The new edition of Kill Team is dialing up the intensity with some of the most cinematic, action-packed missions you could hope to find in the Warhammer 40k universe. But this time, it’s not just about going head-to-head with another player in a tense battle of wits and tactics. Say hello to Joint Ops, a brand-new mode that brings co-op and solo play into the mix, giving us a fresh, exhilarating way to experience the 41st Millennium.
What’s Joint Ops All About?
Joint Ops introduces Player-versus-Environment (PvE) missions, where you and your buddies (or just you) can team up against a set of non-player operatives (NPOs). These missions are perfect for testing your strategic chops, teaching a newbie the ropes, or just messing around with new kill teams without the pressure of a competitive match.
The missions start with you choosing your kill team. You’ve got total freedom here—pick a single faction and split the operatives, or go wild with a mix of different teams. Ever wondered how a group of Ork Kommandos would fare alongside T’au Pathfinders? Now’s your chance to find out!
The Enemy: Non-Player Operatives (NPOs)
In Joint Ops, your enemies are the NPOs—basically, a swarm of lesser, non-elite troopers that you’ll often face in overwhelming numbers. Don’t get too comfortable, though. While they might not be as tough individually, their programmed behaviors make them a force to be reckoned with.
Each NPO is guided by one of two behaviors:
- Brawlers: These guys are all about getting up close and personal, charging straight into melee combat.
- Marksmen: These sneaky snipers prefer to hang back and take you out from a distance, especially if they’re guarding an objective.
Here’s the kicker: whenever there’s a rule conflict or decision to be made, the NPOs will always do whatever is worst for you. It’s a simple yet devious system that keeps the tension high and ensures you can never really predict what they’ll do next.
Customizing Your NPOs
You get to pick your NPOs using universal datacards that are flexible enough to represent pretty much any model in your collection. For instance:
- The Tough NPO is a Brawler with 10 Wounds and a strong melee weapon, making it perfect for stand-ins like Genestealers or Khornate daemons.
- The Heavy Marksman has all the characteristics of a Space Marine, but you could easily swap in an Einhyr Hearthguard or Hive Guard.
This flexibility means you can dive right in with whatever minis you’ve got on hand, and the datacards keep things straightforward without sacrificing the challenge.
Mission Variety and Fun Combos
The missions themselves are set across Killzone: Volkus and Killzone: Gallowdark, with straightforward objectives that belied the sheer fun of trying out different kill teams. Imagine the chaos when you pair Drukhari Mandrakes with Adeptus Arbites troopers—it’s the kind of wild hijinks that make these missions so enjoyable.
The rules are simple and easy to grasp. After a few games, controlling the NPOs will feel like second nature. This is just the beginning, too—Joint Ops is laying the groundwork for even more co-op and solo content in the future. Expect new missions, enemies, killzones, and mission packs to drop both online and in upcoming products, keeping the excitement alive as the edition develops.
If you’re a Kill Team fan, Joint Ops is a must-try. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills, explore new tactics, or just have some laid-back fun with friends, this mode offers a whole new way to play. Keep your eyes peeled for more reveals, and make sure to sign up for the Warhammer newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
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