One of Xbox Game Pass best-kept secrets is getting a cybernetic hound that is your best friend and your enemy’s worst nightmare

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At the Warhammer 40,000 Skulls event in 2025, Fatshark revealed that on June 23, 2025, the game Warhammer 40,000: Darktide will introduce its first paid DLC character – the Arbites.

As an analyst, I would rephrase it as follows: In the Imperium of Man, I serve as an Arbites officer, upholding the law with unwavering determination. Those who challenge our authority, whether through heinous acts or heretical beliefs, face my wrath. This can take the form of severe punishment such as imprisonment for life or, in extreme cases, the application of a more immediate and final justice – the infliction of lethal force upon their faces.

In combat, the Arbites class is equipped with a formidable weaponized robotic dog known as the Cyber-Mastiff. Recently, Fatshark – the creators and distributors of the game – have shared insights on Reddit about how the gameplay of this lethal canine will unfold.

As per the blog post, the AI-powered Cyber-Mastiff serves as a companion for players specializing in the Arbites class, who are constantly active in the field. When adversaries draw near, the Cyber-Mastiff can either independently engage them or be directed by the player to focus on particular targets by marking them with two pings.

Cybernetic Mastiffs have the ability to subdue ordinary human opponents, momentarily disorient bigger Ogryn opponents, and assist in rescuing their owner if they’re pinned down by an enemy Pox-Hound or Mutant.

Additionally, you have the ability to make your dog switch targets. For instance, if your dog is attacking a Berserker on the ground, but you need it to pursue a sniper instead, you’re fully capable of doing so.

Gunnar, Game Designer at Fatshark

One interesting feature of Cyber-Mastiffs is that they remain undamaged during battles, making them immune to harm from both enemies and players. This means you don’t have to fret about them being killed in combat. Furthermore, their abilities can be enhanced by investing points in the Arbites’ class talent tree specifically designed for Cyber-Mastiffs, allowing for upgrades.

If a player prefers not to keep the Cyber-Mastiff by their side, they have the option to get rid of it. Instead, they can invest those points into unique talent trees that enhance the Arbites’ skills, providing an alternative means of compensation for not having the Cyber-Mastiff around.

Sic them boy in the name of the God Emperor!

In addition to Imperial officers and mechanized canines, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is set to introduce more exciting elements as of June 23, 2025. This date marks when the game will roll out a substantial free upgrade.

As a tech-savvy gamer, I’m thrilled about this update! It’s going to enrich the storyline of our missions by providing additional context, making it more immersive. For those just joining us, there’ll be a polished introduction to Tertium that sets the stage perfectly. The difficulty progression system is getting a makeover, tailored now to each player’s skill level for a fairer challenge. Lastly, the mission board changes will let us see all missions across all difficulty levels at once, making it easier to choose our next adventure!

As a tech enthusiast and long-time fan of the Warhammer 40,000 video game series, particularly the classic Dawn of War RTS series, I’ve been hesitant to dive into this game until now. After reading my colleague Samuel Tolbert’s review of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide in 2022, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the update and the upcoming Arbites class, which seems like the ideal starting point for new players like me.

Although the game offered engaging, intense battles and stunning graphics that effectively portrayed the ominous world of Warhammer 40,000, its technical problems and imbalances at release were disappointingly lacking.

Approximately three years have passed since Darktide underwent substantial revisions to address earlier issues such as the pesky bugs, enhanced overall gameplay dynamics, and fine-tuned class equilibrium. Now, it’s on the verge of receiving its most significant upgrade yet.

Looking forward to trying out this Xbox Game Pass concealed gem soon, ready to let my Cyber-Mastiff loose on both heretical criminals and Nurgle Daemons when the Arbites class and free update releases for the Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC (accessible through Windows and Steam) versions of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on June 23, 2025.

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2025-06-04 21:39