The Under-Empire Tunnels
Where the ratmen crawl and shadows bite.
The Under-Empire Tunnels are the vast, subterranean network of burrows, mines, and passageways that the Skaven have carved beneath the Old World. In Warhammer Vermintide, these tunnels serve as the primary arteries for Skaven expansion—a hidden highway of filth and warpstone that lets them move unseen beneath the feet of surface dwellers and erupt from the earth in surprise attacks on unsuspecting settlements. For the Ubersreik Five, these dark, cramped corridors are both a battleground and a constant reminder that the Skaven threat is never more than a few feet of packed dirt away.
- Affiliation
- Skaven Under-Empire
- First appears
- Warhammer: Vermintide (2015)
- Role
- Subterranean network for Skaven movement and warfare
- Notable location
- Beneath Ubersreik and surrounding regions
Lore & Background
The Under-Empire Tunnels are not a single, unified structure but a sprawling, chaotic maze of tunnels that connect Skaven strongholds across the Old World. Dug by countless slave laborers and Clan Moulder's monstrous creations, these tunnels are often unstable, reeking of warpstone, filth, and the acrid scent of Skaven musk. They allow the Skaven to bypass surface defenses, raid farms and towns, and gather intelligence without ever revealing their true numbers. The tunnels are also home to Skaven warrens, breeding pits, and storage chambers for stolen goods and warpstone, making them a vital part of the Skaven war machine.
In Their Own Story
The air was thick with the stench of decay and the faint, green glow of warpstone dust. Kruber's boots squelched in the muck as he followed the others deeper into the tunnel. The walls were rough-hewn, studded with bones and the occasional Skaven symbol. A distant chittering echoed, growing louder. 'They know we're here,' Saltzpyre muttered, his hand on his pistol. Suddenly, the floor gave way, and a tide of ratmen poured from a side passage, their red eyes gleaming in the dark. The fight was on, and there was no turning back.
Reader's Guide
The Under-Empire Tunnels in Vermintide are a claustrophobic, oppressive environment. The visual tone is dark and gritty, with dim light sources like flickering torches or the sickly green glow of warpstone. The walls are rough, often reinforced with wooden beams or Skaven-made machinery. The tunnels are narrow, forcing players into tight corridors where ambushes are common. Enemies include Clanrats, Stormvermin, Gutter Runners, and Ratling Gunners, as well as the occasional Rat Ogre or Packmaster. Environmental hazards include collapsing floors, warpstone gas pockets that damage over time, and narrow ledges over deep chasms. The tunnels connect to various surface locations, such as the streets of Ubersreik or the forests of the Reikland, making them a key part of the game's level design. What makes them distinct is their intimate, suffocating feel—every corner could hide a Skaven, and the constant sound of skittering and dripping water keeps tension high.
Did You Know?
- The Under-Empire Tunnels are inspired by the Skaven's lore in Warhammer Fantasy, where they are said to extend under nearly every major city of the Old World.
- In Vermintide, the tunnels often feature warpstone deposits that can be used by players to complete optional objectives or trigger events.
- The tunnels are a recurring setting in the game's levels, such as 'The Screaming Bell' and 'Into the Nest,' showcasing their importance to Skaven strategy.
- Skaven tunnels are notoriously unstable, and collapses are a common hazard, reflecting the Skaven's disregard for safety in their rapid digging.
More in World & Locations
Elsewhere in the Warhammer Vermintide universe
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