As my party navigates the rugged terrain of Helmgart, an unexpected barrage of bullets ricochets off the stones, compelling us to seek refuge. Peering from behind a stack of lumber, I catch sight of a Ratling Gunner precariously positioned atop a nearby hill. “How did he even get up there?” I wonder aloud, as the relentless gunfire continues. This scenario encapsulates the essence of Vermintide Versus, a new PvP+E mode for Fatshark’s Vermintide 2, which intriguingly merges the cunning of the Pactsworn with human strategy, reminiscent of a cyborg rat—an homage to Ikit Claw.
Gameplay Dynamics
In this innovative mode, two teams of four alternate between playing as the Pactsworn—an array of special skaven foes—and the Ubersreik five, the game’s iconic heroes. The heroes aim to progress as far as possible through each level, accumulating points while battling regular enemies and the opposing players disguised as special foes. The Pactsworn, on the other hand, are tasked with thwarting the heroes’ progress, armed with a variety of cunning abilities.
The roster of Pactsworn includes formidable adversaries such as Ratling Gunners, Warpfire Throwers, Poison Wind Globadiers, Packmasters, and Gutter Runners, alongside a Bile Troll, which adds an extra layer of complexity. While each skaven character may seem individually weak, the true strength of Vermintide Versus lies in the art of ambush and the ability to overwhelm teams before they can regroup. Success hinges on coordination and map knowledge, allowing players to intercept their opponents effectively.
“There’s something very skaven in plotting with your friends about where to lay an ambush.”
For the Ubersreik five, this mode elevates the traditional gameplay experience, demanding heightened awareness and prioritization of special enemies. A sneaky Packmaster or a Gutter Runner can easily disrupt a team if they are not vigilant. The Gutter Runner, in particular, offers a thrilling experience as players leap across the map to execute surprise attacks, though its abilities are somewhat limited, echoing the sentiment that many Pactsworn characters feel like one-trick ponies. This limitation raises questions about the mode’s long-term viability unless further character development occurs.
Teamwork and Strategy
The key to overcoming a skilled team of heroes lies in the Pactsworn’s ability to coordinate effectively. Engaging in strategic discussions about ambush placements enhances the experience, making it reminiscent of an invasion in Dark Souls. The thrill of outsmarting opponents while embodying the mischievous nature of skaven is palpable, especially when employing tactics that involve distracting players with existing enemies on the map.
One particularly amusing encounter involved a Warpfire Thrower attempting to corner peak me. Our exchanges became a delightful dance of dodging and attacking, showcasing the engaging nature of player-versus-player interactions. However, the inclusion of the Bile Troll raises concerns; while it is undeniably powerful, its ability to bypass player defenses feels somewhat disproportionate. A potential solution could involve allowing Pactsworn players to summon bosses strategically, similar to how hordes are called upon, thereby enhancing tactical gameplay.
While the replayability of Vermintide Versus remains uncertain, long-time fans of the franchise are likely to find enjoyment in the unique experience of witnessing human players embrace the roles of skaven. Fatshark has also hinted at exclusive cosmetics and weapon unlocks tied to this mode, adding further incentive for players. Currently, an open beta is available from August 21 to September 2, with the full version expected to release in “months, not years,” contingent on player feedback and necessary adjustments.
