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One of the most chaotic and violent co-op games I’ve ever played that oddly feels like comfort food I’m always eager to return to is Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Even after being out for a couple of years, it’s still a game that keeps on giving, and the most recent addition to bring all Rejects back is the Hive Scum class. After taking it out for a spin in the dark corridors full of Heretics, I can say this class is one of the most agile, deadliest, and enjoyable we’ve seen in the game, and one that brings a unique playstyle that will enthral many players out there.
Dual-Wielding Maniacs
I had the opportunity to try the Hive Scum class before its official launch on Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, and let me tell you, as a fan of the more nimble and deadly characters out there, this build was a dream come true.
As soon as I fired up this character, I started creating my brand-new Hive Scum operative, using all the new customization options fitting of these cartel members, selected the personality I thought would fit my Hive Scum better, and jumped into a few campaign missions to try my new archetype out.
Right off the bat, the Hive Scum feels like one of the fastest and most chaotic classes out there. It focuses on dual-wielding at first, with a shiv in each hand and dual autopistols, and its kit is tailored for a fast playstyle, whether melee or ranged.
The first ability the Hive Scum has is Desperado, which focuses on turning you into a frenzied shooter by basically giving you infinite ammo for a short time and also making you immune to ranged attacks. I can’t stress just how powerful this ability is, especially when paired with the fast-attacking ranged weapons the class gets. You’re mowing down hordes of enemies in seconds without wasting a single bullet.
Yet, there are talents that vastly change the class’s playstyle, such as Rampage, which focuses on a close-quarters approach by buffing your melee attacks considerably but also weakening you after the effects run out, and Stimm Supply, which shares your Stimm’s effects with everyone around you.
While I enjoyed all three playstyles, I went with melee, as the fast attacks of the Hive Scum with the new weapons are extremely satisfying. It is a more “high-risk, high-reward” type of gameplay, but one I’m sure many veterans will enjoy. Still, for newcomers looking for a more approachable, not-too-punishing build, the Gunslinger archetype, as the developers have called it, is a great way to get the hang of this class.
A Stimm A Day Keeps the Hordes At Bay
After reaching Trust Level 5, you unlock the Stimm Lab, which makes you a chemist. Here, you can spend Volume points to create your own Stimm. Once unlocked, you’ll carry this Stimm with you at all times, and its cooldown and effects will change depending on what you cook up.
For example, one end of the Stimm tree focuses on increasing your attack speed and weapon swapping speed, but also reducing your stamina use. I found this excellent with my melee build, but there are other options here that fit another build better, like a tankier one or one focused on ranged damage.
Overall, the Hive Scum class is a top-notch addition to the already great roster Warhammer 40,000: Darktide boasts. It feels extremely approachable for those who want to go in guns blazing and not worry too much about ammo, but it also offers a playstyle with a high skill ceiling for those who prefer slicing Heretics with blades. On top of that, it is a class whose lore perfectly fits the game, so it will be nice to see these Rejects joining the fight for Tertium.
