Fatshark has released patch 1.12.0 for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, introducing a free update that includes new enemy types and significant changes to the game's Expeditions mode. The update also coincides with the release of the paid Skitarii Alpha Primus DLC class.
The new free additions bring Scab and Dreg Vanguards to the battlefield. These melee-focused enemies are equipped with shields that make them more durable than standard foes, with the Scab variant featuring a sturdier shield but appearing less frequently, while the Dreg version uses more common but less resilient shields. Even after their shields are broken, these Vanguards remain a tougher threat than other unshielded enemies.
Expeditions mode has been overhauled with new mechanics and environments. Players can now undertake missions at dawn, encountering new scavenge zones, hazardous electrical sites, and a Deadsider Sanctuary. The patch also enhances the visibility of downed teammates by displaying hog-tied players on the Auspex. A notable change is the shift from individual tech-remnant pools to a shared team pool, which depletes when a player dies but can be partially recovered by rescuing downed allies.
The Skitarii Alpha Primus DLC offers players a new playable class described as elite operatives with significant mental and physical augmentations. According to Fatshark, the Skitarii Alpha Primus features a flexible talent tree designed for extensive build customization, allowing players to create characters ranging from long-range assassins to close-combat specialists wielding electrified blades.