Games Workshop never detailed how the Skitarii's most iconic weapon reloads, so Fatshark helped model it after a gaming classic

The Mystery of the Skitarii's Galvanic Rifle

When thinking of the Skitarii in Warhammer 40k, their iconic longarm, the Galvanic Rifle, immediately comes to mind. This visually striking weapon resembles a flintlock with a glowing blue cylinder mounted on its undercarriage, blending old-world charm with futuristic design. However, one lingering question has always been how it reloads—does it use a clip, or is it more like a revolver rifle? This ambiguity presented a unique challenge for Fatshark when developing the Skitarii class for Warhammer 40k: Darktide.

During a preview session, lead designer Victor Magnuson revealed that the team faced a significant hurdle. "It took us a while to figure out how they actually work, and Games Workshop didn't know either," he said. "They've never looked at them in this type of detail before, so it's something we worked together with them to figure out—how this would actually work in this type of fidelity."

A Nod to Gaming History

To solve this mystery, Fatshark turned to a well-known gaming classic: the M1 Garand. According to Magnuson, this choice allowed the team to "pay homage to a gaming classic, the M1 Garand, which is a weapon I really love using in other games." The M1 Garand is a staple in many World War II shooters and Call of Duty titles, known for its distinctive "ping" sound when the magazine runs dry and needs to be reloaded.

This iconic feel was something Fatshark wanted to capture with the Galvanic Rifle. "We came up with this idea where there's a clip of actual bullets that you put in," Magnuson explained. "And then the coil thing on the bottom is where the galvanic charge comes from." This approach not only gave the rifle a satisfying reload mechanic but also made it feel more grounded in a real-world context, adding depth to the Skitarii's arsenal.

A Satisfying Experience in Darktide

After spending time with the Skitarii class and using the Galvanic Rifle as my primary ranged weapon, I can confirm that the result is both impressive and satisfying. Fatshark's attention to detail extends beyond just the rifle—Transonic Blades, typically associated with the Sicarian Ruststalkers, have also been adapted for the Skitarii. These blades allow for a unique sword and dagger combo, enhancing the class's versatility in combat.

If you're ready to experience the Skitarii class firsthand, Warhammer 40k: Darktide is now available on Steam. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Warhammer universe or a newcomer looking to dive into its rich lore, the Skitarii's Galvanic Rifle is sure to become one of your favorite weapons in the game.