LORETIDE - Veteran - Loyalist Vraks PDF - Mk V or Mk VIII Infantry Autogun + Mk VIII Combat Axe
 Veteran Build - Warhammer 40k: Darktide 

Link to Discussion thread.

1. Foreword

Welcome to the Driptide series, where I craft lore-themed builds paired with fitting cosmetic setups, prioritizing fun and variety over strict adherence to the meta or optimization. While these builds may not always align with the current meta or pursue min/maxing, they promise an engaging experience for those seeking something different.

Before I make a build public, it undergoes extensive playtesting and adjustments to prove its viability in Auric Damnation. This ensures that although they can be unorthodox, you will be able to have fun without worrying about being deadweight.

Additionally, sometimes the weapons selected for these builds, though unconventional at times (such as the Valhalla Ice Warrior with Mk VII Tactical Axe), are chosen for thematic coherence and to stave off monotony by diversifying gameplay away from the usual meta weapons—a core principle of this series.

2. Contents

1. Foreword
2. Contents
3. Introduction
4. Overview
5. The Drip
6. Melee Weapon
7. Ranged Weapon
8. Curios
9. Talents
10. Tactics

3. Introduction

Lore link: Siege of Vraks

Although there is no lore basis for this idea, I have thought the concept of a "loyalist" Vraksian trooper somewhat interesting. It is likely that in reality not every person on Vraks turned traitor, with loyalist holdouts scattered across the planet.

The basis for the colors comes from artwork of Vraksian traitors, and given the abundance of projectile weapons in the armament stores on Vraks, I have chosen the Graia Mk VIII Infantry Autogun as the ranged weapon for this build. Combined with the Achlys VIII Combat Axe, this build requires a high level of player skill to perform at Auric Damnation/Maelstrom.

For players who may find this setup challenging, the Columnus Mk V Infantry Autogun and Rashad Mk II Combat Axe, using the same blessings and perks, are meta replacements that will make things much easier.

4. Overview

Player skill required: Beginner - Average - Competent - Expert

Unlike the Rashad and Antax Combat axes, the Achlys Mk VIII Combat Axe does not have any straight forward combos and requires the utmost concentration on position and no missed inputs to ensure maximum efficiency with each strike.

The Columnus Mk V Infantry Autogun has some of the highest DPS potential in the game with easy to manage recoil. The Graia has strong DPS potential, though not as much as the Columnus, and is much harder to control. This requires the player's aim to be optimal for the duration of each mission and is much less forgiving than the Columnus.

This is only recommended for Expert players who are looking for a challenge and want a non-meta build.

5. The Drip

• Primary - Chemzone Sludge Camo.
• Secondary - Stormranger Camo or Chemzone Sludge Camo.
• Head - "Hollow" Shemagh.
• Upper Body - Survivor's Sentry Uniform.
• Lower Body - Survivor's Punishment Uniform.
• Accessory - Munitorum Mk VIII Backpack.

6. Melee Weapon

Achlys Mk VIII Combat Axe

Perks

1. Flak - Increased damage to Dreg bruisers.
2. Unyielding - Left click spam on weakspots for Monstrosities.

Blessings

1. Brutal Momentum - Additional cleave for hordes.
2. Headtaker - Increased damage on each hit.

Combos

1. Hordes - H1, L2, PA
2. Ragers - H1, PA
3. Single Target - L1, L2, L3 

H = Heavy, L = Light, PA = Push Attack

7. Ranged Weapon

Graia Mk VIII Infantry Autogun

Perks

1. Flak - Standard damage perks.
2. Maniac - Standard damage perks.

Blessings

1. Dum Dum - DPS increase
2. Fire Frenzy - DPS increase

Crouching when shooting will greatly reduce the vertical recoil.

8. Curios

Stats

1. Health
2. Toughness
3. Toughness

Perks

1. Toughness
2. Health
3. Corruption Resistance

9. Talents

Close Order Drill and Confirmed Kill from top middle are standard picks.

Frag grenades to help with melee if you are having a bad with with the Achlys and mixed hordes/ragers.

Ammo aura to compensate for Graia poor ammo economy.

Executioner's Stance with Superiority Complex (Elite damage) and Bring it Down! (Ogryns & Monstrosities damage) plus Rending Strikes and Onslaught are taken for ranged weapon DPS.

Obligatory Demolition Stockpile for free grenades.

10. Tactics

Hordes/Mixed Hordes

Achlys H1, L2, PA combo.

Specials

Graia ADS

Ragers/Maulers

Graia ADS first if possible, then Achlys H1, PA combo with grenades if required. If they are on their then L spam gives strong downward strike single target dps.

Bulwarks

Grenades to open then Graia ADS, or usual dodge then melee attack.

Shooters/Gunners/Reapers/Snipers

Grenades + Achlys heavies.

Monstrosities
Achlys light downward strike spam.