Popular co-op action game Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is expanding its horizons with Versus Mode, a PvP+E (Player versus Player and Environment) mode that transforms what players know the game to be.
This new Versus mode pits eight players against each other in an asymmetrical battle that combines competitive gaming with the title’s signature cooperative elements.
In this new format, players are split into two teams of four: the Heroes and the Pactsworn. Heroes must progress through sectioned maps while completing objectives and collecting points, while Pactsworn players take control of enemy forces to stop them.
The twist? Teams switch roles after each round, creating a balanced experience where players must master both offensive and defensive strategies.
“No other games are doing this type of multiplayer,” said Joakim Setterberg, Fatshark’s design director for Vermintide 2. “It’s like a PvP+E asymmetric multiplayer… This means just letting players have a lot of casual fun—with one side trying to play the game, while the other is trying to troll.”
‘Human deviousness and evil’
The mode has undergone extensive beta testing for eight months, with player feedback showing strong positive reception.
To ensure a balanced experience, Fatshark is implementing matchmaking systems that pair players of similar skill levels, preventing veterans from overwhelming newcomers.
Unlike many competitive modes in modern games, Versus mode takes a more casual approach. “By going a bit casual, we can focus on some of the fun aspects rather than the absolute fairness aspect,” explains Setterberg.
This design philosophy allows for a unique gaming experience powered by what Setterberg playfully describes as “human deviousness and evil.”
With Versus mode, Vermintide 2 isn’t just adding a new way to play—it’s creating a fresh take on competitive gaming that maintains the game’s core appeal while introducing new strategic depths. With the devs balancing accessibility and fun over strict competitive balance, we could witness a new standard set for how games approach PvP content.
