Co-op action-RPG Warhammer: Chaosbane back with another beta

Hackin’ and wackin’ and smackin’ the Chaos hordes

If you’ve run out of steam in Diablo or Path of Exile or you’re simply looking for a semi-mindless dungeon-crawling distraction this weekend, the action-RPG Warhammer Chaosbane has raised its blood-drenched hand. The second phase of the closed beta is active until April 24 at 1:00am Pacific.

For those of you who sliced and diced in phase one, there are several notable changes to report.

First off, to get into the Chaosbane closed beta, you’ll need to pre-order (it’s releasing for PC, PS4, and Xbox One on June 4). This second round includes four characters – a Dwarf slayer, Wood-Elf scout, High-Elf mage, and Imperial soldier – with support for four-player co-op in local and online play.

Once you’re in, you can run the first three missions of Act 2 (featuring Praag, the Cursed City) as well as a newly-revised Act 1 (with scenes from Nuln). Eko Software smoothed over Chaosbane‘s inventory and took another pass at loot and XP balance. Aside from a beta-only requirement that you need to maintain an online connection while playing, the only other restriction is a character level cap of 25.

Oh, and your progress won’t be retained for the final launch version, so try not to get too attached.

The Warhammer universe is rich enough to fuel all manner of video game adaptations. There have been countless duds over the years, but we’ve also seen plenty of cool takes on the Games Workshop lore. Many of them have come with caveats; realistically, Chaosbane will too. The big question will be: Does this game have enough staying power? And if not, can it reach that point post-launch?

My number-one must-have requirement for a Warhammer ARPG is split-screen co-op. If all else fails – and really, Chaosbane seems perfectly serviceable as far as these things go – I’m glad that’s sorted.