InWarhammer 40,000: Darktide, the players have the option betweenfour different human characters(yes the Ogryn, an Abhuman, counts). And, while there’s plenty that Fatshark could do with humans for future subclasses using things like Imperium Commissars, Tech-Priests, or even Ratlings, that’s still a bit boring.
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The 40k franchise isn’t just the Imperium, there are so many different Xenos races. And, while it doesn’t make sense for xenophobic humans to work with aliens (and Fatsharkdidn’t do this inVermintide 2either), there still are easy ways to get around that writing-wise. For example, they could use writing contrivances like clones, genetic experiments, or even renegade Imperial divisions. So, let’s have some fun and theorize what Xenos races from 40k would work as a substitute for each of the Rejects inWarhammer 40k: Darktide.
8Ogryn Skullbreaker: Beastmen
The Ogryn is tough to figure out replacements for mostly because of their size. While Space Marines would be of a similar height and strength, they’re way too overpowered to work in this setting (thankfully there are other games for that). Sadly, there aren’t too many other species in Warhammer 40k lore that are of similar strength and size to Ogryn, so let’s fall back on a non-human example rather than a Xenos one, Beastmen.
Beastmen come in all shapes and sizes so Fatshark could really have free reign with this, but the one that makes the most sense is a Minotaur Beastman (even if they usually serve Chaos). These things could easilyfill the same roleor even a subclass more focused on Melee and raw damage than tanking.
7Ogryn Skullbreaker: Krootox & Krootox Rider
The Kroot aren’t a race that’s as popular as the Eldar, the Necron, or anything like that, but they have a dedicated fanbase. These T’au-aligned bird-like Xenos aren’t exactly well-liked by the Imperium (no Xenos is), but there are examples of Kroot Mercenaries working with the Imperium in rare circumstances, even before the T’au came into power.
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Now, the thing about the Kroot that makes them interesting is their ability to adapt their bodies based on what they eat, with the Krootox being a dead-end evolution for their species that are very ape-like. In terms of intelligence, general size, and overall strength, the Krootox is a fantastic substitute for the Ogryn, and they could even have a Kroot Mercenary on its back, using its iconic Kroot Gun to lay down an endless barrage of cover fire.
6Zealot Preacher: Kroot Carnivore Mercenary
Speaking of the Kroot, there’s actually a Kroot example that works as a substitute for the Zealot Preacher as well. Now, there aren’t many other examples of individuals in the 40k universe with as devoted (and absurdly extreme) dedication to their religious beliefs, but a Kroot-soldier experimented on by the Imperium could absolutely get a similar effect through fear and brainwashing.
Additionally, because the Kroot takes on the traits of what they eat, Fatshark could literally have this Kroot character take on whatever general appearance they want and justify it as having the Imperium feed it Ork flesh and so on.
5Zealot Preacher: Drukhari Wych & Incubi
There aren’t many other examples of vicious,melee-centric Feat unitsin Warhammer that are of a similar power level to a well-geared Zealot, but the Dark Eldar or Drukhari come relatively close. In terms of raw power and speed, there’s no comparison between the two as the Dark Eldar as way above. But, because the Drukhari has such low defense as a tradeoff, it could still work as the character would function as a sort of all-in glass cannon.
4Psyker Psykinetic: Genestealer Magus
Tyranid representation is not something anyone would ever have expected inDarktide. The Tyranid are sort of the “end-all-be-all” of 40K, given that it’s likely they surround the known universe on all sides. That said, there is one example of a “Tyranid” unit that is of similar power to a basic human Psyker, a Genestealer Magus. The Genestealers are a subspecies of the Tyranid specifically bred to infiltrate all other races. They go through multiple phases of evolution as they infiltrate, with each one looking more similar to the target species. With humans, the 4th generation of Genestealers looks basically almost identical to humans, just very bald and very pale. some of them can even awaken to Warp abilities and become Psykers.
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So, a Genestealer Psyker would be a fantastic substitute for the Psyker because the in-game NPCs would think they’re a normal human, but the player would know the truth. And, they could even do something fun by having their high Peril voices being Tyranid hivemind noises rather than sounds of Demonic temptation from the Warp. Here’s hoping Fatshark does something unique like this and doesn’t just resort tohaving a Genestealer ‘skin’for the Psyker.
3Psyker Psykinetic: Aeldari Corsair
The Dark Eldar has already been mentioned, but what about the regular Eldar or Aeldari? Well, the Aeldar is an ancient and powerful race, so it’s very difficult to find an example of a type of Eldar that would even be comparable to a human Psyker (who alreadygets around enough gameplay-wise).
But, an Eldar Corsair just might fit the bill. Not only would these Eldar outcasts work in terms of writing for working with the Imperium, but they could even have some backstory about their fellow Eldar severely hampering their connection to the Warp before exile so that they’re not miles ahead of the Psyker in Warp abilities.
2Veteran Sharpshooter: T’au Fire Warrior
Now a T’au being anywhere near Imperium-sanctioned space doesn’t make much sense, given that they’re on the other side of the galaxy without access to Warp travel. But, Fatshark could easily get around this by just saying the T’au Fire Warrior was captured in a battle the Imperium traveled to T’au-occupied space for or that they were raised in a test tube from a sample of T’au DNA.
Instead of a Lasgun, the Fire Warrior would use a Pulse Carbine, a Photon Grenade Launcher instead of a Boltgun, and so on. They’d work as a substitute for the Sharpshooter with maybe a differentBlitz ability at worstor even as a potential subclass. Either way, it would be a pick out of left field that would surprise just about everyone.
1Veteran Sharpshooter: Aeldari Guardian Defender
And lastly, let’s end things with another Eldar example. Again, the Eldar aren’t very plentiful compared to other 40K races due to Slaneesh literally devouring the souls of millions of them. And, the ones that are still around are very powerful or equally devoted to their cause. But, they do have a sort of “ground unit” comparable to the higher-tier troops of the Astra Militarum.
In particular, the Guardian Defenders are the most basic of basic Eldar troops. As a substitute for the Sharpshooter, they would use weaponry like the Shuriken Catapult, Shuriken Pistol, and Plasma Grenades. To make things even easier, they even have their own versions of Chainswords and Power Swords as wellthat would benefit from the same Feats.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktideis available now on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox Game Pass.
