Today not only marks the release date for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on PlayStation 5 but also the release of the huge "Grim Protocols" update for all platforms. The Grim Protocols update is free to all owners of the game and contains a wealth of additional content that you can play.
First up is that PlayStation 5 release. The PlayStation 5 version does also include PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements for those who picked up Sony's latest model. In addition, the PlayStation 5 version does support the DualSense haptic feedback, options for Performance or Quality modes on base PS5, and a 60 FPS and 4K output on PS5 Pro. The Performance mode on base PS5 targets 60 FPS at 1440p resolution, while Quality targets 30 FPS at a 4K output.
The Grim Protocols update for all platforms adds in a new game mode, new mission, new weapon families, a time-limited special event, quality of life improvements, and more. Developer Fatshark also says that they are celebrating the second anniversary since Darktide's release by discounting the game by 50%, with the Imperial Edition and Imperial Edition upgrade costs cut by 60%.
The Grim Protocols free update features:
- New Endgame Mode - Havoc: Think you’ve mastered the threat over Tertium? Think again. Havoc is a new end-game experience that will test the resolve of the most seasoned operative. Be ready to face daunting challenges and earn new cosmetic rewards.
- Tiered progression system: for Trust Level 30 players, featuring 40 increasingly difficult levels (Havoc Assignments) with unique modifiers and mutators.
- Fluid Ranking System: Players need to beat each level to advance, with three attempts per level before demotion.
- Rewards: Materials (Plasteel, Diamantine), Mastery XP, and weekly caches of extra Plasteel and Diamantine. New Havoc related penances will include cosmetic rewards, including a Moebian 53rd black set, frames, titles, and insignia.
- Three New Weapon Families: tear through waves of enemies by wielding the destructive might of the Two-Handed Force and Power Swords, and the Ogryn Heavy Stubber.
- Two-Handed Power Sword (2 Marks) - Zealot: A massive, high-damage melee weapon with wide, sweeping attacks.
- Marks: Munitorum Mk X Relic Blade, Munitorum Mk II Relic Blade
- Unique Features:
- Heat Activation Mechanic: Generates a heat gauge, building over time. Reaching the limit locks activation briefly (overheat mechanic).
- Special Attack: Sprinting Heavy stab attack for unique engagement tactics.
- Two-Handed Force Sword (2 Marks) - Psyker: A finesse-oriented weapon combining melee and psychic powers.
- Marks: Covenant Mk VI Blaze Force Greatsword, Covenant Mk VIII Blaze Force Greatsword
- Unique Features:
- Force Cleave: Special attack releases a psychic cleave with scaling based on charge power (three stages).
- Smooth Flow: Psyker’s psi-assisted techniques make the weapon feel lighter and more agile.
- Heavy Stubber (3 Marks) - Ogryn: A heavy, precision-support firearm for Ogryns, blending suppressive fire with marksman capabilities that will keep the darkness at bay.
- Marks: Krourk Mk IIa Heavy Stubber, Gorgonum Mk IIIa Heavy Stubber, Achlys Mk II Heavy Stubber
- Unique Features:
- Primary Fire: Heavy, slow automatic fire for suppressive roles.
- Alt Fire: A more precise, single-shot mode for longer-range accuracy.
- Flashlight: Included to assist in low-light environments.
- Two-Handed Power Sword (2 Marks) - Zealot: A massive, high-damage melee weapon with wide, sweeping attacks.
- New Mission - Dark Communion: Return to the Carnival and explore its darkest corners. Steel yourself as you face hordes of cultists who will stop at nothing to achieve their dark communion.
- Anniversary Special Event: to celebrate the second anniversary of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, the game will host an event that will reward players with a unique weapon trinket.
- And more: including the expansion of the Penance progression track with new challenges and rewards, as well as quality of life improvements such as an extension of the Party Finder feature and idle animations to Stances.
