Lore of the Old World & Vermintide Setting

Understand the Old World and its factions in Warhammer: Vermintide 2. Learn about the Skaven, Warriors of Chaos, and the impending End Times.

Welcome, stalwart Ubersreik Five (or Four)! Before you delve deeper into the rat-infested streets and Nurgle-blighted forests of Vermintide 2, understanding the grim and perilous world you inhabit is crucial. This section will provide a detailed overview of the Old World, the factions at play, and how the events of Vermintide 2 fit into the larger Warhammer Fantasy Battles lore.

The Old World: A Grimdark Reality

The Warhammer Fantasy setting, often referred to as the Old World, is a dark, brutal, and unforgiving place. It's a low-fantasy world where magic is dangerous, gods are real and terrifying, and humanity is constantly on the brink of annihilation. The Empire of Man, a sprawling collection of elector counts and provinces, is the primary bastion against the encroaching darkness, but even its strength is waning.

• Geography: The game primarily takes place in and around the Reikland province of the Empire. Key locations you'll encounter include:
  • Helmgart: A strategic mountain pass fortress, overrun at the start of Vermintide 2.
  • Ubersreik: The setting of the first Vermintide, a city now largely abandoned or under Skaven control. While not directly visited in Vermintide 2's base game, its fall is a constant shadow.
  • Bögenhafen: A port town featured in the Shadows Over Bögenhafen DLC, suffering from a Nurgle plague.
  • Castle Drachenfels: A legendary, cursed fortress explored in the Castle Drachenfels DLC, steeped in dark magic and ancient evil.
  • Athel Yenlui & The Blightreaper: Elven forests and ancient ruins, part of the Back to Ubersreik DLC, hinting at deeper magical threats.
• The End Times: Vermintide 2 is set during the cataclysmic "End Times" event in Warhammer lore. This period marks the final, desperate struggle against the forces of Chaos, leading to the destruction of the Old World. The events you participate in are not just local skirmishes; they are part of a global, existential war.

The Factions of Vermintide 2

Your enemies are numerous and varied, each with their own motivations and horrifying tactics. Understanding them is key to survival.

The Skaven: The Horned Rat's Brood

The primary antagonists, the Skaven are a race of malevolent, intelligent rat-men who dwell in vast underground tunnels, constantly plotting to conquer the surface world. They are numerous, cowardly, and utterly ruthless.

• Clan Fester: The specific Skaven clan responsible for the initial invasion of Helmgart and much of the chaos in the Reikland. They are known for their numbers and their alliance with Chaos.
• Skaven Hierarchy:
  • Clan Rats & Stormvermin: The backbone of their armies. Stormvermin, identifiable by their black armor and halberds, are elite shock troops.
  • Special Units:
    • Gutter Runner: Assassin Skaven, ambushing players from stealth. Listen for their distinctive hiss.
    • Packmaster: Wields a long polearm to hook and drag away isolated heroes. Prioritize these!
    • Rat Ogre: A monstrous, hulking beast of pure muscle. Focus fire and kiting are essential.
    • Globadier: Throws poisonous gas globes. Target their head for a quick kill before they deploy gas.
    • Warpfire Thrower: Wields a devastating flamethrower. Stay out of its cone of fire.
    • Poison Wind Mortar: Lobbing gas shells from a distance. Listen for the distinctive "thump" of the mortar.
• Strategy Against Skaven: Crowd control and cleave weapons are highly effective against their swarming numbers. Always be aware of your surroundings for special unit spawns.

The Warriors of Chaos: Nurgle's Rotbringers

A new, terrifying threat introduced in Vermintide 2, the Chaos forces are fanatical human cultists and mutated warriors devoted to the Ruinous Powers. Specifically, the forces you face are aligned with Nurgle, the Plague God, bringing disease, decay, and resilience.

• Nurgle's Influence: Expect to see green, sickly hues, bloated forms, and an emphasis on endurance and contagion.
• Chaos Units:
  • Chaos Marauders: Heavily armored human warriors, often wielding two-handed axes or shields. They are tougher than Skaven Clan Rats.
  • Chaos Warriors: Elite, heavily armored giants. Their attacks are slow but devastating. Aim for headshots or use armor-piercing weapons.
  • Chaos Spawn: A grotesque, multi-limbed monster. Its attacks are unpredictable, often grabbing and slamming players.
  • Blightstormer: A Chaos sorcerer who conjures whirlwinds. Prioritize taking them out from range before they can split your team.
  • Plague Monk: Fanatical, fast-attacking Skaven, distinct from regular Skaven due to their Nurgle affiliation. They can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player.
  • Nurglings: Small, mischievous daemons of Nurgle, often appearing in groups to harass players.
• Strategy Against Chaos: Armor-piercing weapons and abilities are crucial for dealing with Chaos Warriors and Marauders. Be prepared for sustained engagements, as Nurgle's forces are notoriously difficult to put down.

The Ubersreik Five (or Four): Your Heroes

Each playable character has a rich backstory intertwined with the Old World and their own reasons for fighting the encroaching darkness. Understanding their motivations can deepen your appreciation for the game.

• Victor Saltzpyre (Witch Hunter Captain, Bounty Hunter, Zealot): A zealous Witch Hunter, convinced of the pervasive corruption. His faith in Sigmar is unwavering, and he sees the Skaven and Chaos as manifestations of ultimate evil.
• Markus Kruber (Mercenary, Foot Knight, Huntsman): A grizzled Empire soldier, pragmatic and loyal. He fights for the common folk and the Empire he serves, often providing a grounded perspective amidst the chaos.
• Bardin Goreksson (Ranger Veteran, Ironbreaker, Slayer): A proud Dwarf, seeking to reclaim lost holds and avenge his kin. His grudges are many, and his axe is always ready to settle them.
• Kerillian (Waystalker, Handmaiden, Shade): A mysterious Wood Elf, aloof and often cryptic. She fights for the survival of Athel Loren and views the destruction of the Old World with a detached, ancient sorrow.
• Sienna Fuegonasus (Battle Wizard, Pyromancer, Unchained): A volatile Bright Wizard, constantly battling her inner demons and the allure of uncontrolled magic. Her pyromancy is devastating, but her control is a constant struggle.

By understanding these foundational elements of the Old World and the Vermintide setting, you'll not only appreciate the game's rich narrative but also gain a strategic edge against the horrors that await you. Good luck, heroes!