Fatshark is set to deliver a heavy dose of Imperial might to Darktide with the Arbites DLC, dropping June 23. For $11.99, players will don the grim armor of the Adeptus Arbites, deploy a cyber-mastiff companion, and wield specialized weapons designed to stamp out heresy across Tertium Hive. Alongside this paid expansion, a sweeping free update refines the core experience with overhauled tutorials, new narrative touches, an updated XP model, mission replay functionality, and quality-of-life improvements requested by the community.
The Adeptus Arbites arrive equipped for both crowd control and precision takedowns. Their cyber-mastiff companion can sniff out hidden foes, neutralize enemy reinforcement signals, and tear through Chaos spawn with savage agility. Enforcers carry a tactical shotgun capable of firing flechette and breaching rounds, the brutal Dominator Maul for cleaving through hordes, and a shock-emitting assault shield that can stun multiple targets at a distance. Each tool underscores the Arbites’ role as the Imperium’s uncompromising peacekeepers.
Underneath the iconic plated armor, the Arbites class branches into three distinct specializations:
Over 80 talents let players fine-tune their enforcement style: tactical shouts to stagger advancing enemies, surgical breaching strikes, or the deployment of the Nuncio Aquila beacon to rally teammates or fracture heretic lines. Cosmetic unlocks range from ornate helm crests and armor trims to upgrades for the cyber-mastiff’s augmentations, ensuring each Arbites feels uniquely yours.
On the same day, Fatshark rolls out a major free patch that addresses longstanding requests from both veterans and new recruits. The tutorial experience has been completely revamped into a guided narrative, gently introducing core mechanics and lore. The XP model has been rebalanced to reward objective play and teamwork, reducing grind without diluting challenge. Instant mission replay is now available for every map and difficulty from day one, letting squads refine strategies or simply replay favorite encounters. Additional UI tweaks and bug fixes aim to streamline menus and reduce downtime between missions.
From May 22 to June 20, the annual Warhammer Skulls event returns to Tertium Hive, now overrun by Nurgle-corrupted totems. Destroying these totems strips enemies of buffs but spawns tougher elites, raising both risk and potential loot. Completing daily challenges and community milestones unlocks exclusive cosmetics—such as Magistratum Enforcer armor, Death Korps of Krieg skins, and unique weapon patterns. With leaderboard competitions and special rewards for top performers, there’s plenty of incentive to hunt down every corruption node.
“This marks our biggest class update yet,” says Ola Harlin, Design Director at Fatshark. “We’ve woven deeper lore integration into combat and fresh progression loops to keep both new and returning players engaged.” Early playtesters praise the cyber-mastiff’s robust AI and the streamlined progression system, noting that teams spend less time grinding and more time coordinating tactics. Community managers also highlight that many of the free update’s features—including mission replay and narrative adjustments—stem directly from player feedback.
The Arbites DLC is poised to shift Darktide’s team dynamics. Their crowd-control toolkit pairs effectively with heavy weapons careers, while the Executor’s squad buffs bolster offensive pushes on higher difficulties. Recommended builds include a Judicator shotgun loadout for frontline breaches or an Interrogator kit focused on shield placement and area suppression. The cyber-mastiff’s tracking ability can uncover hidden objectives or intercept flankers, making Arbites a versatile pick for squads tackling the toughest endgame challenges.
Whether you’re an experienced Inquisitor or a fresh recruit, Darktide’s Arbites DLC and accompanying free update offer the most comprehensive expansion yet. Gear up, marshal the Emperor’s will, and prepare to bring unyielding Imperial justice to every corner of Tertium Hive this summer.