Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is expanding its roster with a fresh playstyle through the new Hive Scum class, arriving on December 2, 2025. Revealed in a new trailer and developer blogs, this DLC class brings a wild, streetwise edge to the grimdark universe, embodying the violent underbelly of hive society.
What Is the Hive Scum?
The Hive Scum are hardened criminals and ruthless bounty hunters from the depths of the hive city. They use their street smarts, illicit substances, and vicious combat skills to survive and dominate their surroundings. For the first time in Darktide, Hive Scum allows true dual-wielding combat with pistols and shivs, delivering a brutal mix of ranged and melee combat.
Gameplay Styles and Abilities
- Gunslinger Style: Focus on dual pistols with abilities that enhance ammo management and firepower.
Includes perks like “In Your Face” for increased close-range damage and “Vulture’s Mark” which grants damage bonuses and toughness restoration on kills. - Ruffian Style: Specializes in melee combat, with abilities increasing melee damage and stun resistance.
Abilities include “Blinder” to throw quick blinding grenades and “Rampage!” for a powerful melee boost. - Chemist Style: Focuses on toxins and chemical warfare.
Players craft signature custom Stimms for combat boosts, coat weapons in toxins, and deploy chem grenades that poison enemies in a lingering cloud.
Unique Features
- True dual-wielding pistols and shivs for versatile combat.
- Customizable Stimm boosts that enhance stats but require careful management due to cooldowns.
- Deluxe Edition available with exclusive cosmetic options including a class outfit, weapon skins, tattoos, and hairstyles.
- Playable on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and Windows.
Release and Purchase Details
The Hive Scum class DLC launches December 2, 2025, priced at $11.99. A Deluxe Edition, including additional cosmetics and customization options, will also be available on release day. The new class expands Darktide’s gameplay possibilities and character customization, promising fresh tactics and a gritty narrative flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Hive Scum class release?
The Hive Scum class releases on December 2, 2025.
What platforms will Hive Scum be available on?
It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and Windows.
What makes the Hive Scum class unique?
It features true dual-wielding pistols and melee weapons, customizable stimulants for combat boosts, and a combination of ranged, melee, and toxin-based combat styles.
Is there a Deluxe Edition for the Hive Scum DLC?
Yes, the Deluxe Edition includes the Hive Scum class, a Deluxe outfit, unique tattoos, weapon skins, and hairstyles.
How much does the Hive Scum DLC cost?
The standard DLC is priced at $11.99, with the Deluxe Edition at a higher price including cosmetics.
Conclusion
The Hive Scum class promise to shake up Warhammer 40,000: Darktide with its brutal, no-holds-barred combat style and customizable toxin and stimulant mechanics. Arriving December 2, 2025, it offers players a gritty, versatile new way to engage with Tertium’s chaotic underworld, blending ranged firepower and melee savagery with a distinct streetwise aesthetic.