Warhammer: Vermintide II is an excellent co-op game, it takes the Left 4 Dead formula and injects it with a loving dose of classic Warhammer. As per our review from 2018, "it’s one of the finest co-op action games in years". And now the team at Fatshark is swapping out the melee fantasy setting and going into the distant future with Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.

Here's the announcement trailer.

Fight together with your friends against hordes of enemies in this new Warhammer 40,000 experience. From the developers of the best-selling and award-winning co-op action franchise Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a visceral 4-player co-op action game set in the hive city of Tertium.

In the depths of the hive, the seeds of corruption threaten an overwhelming tide of darkness. A heretical cult known as the Admonition seeks to seize control of the planet Atoma Prime and lay waste to its inhabitants. It is up to you and your allies in the Inquisition to root out the enemy before the city succumbs to Chaos.

"I am happy to announce Warhammer 40,000: Darktide to the gaming world today. We are utilizing the knowledge and experience honed from the Vermintide franchise in this new take on the 40,000 universe." says Martin Wahlund, CEO Fatshark. "We are bringing the four player CO-OP experience to a new setting, and we can’t wait to share the game with everybody in 2021."

As per above this is on track for a PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Game Pass release in 2021. Even though the 40K setting means more firepower, Fatshark notes that the focus will still be on a blend of melee and ranged ala Vermintide. We can't wait.