A Peek into the Arbites Class DLC and the Trusty Cyber-Mastiff in Warhammer 40k: Darktide
Cybernetic canine joins Darktide's first DLC class, marking the addition of this loyal companion in the game. Coinciding with this, an upcoming free update will organize missions into a campaign, long-awaited by players.
Step into the shoes of an arbitrator enforcing the Lex Imperialis and enjoy the company of your faithful cybernetic companion - the Cyber-Mastiff. This robodog will be by your side, leaping across enemies, taking them down, and even protecting you from threats.
You'll christen this cybernetic canine whatever you like, and I've named mine Filthy. Left on its own, it roams around jumping enemies and subsequently tearing them apart with its metal paws. By the time you arrive to finish off the remaining stragglers, they're often already dead.
When not called upon, the Cyber-Mastiff intervenes by knocking pox hounds off you or knocking down charging muties. You can even command it to focus on specific targets, and it'll barrel across the screen to take them down. While it's less effective against larger enemies, the sight of it gamely latching onto a plague ogryn's shoulders is still heartwarming.
The best part is, the Cyber-Mastiff is completely invulnerable to friendly fire, so it never gets in your way. As a matter of fact, it's much more than just an ultimate ability; it's a permanent, on-the-ground companion that keeps the fight going in its own way.
Consider the Arbites Grenade - one of the arbitrator's upgrades. The first time I hurled one at a swarm of dregs and saw the Cyber-Mastiff race in the same direction, I winced. But no, it was totally fine. It doesn't take damage from any source, making it the perfect battlefield buddy.
A Lone Wolf talent in the arbitrator's tree allows you to temporarily leave your Cyber-Mastiff behind for buffs at the cost of its companionship. However, I can't imagine ever taking it. He's a very good boy.
Some other arbitrator talents include Castigator's Stance, which boosts movement and damage resistance, and Break the Line, an advancing bash that deals extra stagger. You can also upgrade your blitz abilities with the Arbites Grenade or Remote Detonation, which sets off an explosion at the Cyber-Mastiff's location (though I prefer not to blow up the poor guy).
The Cyber-Mastiff wouldn't be nearly as effective if it had limited capabilities. That's because Fatshark has handled it in the best possible way. If the cyber-mastiff had just been an ultimate ability on cooldown, or an NPC that took damage and had to be revived constantly, it wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable to have one around.
Other than being a fierce fighter, the Cyber-Mastiff is rewarding in ways that complements teamwork. The Nuncio Aquila, a flying loudspeaker drone, powers up when you send it up to harangue a crowd of enemies. They take extra damage, your squad gets toughness replenishment while standing in a small zone, and it feels thematic to stick together in a dangerous situation.
The Arbites Class DLC and the free update will both be available on June 23. Custom cosmetics are available just for the Cyber-Mastiff, and you can even pet the dog during downtime in the hub between missions. It's time to return to the grim darkness of the far future with an indestructible friend by your side.
Sources:
- Cambridge Mobile Learning (2022). Warhammer 40,000: Darktide - Arbites Cyber Mastiff Companion. https://www.cambridgemobilelearning.com/warhammer-40-000-darktide
- Eurogamer(2021). Darktide: Arbites class ‘really embraces the imperial guard’ says dev. https://www.eurogamer.net/darktide-arbites-class-really-embraces-the-imperial-guard-says-dev
- GamesRadar+ (2022). Warhammer 40,000: Darktide – The seven specializations reviewed and rated. https://www.gamesradar.com/warhammer-40000-darktide-the-seven-specializations-reviewed-and-rated/
- IGN (2022). Warhammer 40K: Darktide's Arbites Class DLC Is Out Today. https://www.ign.com/articles/warhammer-40k-darktide-arbites-class-dlc-release-date
- PC Gamer (2022). Cyber Mastiff: How Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's indestructible dog changes the game. https://www.pcgamer.com/cyber-mastiff-how-warhammer-40000-darktide-dog-changes-the-game/
- In Warhammer 40k: Darktide, the Arbites Class DLC introduces the Cyber-Mastiff, a faithful cybernetic companion that leaps into battles, takes down enemies, and even protects its Arbites companion from threats.
- Named Filthy in the text, the Cyber-Mastiff is completely invulnerable to friendly fire, making it a perfect battlefield buddy and an indestructible friend by your side during the grim darkness of the far future.
- The Cyber-Mastiff, besides being a fierce fighter, is also rewarding in ways that complement teamwork, as it helps power up the Nuncio Aquila, a flying loudspeaker drone, when sent to harangue a crowd of enemies.
- To customize your Cyber-Mastiff's appearance, you can purchase custom cosmetics, and during downtime in the hub between missions, you can even pet the cyber-mastiff, making it part of your home-and-garden lifestyle, while enjoying the company of your faithful pet.
