Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Warhammer Vermintide.
What is Warhammer Vermintide in a nutshell?
It is a co-op action RPG series built on the Warhammer Fantasy setting, created by the Swedish studio Fatshark. Up to four players team up to battle through narrative-driven missions filled with enemy waves and set-piece encounters.
Who can I play as?
The base roster centers on a band of rat catchers and their allies, including a human warrior, a dwarf, a Skaven-hunter, and a few others drawn from the broader Warhammer world. Additional characters have been introduced over time through expansions and free updates.
What is the overarching story?
The campaign follows a group of rat catchers who stumble onto a Skaven ratling's scheme to unravel the world order. The plot unfolds across multiple acts and locations, with the ratling serving as the driving antagonist throughout.
Who made the games and what studio is behind them?
Fatshark, based in Sweden, developed both Vermintide titles and continues to support them with live-service patches, new content, and balance updates. They are the sole developer and publisher for the series.
How many main entries are there and which should I play?
There are two core releases: the original 2015 Vermintide and the 2018 Vermintide 2. Vermintide 2 is the actively supported title with a larger roster, more missions, and an upgraded engine, making it the natural starting point.
What does the gameplay actually feel like?
Each mission is structured around clearing successive waves of enemies, surviving arena set-pieces, and taking down a boss at the end. The combat emphasizes fast melee and ranged attacks, dodge mechanics, and building up weapon upgrades between fights.
Who is the main villain I am fighting?
The central antagonist is a Skaven ratling whose long-term plan is to trigger a cataclysm that will destroy the known world. He appears directly in key story beats and is the figure the party ultimately must stop.
Is the game free to play or do I have to buy it?
Both Vermintide titles are paid purchases, though Fatshark has run occasional free-to-play weekends to let new players try the experience. There is no permanent free tier.
Where should a total newcomer begin?
Start with the base campaign of Vermintide 2, which introduces the characters, story, and core mechanics in a guided sequence. Once comfortable, branching missions and higher difficulties offer a natural progression path.
What do fans tend to remember as standout moments?
The final confrontation with the ratling in Vermintide 2 is often cited as the series' emotional and mechanical peak. Fans also point to the relic and weapon upgrade systems, which let players craft highly personalized builds across repeated playthroughs.