, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses will enable you to make an informed decision to match your preferences. This overview examines the critical attributes of the four classes to provide the context needed before you decide on a class.

4 Zealot

Playing Zealot means you excel as a melee combatant, allowing your crowd control and horde-clearing abilities to provide excellent support. However, your strength lies in close combat, with Veterans having superior long-range capabilities. Utilizing their melee prowess is crucial to maximize the Zealot's potential; otherwise, other classes might be more effective.

Abilities like "Chastise the Wicked" and the tactical "Stun Grenade" help control enemies. Their high-damage melee arsenal, including weapons like the Thunder Hammer, is lethal up close. However, exposure to large crowds or formidable enemies can be a disadvantage compared to other classes.

Key features of the Zealot class include health management, excellent melee damage, and effectiveness against armoured enemies. Their starting loadout consists of a Combat Axe and a Ranged Autopistol. Zealot's passives boost melee damage based on missing health and prevent death, while the Coherency skill decreases toughness damage taken.

3 Psyker

As a Psyker, you begin your journey equipped with a sword for melee combat and a heavy revolver for ranged attacks. Your primary tactical ability is Brain Burst, which allows you to inflict damage on enemies from a distance. Utilizing Brain Burst increases your Peril meter displayed on-screen. If the Peril meter surpasses 100 percent, it results in your character's demise. However, you can use Psykinetic's Wrath to reset your Peril meter. Additionally, the Psyker possesses the Kinetic Presence aura ability, which enhances your allies' damage.

The Psyker is particularly effective against Elite enemies thanks to potent abilities like Brain Burst. However, due to its lower durability, the Psyker can struggle when facing large hordes alone. The Psyker class offers an engaging gameplay experience at lower levels with abilities like Brain Burst. As you progress, you can exchange your gun for a force staff to unleash lightning. The gameplay becomes more challenging due to the need to manage the Peril system and may seem less powerful at higher levels. Nevertheless, playing as a Psyker remains a satisfying experience.

Key features of the Psyker class include its effectiveness against Elites, the management of Warp Charge and Peril, and the tactical Brain Burst ability. The Psyker's Class Ability uses Warp Charge to repel enemies.

2 Ogryn

When you play as an Ogryn, you excel as a tank, capable of absorbing significant damage. Your high melee damage makes you essential for controlling hordes. However, you lack mobility and range, requiring support against long-range enemies. Your arsenal includes explosive weapons and crowd-controlling melee weapons. You can unleash firepower at range or engage enemies up close. Your tank abilities also allow you to shield teammates.

The Ogryn brings brutal firepower and the ability to take damage and distract enemies from allies. Capabilities like Loyal Protector enable you to revive without interruption. You handle hordes so partners can focus. Your Bull Rush tactical escape is valuable when overwhelmed. While great in melee, your need for speed and mobility can be concerning. But the Ogryn makes an indispensable battlefield tank and provides an exciting alternative to the Veteran.

Key Ogryn features include strength against hordes and tank abilities. Equipped with a Club and Thumper Shotgun as a starting loadout, the Ogryn is prepared for both close combat and ranged attacks. The Ogryn's passive abilities enhance melee damage and toughness, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. Its Bull Rush knocks back enemies and boosts speed, adding a strategic advantage. Furthermore, the Coherency bonus amplifies the Ogryn's melee damage, reinforcing its role as a mighty frontline warrior.

1 Veteran

As a Veteran in Warhammer 40K Darktide, you excel at long-range combat, capable of maintaining distance and effectively counter-sniping. Your versatility against ranged enemies and in close combat makes the Veteran a popular choice. However, compared to the Zealot, the Veteran lacks crowd control and struggles to penetrate armour at range. A combination of Veterans and Zealots can be very effective.

Veterans provide devastating ranged support with precise Lasguns, shredding Autoguns, and furious Plasma Guns. Grenades supplement their arsenal when guns fail. Their gameplay suits traditional FPS, making them a safe pick. The Veteran highlights unique enemies, aiding in taking out priority targets. However, ammo scarcity can be an issue without abilities like "Be Prepared."

Key features of the Veteran class include ranged combat, headshots, and fighting Elites and Specials. Starting their journey equipped with a Sapper Shovel and Lasgun, Veterans are well-prepared for the battlefield. The Veteran’s passive abilities enhance weak point damage and ammo capacity, improving their combat efficiency. To top it all off, their Class Ability further sharpens their aim for increased damage, making the Veteran class a strategic choice for those who prefer a balanced and ranged approach to combat.

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