In the depths of the hive city Tertium, where darkness corrupts and chaos reigns, there comes a time when the hordes of enemies descend upon you with overwhelming force. Amidst the cacophony of battle and the clashing of steel, a warrior emerges, wielding a weapon that carves through the ranks of the enemy like a scythe through wheat. This is the best horde clear melee weapon in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, a tool of unparalleled efficiency in the face of overwhelming odds.
In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the best horde clear melee weapon in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. We will explore its strengths, weaknesses, and how to wield it to maximum effect. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skill to dominate the battlefield and vanquish the hordes that threaten to consume you.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the nature of the hordes you will face in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. These hordes are relentless, composed of countless enemies that swarm over you like a tide. They come from all sides, their numbers seemingly endless. To combat this overwhelming force, you need a weapon that can cut through them with ease, a weapon that can cleave through flesh and bone with every swing. And that weapon is the best horde clear melee weapon in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Ogryn: The Unstoppable Behemoth
The Ogryn is an unparalleled force on the battlefield, capable of obliterating hordes with unparalleled savagery. With his towering stature and devastating weapons, he can clear vast waves of enemies with ease. The Ogryn’s default weapon, the Bull Butcher, is a brutal close-quarters weapon that decimates hordes with each swing. Its wide arc and high cleave potential allow it to strike multiple enemies, making it an ideal tool for crowd control. Additionally, the Ogryn can equip the Kickback Shotgun, a powerful ranged weapon that can blast through hordes at medium range. With its rapid-fire capabilities and devastating damage, the Kickback Shotgun is perfect for dealing with overwhelming numbers of enemies.
Moreover, the Ogryn possesses several unique abilities that further enhance his horde-clearing capabilities. The Bull Rush ability allows him to charge forward, knocking back any enemies in his path. This ability can be used to disrupt enemy formations and create a path for your team to advance. The Carapace Armor, on the other hand, provides the Ogryn with increased resistance to damage, allowing him to withstand the onslaught of hordes without faltering. With his towering strength, devastating weapons, and unique abilities, the Ogryn is the ultimate horde-clearing machine.
| Weapon | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Bull Butcher | Wide arc, high cleave potential |
| Kickback Shotgun | Rapid-fire capabilities, devastating damage |
Mastering the Art of Melee Horde Clearing
1. Choosing the Right Weapon
The key to effective horde clearing is selecting a weapon with crowd-control capabilities and wide crowd damage effects. Options like the Power Sword, Thunder Hammer, and Chain Axe offer excellent reach and high damage against multiple enemies. Consider their unique properties and synergy with your class abilities to optimize your crowd-clearing potential.
2. Understanding Enemy Behavior
Understanding enemy patterns and behaviors is crucial for maximizing horde clearing efficiency. Different enemy types have varying attack ranges, movement patterns, and squad compositions. For example, Ragers are melee-focused and charge in recklessly, while Poxwalkers are ranged attackers who often form large groups. By studying these behaviors, you can anticipate enemy movements and position yourself strategically to prioritize high-value targets and avoid unnecessary damage.
| Enemy Type | Behavior | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| Ragers | Melee-focused, charge recklessly | Identify and isolate, use mobility skills to evade charges |
| Pox Walkers | Ranged attackers, form large groups | Prioritize ranged units, use area-of-effect attacks to disperse groups |
| Mutants | Special ability to spawn adds, ranged attacks | Focus on eliminating spawners, coordinate with ranged teammates to take down ranged variants |
3. Positioning and Movement
Proper positioning and movement are essential for maximizing horde clearing efficiency. Avoid standing still or cornering yourself, as this attracts enemies from multiple directions. Instead, move constantly while observing enemy movements. Use wide, sweeping attacks to clear paths and maintain spacing. Keep your back covered by teammates and prioritize clearing enemies in front of you to prevent flanking attacks.
Annihilating the Enemy: The Best Melee Weapons for Horde Swarms
Chainsaw
A brutal and efficient weapon, the Chainsaw excels at tearing through hordes of enemies with its spinning blades. Its high cleave damage allows it to cut down multiple targets simultaneously, making it ideal for close-quarters combat.
Power Sword
A versatile and powerful weapon, the Power Sword combines speed and precision. Its sweeping attacks deal high damage to groups of enemies, while its charged attacks can cleave through heavily armored foes. Its balanced stats make it a reliable choice in various situations.
Eviscerator
A heavy and devastating weapon, the Eviscerator is designed to decimate hordes of enemies. Its massive blade and sweeping attacks can cleave through numerous targets, leaving behind a trail of carnage. However, its slow attack speed and limited mobility can be a disadvantage in certain situations.
Thunder Hammer
A unique and powerful weapon, the Thunder Hammer trades speed for raw power. Its devastating charge attacks can obliterate entire squads of enemies, sending shrapnel flying. Its shockwave effect also damages nearby foes, making it a potent crowd control tool. However, its limited reach and slow attack speed require careful positioning and timing.
| Weapon | Cleave Damage | Speed | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw | High | Medium | Low |
| Power Sword | Medium | High | Medium |
| Eviscerator | Very High | Low | Very Low |
| Thunder Hammer | Extremely High | Very Low | Low |
Adapting to the Tides: Adjusting Strategies for Different Horde Intensities
Successfully navigating the relentless hordes in Darktide requires adaptability and a nuanced understanding of the game’s mechanics. Different horde intensities present unique challenges that necessitate tailored strategies. Here’s how to adjust your approach for optimal survival.
Early Hordes (1-5 enemies)
These small groups pose little threat. Focus on efficient elimination to minimize the risk of being overwhelmed.
Mid-Sized Hordes (6-10 enemies)
Maintain situational awareness and position yourself strategically to avoid being surrounded. Prioritize eliminating ranged enemies first to prevent them from whittling down your health.
Swarm Hordes (11-15 enemies)
Use cover to your advantage and tightly group up with your team to maximize firepower. Communicate effectively to coordinate attacks and avoid friendly fire.
Medium-Sized Hordes (16-20 enemies)
Employ area-of-effect attacks to clear clusters of enemies. Melee weapons like the Cleaver or Thunder Hammer excel in dealing with large groups.
Large Hordes (21-25 enemies)
Prioritize eliminating Elites that pose a significant threat. Use abilities like the Psyker’s Warp Surge or the Veteran’s Suppressing Fire to incapacitate multiple enemies at once.
Mixed Hordes (26-30 enemies)
Prepare for a diverse range of enemies, including Ranged, Melee, and Elites. Focus on eliminating Ranged units first and use specialized weapons like the Flamer or Plasma Gun to handle armored opponents.
Extreme Hordes (31+ enemies)
These overwhelming waves require exceptional teamwork and coordination. Use heavy weapons like the Gatling Gun or Bolter to suppress enemy fire while your teammates focus on securing kills. Consider utilizing grenades and psykinetic abilities to create temporary openings amidst the chaos.
| Horde Size | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | Focus on efficient elimination |
| 6-10 | Maintain situational awareness and prioritize ranged enemies |
| 11-15 | Use cover and group up tightly |
| 16-20 | Employ area-of-effect attacks |
| 21-25 | Eliminate Elites and use incapacitating abilities |
| 26-30 | Prepare for mixed hordes and prioritize Ranged units |
| 31+ | Exceptional teamwork, suppression fire, and strategic use of heavy weapons |
Choosing the Right Talants: Optimizing Character Builds for Elite Horde Slaying
1. Ogryn Skullbreaker: Cleaving Through Multitudes
The Ogryn Skullbreaker excels in cleaving through hordes with its devastating power maul. Its “Bull Rush” ability can stun and stagger groups of enemies, while its “Carapace Armor” provides additional survivability.
2. Zealot Preacher: Rending and Tearing Apart
The Zealot Preacher is a frontline fighter with a unique ability to rend and tear through hordes. Its “Eviscerator” chainsword can rapidly shred through enemies, while its “Frenzied” ability increases attack speed and damage.
3. Veteran Sharpshooter: Precise and Deadly Elimination
The Veteran Sharpshooter excels at killing hordes with its accurate ranged weaponry. Its “Boltgun” can pierce through multiple foes, while its “Suppressing Fire” ability can stagger and slow down advancing hordes.
4. Psyker Psykinetic: Unstoppable Force in the Warp
The Psyker Psykinetic can summon a powerful horde-clearing ability called the “Warp Surge.” This ability damages and pushes back nearby enemies, making it ideal for dealing with dense hordes.
5. Psyker Purgator: Burning Away the Unclean
The Psyker Purgator specializes in using fire to decimate hordes. Its “Burning Head” ability can set multiple enemies ablaze, while its “Flame Staff” can channel a continuous stream of fire to incinerate hordes.
6. Zealot Warrior Priest: Healing and Smiting
The Zealot Warrior Priest provides both healing and damage to the team. Its “Power Sword” can cleave through hordes, while its “Holy Ground” ability heals and buffs nearby allies.
7. Veteran Veteran: Adaptive and Versatile
The Veteran Veteran is a versatile class with access to various horde-clearing weapons. Its “Plasma Gun” can melt through enemies, while its “Grenadier Gauntlet” can launch explosive grenades to devastate hordes.
8. Ogryn Bully: Suppressing and Controlling
The Ogryn Bully uses its massive frame and heavy weapons to suppress and control hordes. Its “Suppression Shield” can generate a protective shield, while its “Bull Rush” ability can knock down and stagger enemies.
9. Psyker Surge Staff: Devastating Ranged Destruction
The Psyker Surge Staff is a formidable ranged weapon that can unleash a devastating wave of warp energy. This ability can instantly kill or stagger large numbers of enemies, making it one of the most effective horde-clearing weapons in the game. The Surge Staff also has a secondary fire mode that allows the Psyker to channel a powerful beam of energy, damaging and pushing back enemies in its path. The beam can pierce through multiple enemies, making it ideal for clearing densely packed hordes. Additionally, the Psyker can control the angle and direction of the beam, allowing them to customize their attack pattern and maximize efficiency against different enemy formations.
Darktide Best Horde Clear Melee
The Ogryn Skullbreaker is the best horde clear melee in Darktide. Its high cleave and damage output allow it to quickly and effectively dispatch large groups of enemies. The Skullbreaker also has a wide swing arc, making it easy to hit multiple targets with each attack. In addition, the Skullbreaker’s charge attack can be used to knock down and stagger enemies, making it even more effective against hordes.
