I was recently invited by Fatshark to get an early look at the Warhammer 40000 Darktide Arbites DLC. It’s a paid add-on launching June 23, 2025, and introduces a powerful new enforcer class. We also learned about a free update arriving the same day, adding a curated campaign, mission board changes, and a reworked difficulty system.
Now that the embargo’s up, here’s everything I learned, including abilities, weapons, and yes, even your own cyber hound.
Arbites Class Overview
The Arbites class is a full new character archetype for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, joining the lineup alongside the game’s original Rejects. Unlike the other classes, Adeptus Arbites operatives are not convicts. They’re already stationed in the hive city and have been granted emergency jurisdiction by the High Lords of Terra. Described as enforcers of justice in the 41st millennium, Arbites Proctor-Exactants arrive with heavy gear, specialized training, and a serious presence.
What makes this class stand out immediately is the Cyber-Mastiff, a loyal, fully customizable combat companion. You can choose its fur pattern, name it, and unlock visual upgrades over time. This is the first companion-based class in Darktide, and the team made it clear this feature adds a tactical layer not seen in any previous class.
The Adeptus Arbites: The Exactant class will be available as paid DLC for $11.99 USD, with an optional deluxe upgrade that adds cosmetics and exclusive Cyber-Mastiff gear. A full talent tree and mastery system are included, just like the other classes.
Core Abilities and Playstyles
The Adeptus Arbites: The Exactant class is built around three main playstyles that you can mix and match through its talent tree. The first is a riot control style, focused on shields, crowd control, and tanking frontline damage. The second centers on ranged firepower and heavy weapons, embodying a “space cop” fantasy with shotguns and aggressive offense. The third emphasizes the Cyber-Mastiff, offering a more tactical role with ranged support and enemy targeting.
Each build has access to distinct abilities and blitz options, including remote detonation, a deployable shock mine, and a standard frag grenade. The Nuncio-Aquila, a floating drone that announces law over a loudspeaker, acts as a support skill that buffs allies and weakens enemies in an area. The Castigator Stance increases mobility and reduces damage taken, letting you push forward while staying offensive. A third option is a wide stagger bash, meant for quick crowd control during close-quarters combat.
The class supports full hybrid builds, letting you combine these styles however you want.
Unique Weapons and Loadout
The Adeptus Arbites: The Exactant class brings a new set of weapons exclusive to the role. Each is built around its heavy-duty enforcement style. These include the Shock Maul, a charged melee weapon that delivers electric damage; the Arbites Combat Shotgun, which fires a wide, horizontal spread and can load stun rounds using its weapon special; and a powerful frag grenade that explodes on impact.
The class also introduces Darktide’s first ranged defensive loadout, pairing a Shot Pistol with a Suppression Shield. This setup lets you block incoming fire while returning shots, offering a unique mix of cover and aggression. Another variation combines the shield with the Shock Maul for more crowd control. Weapon specials tied to these loadouts include effects like the shock blast from the Suppression Shield. These encourage timing and positioning for area control.
Like other classes, you can also use many shared weapons from the existing arsenal. Each weapon supports full customization and mastery, with blessings and talent options that let you shape your build before every mission.
Cyber Mastiff Customization
The Adeptus Arbites: The Exactant class is the first in Darktide to feature a full companion system. Each Arbites operative is paired with a Cyber Mastiff, a combat-ready support unit that fights alongside you. You can send it to attack elite enemies, let it operate autonomously, or focus it on specific threats depending on your talent choices. It adds both tactical flexibility and passive support in the middle of chaotic encounters.
You can also customize your Cyber Mastiff with different fur colours, patterns, and names. Over time, you’ll unlock additional cosmetic upgrades, including progression-based visual options and even full cybernetic transformations. The team confirmed that, yes, you can pet the dog. It was almost left out, but they added it due to demand.
This level of customization applies only to the Arbites class and hasn’t appeared in previous Darktide or Vermintide content. It’s a first for Fatshark and adds a more personal layer to each loadout.
Free Update Details
Alongside the Arbites class, Darktide is getting a free content update on June 23 that reworks the game’s mission structure and progression. The biggest addition is a new curated campaign mode that reshapes existing missions into a guided 17-mission narrative arc. Each mission is followed by a debrief, with new voice lines and previously unreleased story moments.
The update also changes how the mission board functions. Missions are now organized by difficulty tier. And, higher difficulties must be unlocked by completing a set number of missions at the previous tier. This is intended to better match skill with challenge. Veteran players will retain access to their highest unlocked difficulty.
Another key addition is the expansion of Auric-level difficulty to more content, including Auric-level Maelstrom missions and new Auric-level conditions. This gives experienced players more ways to test their builds. Fatshark says the update is designed to streamline onboarding for new players while offering returning fans a more structured endgame.
Arbites Class Brings Tactical Depth to Darktide
With the Arbites class and a major free update landing on June 23, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is getting one of its most significant shakeups since launch. Between the three distinct playstyles, shield and shotgun options, and first-ever companion-based combat, the Arbites offers something new and tactical for returning fans. The Cyber Mastiff brings utility and personality that hasn’t been seen in any other class.
The revamped mission structure and curated campaign also aim to smooth out the experience for newcomers while giving veterans new progression and replay value. Whether you’re chasing achievements or experimenting with new builds, there’s plenty to explore. Both the paid Arbites DLC and the free update launch June 23, 2025.
Are you planning to jump back in for the Arbites class? Let us know how you’ll be building your operative.
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