Warhammer 40k goes MOBA with Dark Nexus: Arena

In the grim darkness of the far future, there are only massively multiplayer, online battle arenas.

No before you go saying ‘another MOBA?’, have a look at what’s involved with Dark Nexus: Arena. The game is a MOBA in classic sense, but with the twist of having a more strategic bent. And of course, it’s the first based on Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k license.

“With its storied legacy, numerous races and passionate fan base, the Warhammeruniverse is perfect for a MOBA,” said Jonathan Falkowski, CEO, Whitebox Interactive. “The shooter control scheme and changes we are implementing for the upcoming Early Access launch provide an innovative experience for MOBA players, while staying true to Warhammer 40,000‘s beloved lore.”

And there is a pretty interesting ‘story’ to this one too, as it focuses not he Dark Eldar. Seems that these vicious Eldar variants have abducted and enslaved members of every race from across the Warhammer universe. Staying true to their usually evil intentions, these captured combatants are then forced to battle each other in gladiatorial matches in the capital city of Commorragh, on the Dark Eldar homeworld.

As for the gameplay, you’ll have to focus your character’s abilities with your teammates if you want to win. Healers, tanks and other familiar classes will be present to play as, and you’ll have to take advantage of all the help you can get to capture the Dark Nexus. That’s how matches will conclude by the way, as you’ll heave to ‘capture’ the title element three times to come out as the victor.

Maybe the biggest difference between Dark Nexus: Arena and other games in the genre though, is that you have what’s descried as shooter-like control over your character in the game. So taking cover, dodging shots and attacks, and targeting enemies feels much more direct than in your usual MOBA.

Sounds pretty interesting, and if you’re a Warhammer 40k fan, Dark Nexus: Arena just might be a game worth checking out. You can grab a copy through Steam’s Early Access program starting on December 9th.