October marked a significant milestone for Warhammer—End Times: Vermintide, as it celebrated its tenth anniversary. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time, particularly for those who have journeyed through the game’s rat-infested landscapes since its inception. The original Vermintide, developed by Fatshark, made a commendable attempt at capturing the cooperative action spirit reminiscent of Left 4 Dead. However, over the years, it has been overshadowed by its more polished sequel.
Return to the Reik: A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Experience
In a creative twist to commemorate a decade of rat-slaying adventures, Fatshark has chosen to reintroduce one of Vermintide’s most beloved maps in Vermintide 2. The newly launched Return to the Reik is not merely a straightforward port of the original River Reik; rather, it represents a thoughtful reimagining. According to a recent Steam post, the developers have hinted that “things are not as before.” This sentiment is echoed by the designers who have taken the time to delve into the enhancements made to the map.
While players will undoubtedly recognize familiar elements from the original, the redesigned version boasts a larger, more intricate layout. Fatshark emphasizes that the new iteration includes:
- Expanded side paths for exploration
- Redesigned terrain in various areas
- Additional encounters to enrich gameplay
- Overall updates that reflect the passage of time since players last visited
The centerpiece of this revamped experience is a sailing section where players can board a new boat equipped with cannons, enhancing their defenses against the increased number of sailing combat sequences. Furthermore, the climactic ending encounter has undergone significant reworking to elevate its excitement, although specific details remain under wraps.
In a departure from the original DLC structure, Return to the Reik is available for free to all Vermintide 2 players. Fatshark has also indicated that this is just the beginning, assuring fans that “this won’t be the last map we make” for the sequel. This aligns with the studio’s commitment to prioritizing support for Vermintide 2 over developing a third installment.
As players dive into Return to the Reik, there is hope that it will resonate more positively than the recent announcements surrounding Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, where the introduction of the Hive Scum character has left fans questioning the choice among a plethora of options available in the 40k universe.
