Completing penances in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a major part of the gameplay experience, especially for players looking to earn cosmetic rewards or unlock new challenge-based achievements. One of the more sought-after challenges is the Quick Work penance, which has sparked plenty of interest and confusion within the Darktide community. Unlike some basic penances, Quick Work requires a mix of precise timing, effective team coordination, and a good understanding of mission flow. Knowing exactly how to trigger and complete this penance can save players hours of failed attempts and frustration.
Understanding Quick Work Penance
What is the Quick Work Penance?
Quick Work is a class-specific penance found in Darktide, often tied to the Veteran Sharpshooter or other characters depending on how the game evolves. It challenges players to complete certain tasks within a strict time limit, usually during a mission with specific conditions. Unlike general achievements, Quick Work has a timing requirement that forces players to not only succeed but do so efficiently.
Where to Find the Penance
Quick Work can be found by navigating to the penance tab in your character’s profile. Each class in Darktide has its own penance list, and Quick Work is often located under the Combat or Tactical category. Hovering over it reveals the criteria and what must be done to complete it successfully.
Requirements and Mission Setup
Conditions for Completion
The penance typically requires the player to kill a set number of enemies or complete a key objective in a short window of time. For example, the Quick Work penance for the Veteran may ask you to:
- Kill a specific number of enemies within X seconds
- Complete an objective (like planting a charge) in under a minute
- Perform a series of actions without downtime or being downed
Exact requirements can vary depending on updates or class balance changes, so it’s important to always check the latest version of the game.
Recommended Missions for Quick Work
Some missions are more suited for completing Quick Work than others. You should aim for missions that are:
- Short in duration and simple in layout
- Heavy with enemy spawns
- Light on environmental hazards or puzzles
Examples include assassination missions or repair-based runs where the objective is clear and speed is rewarded. Avoid defense missions or multi-phase maps where objectives stretch over long distances.
Tips for Completing Quick Work
Build Optimization
Before starting the mission, make sure your character build supports quick execution. For a Veteran Sharpshooter, consider focusing on:
- Critical hit chance to increase kill speed
- Reload speed for fewer downtime moments
- Stamina and toughness regeneration to stay in combat longer
Equipping perks that boost movement speed or reduce ability cooldowns will help you stay on pace during the mission.
Weapon Choice Matters
Your weapon can make or break your chances of completing the Quick Work penance. Ideal choices include:
- High rate-of-fire rifles for rapid enemy elimination
- Shotguns for close-quarters bursts during swarm events
- Melee weapons that allow fast swings and high cleave damage
Don’t use slow, heavy weapons unless you’re confident in timing. Precision and rapid movement are essential for this penance.
Team Coordination
While the penance might seem solo-oriented, having a supportive team can make completion easier. Communicate with your squad and explain your goal before the mission begins. Ask teammates to:
- Clear paths or cover you while you complete objectives
- Ping key enemies or objectives for faster location
- Heal or revive only if it doesn’t interrupt your progress
A team that understands your objective can make the entire process smoother, even if the penance is yours alone to complete.
Execution Strategy
Timing Your Attempt
Don’t rush at the start of the mission. Wait for the right conditions especially when the objective requires back-to-back kills or event-driven triggers. You’ll often need to:
- Wait for a large wave of enemies
- Prepare your cooldowns or grenades for maximum burst damage
- Use your ability strategically (e.g., Sharpshooter’s Volley Fire)
Having full ammo and grenade charges before starting your attempt is essential to avoid running dry mid-run.
Managing Positioning
Map awareness is crucial. Stay near choke points or corridors that funnel enemies toward you. This will:
- Ensure maximum efficiency of your area damage
- Allow you to line up headshots more easily
- Minimize flanking or rear attacks that break your rhythm
If you’re in an open area, you risk losing time by having to reposition frequently.
Ability Usage
Your class ability can turn the tide during the Quick Work moment. Don’t hold it back. Use it when you have the best chance to chain kills or speed up interactions. For example:
- Use Sharpshooter’s Volley Fire to instantly eliminate elites
- Deploy grenades when enemy clusters approach
- Use melee finishers to conserve ammo without breaking flow
The key is to use everything at your disposal without hesitation.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Restarting After Failure
If you fail the attempt during a mission, don’t get discouraged. Either restart the mission or wait for a similar opportunity in the same run. Most players don’t succeed on the first try. Keep refining your strategy.
Overreliance on RNG
While some aspects of the game are randomized, don’t blame RNG too quickly. Proper positioning and team awareness often matter more than what enemies spawn. Prepare for multiple enemy types and make sure you can adapt quickly.
Ignoring Pacing
It’s tempting to go full speed all the time, but Quick Work is about smart timing. Avoid pushing too early or using all your tools before the right opportunity presents itself.
Reward for Quick Work Completion
Completing the Quick Work penance usually unlocks a class-specific cosmetic or visual reward. This might include a helmet, armor piece, or weapon skin. These rewards are purely aesthetic but are a badge of honor for those who master their class mechanics and complete combat challenges with speed and precision.
Once you’ve earned it, the penance icon will turn gold, and your reward can be equipped from the character customization menu.
Quick Work in Darktide is more than just a time challenge it’s a test of precision, preparation, and performance under pressure. By optimizing your build, understanding the mission flow, and working with your team, you can greatly increase your chances of completing this rewarding penance. Stay patient, stay focused, and the glory of success will soon be yours in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K. Keep refining your approach, and don’t forget to enjoy the thrill of achieving one of the game’s more skill-based milestones.