Vermintide 2 will get a new progression in time for the release of Versus mode

Vermintide 2, which was reworked earlier this year after Darktide, is next. Fatshark's design director Joakim Seterberg explained this in a developer blog. With Versus mode now available, Fatshark decided to improve the way Vermintide 2 welcomes and keeps new players.

It's unlocking the restrictions on difficulty. In private games, it will be possible to play with friends, regardless of their Hero Power. This will make it easier to bring beginners along with your high-level characters. In public games, Hero Power restrictions have been removed from Veteran difficulty. Setterberg states, "We think that Veteran is a good entry point for players who are familiar with similar games like Darktide and want a more challenging game." I've seen people who completed the first Vermintide struggle to play Veteran in Vermintide 2; this is my personal experience. It's probably best to start with the easier Recruit mode, but it is nice to have this option.

The rewards for playing on higher difficulties are now increased by a quarter. (Vermintide 2 had XP multipliers based upon difficulty earlier in the game's life cycle. However, they were removed by a 2019 update that brought all XP to the same level as you would earn from playing Legend.

The loot system will also change. Items in chests will now be based on the level you are at when you earn them and not when you open them. This means that there is no reason to hoard. The rarity of loot is also changing, and will no longer be based on your level. Setterberg wrote that "you will almost always have the chance to get Common items, Rare items, Exotic items, and even Veteran Items from a game." But by playing at higher Difficulties, and upgrading your Chest Tiers, you will increase your chances of getting rarer items. You'll also find DLC weapons hidden in chests once you unlock the requirements to be able to use them.

The cost of crafting items will also be based on the level. The cost of crafting will change. It will require less Scraps, but add a Dust cost. To balance this, we will give players more Dust if they convert higher rarity Dust to lower rarity Dust. These changes will be communicated through the addition of extra information on the difficulty selection screen as well as when opening chests "where the Item Power and rarity percentages can be clearly seen."

The Handbook will also improve communication for new players, as it will explain mechanics that Vermintide 2, previously hidden. It would be nice if you could access this information in-game, instead of having to read a FAQ to find out about timed blocks or optimal weapon properties.

Fatshark intends to have this progress rework ready "later in this fall." Vermintide 2 is also planning another annual Halloween event, which will include double XP and rewards from previous years. This will run from October 31 through November 10.