The Reikwald Forest

Lore & Background

The Reikwald Forest has stood for millennia, its roots tangled with the history of the Empire itself. Legends speak of it as a remnant of the primordial woods that once covered the Old World, and it is said that even the mightiest of Imperial armies tread carefully along its paths. The forest is crisscrossed by ancient trade routes, but many of these have fallen into disuse as the Skaven and Beastmen have grown bolder, turning the Reikwald into a no-man's land where only the desperate or the foolish venture without armed escort.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell in sheets, turning the forest floor into a sucking mire that tugged at their boots like hungry mouths. Kruber wiped the water from his eyes and peered into the gloom, his handaxe ready. 'Keep close,' he muttered, but his words were lost to the wind. Then came the skittering—a sound like a thousand claws on bark, rising from every shadow. From the darkness, a tide of fur and rusted blades surged forth, and the Reikwald swallowed their cries as it had swallowed so many before, leaving only the drip of rain and the gnawing silence.

Reader's Guide

In Vermintide, the Reikwald Forest levels are defined by a claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere. Thick fog often limits visibility, and the sound of dripping water and distant howls sets a constant edge. The environment is a mix of muddy trails, crumbling stone bridges, and abandoned watchtowers, with dense undergrowth that can hide ambushes. Enemies here include Skaven clans (Clan Fester and others), with Stormvermin and Gutter Runners emerging from the shadows, alongside Beastmen in later missions. Environmental hazards include collapsing structures and treacherous cliffs. The Reikwald feels distinct from generic Warhammer forests due to its specific role as a contested borderland—a place where the Empire's grip is weak, and the ruins of old battles litter the ground. It is not a pristine wilderness but a scarred, haunted place where every tree might hide a rat's nest.

Did You Know?

• The Reikwald Forest is named after the River Reik, which flows through it and connects Altdorf to the sea.
• In Vermintide, the forest serves as the setting for several early missions, including 'The Screaming Bell' and 'The War Camp,' where the Ubersreik Five first taste the true scale of the Skaven menace.
• Beastmen warherds are known to roam the deeper parts of the Reikwald, often clashing with Skaven for territory in bloody, unrecorded battles that leave the earth churned and the trees scarred.
• The forest is said to contain hidden ruins from the time of the ancient Dwarf empire, though few have returned from seeking them.