Warhammer 40k Darktide Arbites Class Guide & Overview
Written by Michael Owen
The Arbites class in Darktide is a melee-heavy enforcer with access to shields, shotguns, and a cyber-mastiff. You focus on locking down enemies at close range while helping your team stay in control of the fight.
Here’s a basic class overview & guide.
Arbites Playstyle Summary
Focused on crowd control and defense
This class is built for front-line control. You get access to suppression tools, defensive gear, and support options like the Nuncio Aquila.
The cyber-mastiff helps pin down special enemies while you move in with shield and maul combos.
Tough, but positioning still matters
You have 200 health and 100 toughness. You take less toughness damage while dodging or sliding, but still need to play smart.
Shield users can block and hold ground, but you are not unkillable. Make use of cover and support tools when things get crowded.
Core Abilities and Features
Cyber-Mastiff
Summons a cybernetic dog that disables a target
Useful for interrupting specials or elites
Returns after a cooldown
Nuncio Aquila
Deploys a floating vox platform
Lowers enemy morale and helps with crowd suppression
Good for zones or boss fights
Class Talent Tree
Over 80 upgrade nodes
Can build around tanking, disruption, or support
Flexible depending on loadout or group role
Arbites Unique Weapons
These weapons are only usable by the Arbites class:
Shock Maul and Suppression Shield
Subductor Shotpistol and Riot Shield
Arbites Shock Maul
Exterminator Shotgun
They are designed for short-range fights, stagger effects, and control.
Other Available Weapons
In addition to class-locked gear, Arbites can use a variety of standard Darktide weapons:
Autoguns and stub revolvers
Tactical axes and combat axes
Chainswords and crushers
Bolt pistols and braced autoguns
Combat shotguns and boltguns
This gives you flexibility between full tank builds or hybrid loadouts with more range.
Cosmetic Options and Customization
Choose between six voice sets across three personalities
Unlock cosmetics for your armor, weapons, and cyber-mastiff
All earned as you level up and complete objectives
Final Blurb
The Arbites is all about order through force. If you like shields, shotguns, and sending a cyber-hound to maul heretics, this class delivers. It is not subtle, but it gets the job done.
FAQ
Q: What weapons are only for the Arbites class?
Shock Maul and Suppression Shield, Subductor Shotpistol and Riot Shield, Arbites Shock Maul, and Exterminator Shotgun.
Q: How does the cyber-mastiff work in Darktide?
It targets and disables a single enemy, then returns after a cooldown.
Q: What does the Nuncio Aquila do?
It demoralizes enemies in its area, making them easier to control.
Q: Can the Arbites be played solo?
Yes, but it shines best when used with a coordinated team.
Q: Is the class fully ranged or mostly melee?
It leans heavily into melee, but has strong short-range options like the shotgun and pistol.
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