Skaven Warlord (The White Rat)

Learn how to take down the Skaven Warlord, also known as The White Rat, in Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide. This guide covers its attacks and strategies for victory.

Alright, so you've stumbled upon the Skaven Warlord, or 'The White Rat' as some call him. He's a nasty piece of work, and definitely one of the tougher challenges you'll face in Vermintide. Don't worry, though, with a bit of know-how, you'll be sending him back to the Under-Empire in no time. This guide is all about breaking down his fight so you can come out on top.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• The Skaven Warlord is a boss enemy with a significant health pool.
• He's susceptible to focused fire, especially from ranged attacks, but getting close is dangerous.
• Look for opportunities to hit him when he's recovering from an attack or during specific animations.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Initial Assault - The Warlord will start by using his powerful melee attacks and summoning smaller Skaven to distract you. He'll often leap or charge.
2. Phase 2: Increased Aggression - As his health drops, he becomes more aggressive, chaining attacks and using his ranged abilities more frequently. He might also summon more dangerous specials.
3. Phase 3: Desperation - In his final moments, he'll unleash his most devastating attacks and may become more erratic. Focus fire and avoid his area-of-effect abilities.

Strategy:

• Keep Your Distance: Whenever possible, try to keep some space between you and the Warlord. His melee attacks hit hard and have a wide reach. Ranged characters should focus on dealing damage from a safe distance.
• Dodge and Weave: His charges and leaps are telegraphed. Learn the timing to dodge out of the way. Don't just stand there and block; dodging is key to survival.
• Prioritize Specials: If the Warlord summons other specials like a Ratling Gunner or a Stormvermin patrol, deal with them quickly. They can easily overwhelm your team while you're focused on the boss.
• Use the Environment: Utilize cover to block his ranged attacks and create breathing room. Sometimes kiting him around obstacles can give your team the advantage.
• Teamwork is Crucial: Communicate with your team. Call out his attacks, when he's about to charge, or when specials appear. Stick together, but don't bunch up too much, as some of his attacks have an area of effect.
• Focus Fire: When you have an opening, especially after he's finished an attack animation, have your team unload as much damage as possible. This is how you'll burn through his health effectively.
• Watch for the White Rat's Signature Moves: He has a few key attacks, like a sweeping claw swipe, a lunging stab, and a ground pound that sends out a shockwave. Knowing these will help you anticipate and react.