Home News Darktide Player Surge Post-Arbites, $5 Helmet Sparks Fury

Darktide Player Surge Post-Arbites, $5 Helmet Sparks Fury

Author : Violet Update : Oct 14,2025

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has experienced a significant player surge following its first new class launch, though monetization concerns persist—especially after developer Fatshark introduced an alternate version of the Arbitrator's default helmet with the visor raised for $5.

The recent Battle for Tertium update, released alongside the Adeptus Arbites class DLC, overhauled the core experience with a tighter narrative focus for this cooperative melee/shooter hybrid.

The revamped system now features a linear campaign with enhanced mission briefings and contextual cinematics. Fatshark explains this design helps onboard newcomers while progressively unlocking features that were previously level-gated.

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For veterans, the Adeptus Arbites class proved the main attraction—successfully re-engaging both dedicated players and those who'd drifted away since the rocky launch. The $11.99 DLC sparked noticeable interest.

Post-launch, Darktide achieved a Steam peak of 43,000 concurrent players—its highest in over two years. These figures don't even account for the console playerbase, indicating broader success.

While acknowledging the uptick, Product Marketing Manager Rodrigue Delrue declined to share cross-platform player counts in a statement to IGN: "We're seeing strong engagement across all platforms. Exact numbers aren't available, but we're grateful for our active, passionate community."

The Arbitrator's standard helmet features a lowered visor. Image credit: Fatshark.

Monetization remains contentious. The Adeptus Arbites launch introduced premium cosmetics purchasable with Aquilas—the in-game currency representing Warhammer 40K's Imperial symbol. One item fueled particular backlash: the $5 visor-raised helmet variant.

This cosmetic offers a nearly identical alternative to the included visor-down helmet—charging players essentially for the privilege of flipping up their visor.

The raised-visor patrol helm costs $5 extra. Image credit: Fatshark.

Community reaction has been scathing, with one 3,000-upvoted Reddit thread declaring it "peak Fatshark greed." Players criticize the monetization approach: "Absurd that this wasn't included with the base helmet," remarked one. "Just add a toggle button," suggested another. Others joked: "At least they're not charging extra to lower it!"

When IGN raised these concerns, Delrue acknowledged maintaining fair pricing remains challenging for sustaining live service development: "Cosmetics require careful balancing between supporting ongoing work and delivering player value. Community feedback helps shape our approach moving forward."

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With Darktide approaching its third anniversary, questions arise about Fatshark's continued support. Delrue cited Vermintide's sustained updates as proof of longevity, confirming additional classes are planned: "Our free update commitment remains—just like with Vermintide. Players can expect ongoing development including new classes and content."

"Since launch, we've continuously supported Darktide with free updates—and that commitment isn't changing," Delrue emphasized. "As Vermintide demonstrates, we're committed long-term. The community can anticipate more classes and evolving content."