Writing this AFTER the "Grim Protocols" update of December 2024:
When first released, Darktide was fun, but was lacking *something*, as each mission felt like you were doing the same rigamarole over and over but yet you weren't grinding. After getting stuck on other games (including Space Marine 2, which is honestly the overall better game, IMO) for several months, I came back to Darktide to pleasantly find that things had been overhauled to the point I found myself binging it for a good week and a half.

Penances have been introduced, which are like Achievements and mini-Achievements, unlocking everything from emotes and stances to different costumes and looks for your character. Leveling up or modifying weapons was significantly streamlined, as you can now level up Mastery's for each weapon allowing you to unlock perks with 4 levels for each perk--it also allows you to unlock weapon power levels which you can then upgrade any weapon up to the current unlocked power level for said weapon type, so if you find a weapon you like early on you can bless it with different perks and stats then upgrade its power level so it remains useful.

You can also sacrifice weapons you earn or buy to unlock higher Mastery, which brings down the grind a little bit. I originally started as the Veteran and Ogryn class, but I decided upon switching from SM2 back to Darktide for a bit to start a new class I hadn't really played and settled on the Zealot. Within 4 days of playing maybe 3-4 hours tops each day, I was lvl 25 and having a blast. Then "Grim Protocols" drops, and with it new weapons for everybody but the Veteran (boo), giving the Zealot class a big-a$$ two handed power sword that is so much fun to wield I finally retired my Eviscerator chainsword. RIP, you giant, unwieldy chainsaw from God.

TL;DR, if you gave up on Darktide or didn't even try it due to word of mouth or whatever reason, try it out, it's a blast, and its still getting updates and new features--making it worth the time of anyone who loves Warhammer 40k, FPS and FPS horde shooters, and the Emperor.

Writing this AFTER the "Grim Protocols" update of December 2024: When first released, Darktide was fun, but was lacking *something*, as each mission felt like you were doing the same rigamarole over and over but yet you weren't grinding. After getting stuck on other games (including Space Marine 2, which is honestly the overall better game, IMO) for several months, I came back to Darktide to pleasantly find that things had been overhauled to the point I found myself binging it for a good week and a half. Penances have been introduced, which are like Achievements and mini-Achievements, unlocking everything from emotes and stances to different costumes and looks for your character. Leveling up or modifying weapons was significantly streamlined, as you can now level up Mastery's for each weapon allowing you to unlock perks with 4 levels for each perk--it also allows you to unlock weapon power levels which you can then upgrade any weapon up to the current unlocked power level for said weapon type, so if you find a weapon you like early on you can bless it with different perks and stats then upgrade its power level so it remains useful. You can also sacrifice weapons you earn or buy to unlock higher Mastery, which brings down the grind a little bit. I originally started as the Veteran and Ogryn class, but I decided upon switching from SM2 back to Darktide for a bit to start a new class I hadn't really played and settled on the Zealot. Within 4 days of playing maybe 3-4 hours tops each day, I was lvl 25 and having a blast. Then "Grim Protocols" drops, and with it new weapons for everybody but the Veteran (boo), giving the Zealot class a big-a$$ two handed power sword that is so much fun to wield I finally retired my Eviscerator chainsword. RIP, you giant, unwieldy chainsaw from God. TL;DR, if you gave up on Darktide or didn't even try it due to word of mouth or whatever reason, try it out, it's a blast, and its still getting updates and new features--making it worth the time of anyone who loves Warhammer 40k, FPS and FPS horde shooters, and the Emperor.