Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide

Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide established the cooperative formula that its sequel would perfect. Four players took on roles of heroes defending the city of Ubersreik against Skaven invasion during the apocalyptic End Times. The Left 4 Dead-inspired gameplay created intense cooperative experiences in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.

The five hero classes offered distinct playstyles: the Witch Hunter's pistols and rapier, the Bright Wizard's pyromancy, the Dwarf Ranger's axes and crossbow, the Waywatcher's bow, and the Empire Soldier's versatility. First-person melee combat emphasized timing and positioning, creating visceral encounters with Skaven hordes.

The mission variety took players through diverse Ubersreik locations, from city streets to underground passages. The director AI system created dynamic encounters, preventing memorization while maintaining achievable challenges. Loot drops rewarded successful missions, driving the gameplay loop.

Vermintide proved that the Warhammer Fantasy setting could support compelling cooperative action games. The intense melee combat and atmospheric presentation created something distinctive in the cooperative shooter genre. The game's success led directly to Vermintide 2's expanded scope and refined mechanics.