packs, were released in the game’s
first year—and the arrival of systems
promised before the game’s launch.
Now, though, Fatshark is in a
place where it feels ready to cater to
that demand. The first stage of this
new phase of Vermintide II’s life was
the introduction of weekly
challenges—added in an update
released last
month. The
system is based
on the concept of
mutators—special
rulesets that
change the way
you play, and
sometimes even
new versions of
existing levels. On March 8, the date
of the game’s anniversary, players will
be treated to a special challenge that
sees Vermintide’s heroes embark on a
tour of nearby inns, looking for ale.
As they drink and have slurred
conversations—Kerillian has decided
that everyone should call her
queen—they gain a buff to their
attack. But if they go too long without
a swig of ale, they become hungover.
Drink too much, and they fall over.
It’s a fun celebration of everything
Vermintide II does well: The combat,
the joking, and even the lore, with
Games Workshop stepping in to
name the inns you visit.
Weekly challenges aren’t just
there to add
variety, but also to
give players
something to
work towards.
While not
available yet, the
ultimate aim is
for challenges to
award a new
in-game currency that players can
use to buy specific cosmetic items for
their characters. “It’s something
people have been poking us for since
launch,” says Wahlund.
Both the cosmetic shop and the
collectible paintings—also added with
the weekly challenge update—are
ways for players to work towards aA KIND OF MAGIC
What are the eight Winds?
GHYRAN, THE JADE
WIND
Lore of Life
Healing and rejuvenation.AZYR, THE BLUE WIND
Lore of Heavens
Curses, premonitions, and
lightning bolts.HYSH, THE WHITE WIND
Lore of Light
Illumination, healing, and
exorcism.CHAMON, THE GOLD WIND
Lore of Metal
Alchemy and transmutation of
metal.ULGI, THE GREY WIND
Lore of Shadows
Confuse, obfuscate, and wield
shadowy tendrils.SHYISH, THE PURPLE WIND
Lore of Death
Drain life, spread fear, and
communicate with spirits.GHUR, THE AMBER WIND
Lore of Beasts
Communicate with or
summon animals.AQSHY, THE RED WIND
Lore of Fire
Just basically lots of fire. And
maybe some brimstone.FATSHARK IS IN A
PLACE WHERE IT CAN
CATER TO THAT
DEMANDWarhammer Vermintide II: Winds of Magic
COVER FEATURE
ARMED
New weapons
are mostly
designed around
polearms, helping
you avoid getting
biffed.