Just like developer Fatshark's other game entries in the Warhammer universe (namely Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide and Warhammer: Vermintide 2), the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Darktide will use a class system. Four classes will be available once the game launches. Darktide's Veteran is a more traditional FPS class that wields multiple types of firearms and can buff their ranged damage with their Volley Fire ability. The Psyker is the mage class that uses their Brain Burst to dispatch enemies on the field. The Zealot is the more melee-focused human class who can Chastise The Wicked by dashing toward foes and guaranteeing a single critical melee hit. Finally, the Ogryn makes its presence known with its gigantic figure and ability to Bull Rush through hordes of enemies.
But while Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has a lot in common with the Vermintide series, it also sets itself apart by adding more gun-based combat. Each class has its own specific set of firearms they can use, all of which are based in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. All the class weapons are unique in their own right, but the Ogryn in particular has a specialized arsenal that fits their size and nature.
What Is An Ogryn?
The ancestors of the Ogryns were once human prisoners. Transformed by the high gravity and rough terrain of the worlds they were imprisoned on, these humans' bodies evolved to become bigger and tougher. Ssince surviving became their sole reason for living, these humans' brains also devolved to a point where only basic mental functions were required.
Altogether, the Ogryn is a subspecies of human that is extremely large and physically strong, but possesses less intelligence. It is because of these traits that they are valued by the Imperium of Man as frontline soldiers in their various battles. While most Ogryns are satisfied with repurposing anything in their vicinity as a makeshift club, those under the employ of the Imperium of Man are given special firearms that only they can use.
Guns For Giants
The Warhammer 40,000: Darktide beta allows Ogryn players to choose between two ranged weapons. The first option is the Lorenz Kickback, a single-shot, 40mm cannon with a surprising amount of range. The second and most iconic weapon of the Ogryn is the Foe-Rend Ripper Gun, a burst-fire weapon that chews through enemies almost as fast as it chews through ammo. Considering how big the Ogryn is, players might have expected them to carry a large, fully-automatic weapon, but they don't.
The single-fire and semi-automatic nature of the Ogryn's ranged weaponry are deeply tied into Warhammer 40,000 lore. Since Ogryns are simple-minded, they get easily excited by things such as loud sounds and flashes of light -- both of which emanate from various firearms. Giving an Ogryn a fully automatic weapon allows them to shoot things willy-nilly, thereby wasting ammunition and the condition of the weapon.
By adding burst limiters in their Ripper Guns and giving them ranged weapons that shoot fewer bullets and require long reloads, the Imperium of Man can better control its Ogryn soldiers. It ensures the Ogryns are making proper use of the arms and ammunition by forcing them to be more mindful of their shots. The burst and single-fire nature of the guns also means that less noise and light is emanating from them. This helps keep the Ogryns under control and less prone to fits of excitement.
While it is still unknown whether Fatshark will allow the Ogryn class to use fully automatic weapons come Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's November release, it is still a nice touch nonetheless. Giving the tankiest class some of the strongest weapons already makes them powerful, but it balances out when the reload times and fire rates are taken into consideration. Fatshark has done a wonderful job recreating the Warhammer fantasy universe in its previous games, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is looking to continue that streak.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide releases on November 30, 2022, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.