Darksiders 4: Will Strife Finally Ride? Exploring the Series' Future

Aug 02, 2025

Darksiders 4: The Burning Question – Will Strife Finally Ride?

The Darksiders franchise, developed by Vigil Games (later Gunfire Games) and published by THQ Nordic, has captivated players with its unique blend of hack-and-slash combat, puzzle-solving, and a compelling narrative rooted in the Book of Revelation. The core concept of playing as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse has been a major draw, with each game offering a distinct gameplay style and perspective on the overarching story. With War, Death, and Fury already having their own dedicated titles, the burning question on every fan's mind is: When will Strife, the final Horseman, get his chance to shine in Darksiders 4? This article dives deep into the possibilities, analyzing clues, developer statements, and fan theories to explore the potential future of the franchise.

A History of the Darksiders Saga

To understand the anticipation surrounding Darksiders 4, it's crucial to revisit the series' history and how each game has expanded upon the lore and introduced the Horsemen:

Darksiders (2010): Introduced us to War, falsely accused of prematurely starting the Apocalypse. The gameplay focused on methodical combat and exploration in a ruined Earth.
Darksiders II (2012): Shifted the focus to Death, War's brother, who sought to prove his sibling's innocence. This installment featured a larger open world, RPG elements, and a loot system.
Darksiders III (2018): Presented Fury's perspective as she hunted down the Seven Deadly Sins. Darksiders III offered a more challenging combat experience with a greater emphasis on dodging and timing.
Darksiders Genesis (2019): A prequel starring both War and Strife in a top-down, co-op action RPG. This game provided significant backstory and a closer look at Strife's personality and fighting style.

Each game offers a distinct gameplay experience while furthering the overarching narrative. The absence of a dedicated title for Strife, especially after his prominent role in Genesis, leaves fans eagerly awaiting his solo adventure.

Why Strife is the Obvious Choice for Darksiders 4

Several factors point towards Strife being the protagonist of the next mainline Darksiders game:

The Pattern: With War, Death, and Fury already featured in their own titles, completing the quartet with Strife is the logical and expected next step.
Darksiders Genesis: Strife's co-starring role in Genesis served as a potential test run, showcasing his abilities and establishing his character for a larger audience. The positive reception to his gameplay and personality strengthens the case for a solo title.
Narrative Potential: Strife's personality as the more cynical and sarcastic Horseman provides a unique angle for storytelling. His reliance on guns and ranged combat could lead to innovative gameplay mechanics.

The series has always hinted at the complexities and underlying tensions between the Horsemen. Exploring Strife's perspective, especially his relationship with the Council and his doubts about the war, could add significant depth to the lore.

What We Know About Strife So Far

Darksiders Genesis offers the most comprehensive look at Strife's character and abilities. He is portrayed as the most pragmatic and skeptical of the Horsemen, often questioning orders and exhibiting a dry sense of humor. Key aspects of Strife include:

Dual Pistols: Strife's signature weapons are his twin pistols, Mercy and Redemption. These firearms allow for ranged combat, a departure from the melee-focused styles of War, Death, and Fury.
Ammunition Types: Genesis introduced various ammunition types for Strife's pistols, offering tactical advantages against different enemy types. This mechanic could be expanded upon in a potential Darksiders 4, providing players with diverse combat options.
Hesitation and Doubt: Strife struggles with the moral implications of his actions, often questioning the Council's motives. This internal conflict could form the basis of a compelling narrative in his own game.

By understanding Strife's established characteristics, we can speculate on the potential gameplay and story direction for Darksiders 4.

Potential Gameplay Mechanics for Darksiders 4: Strife

A Darksiders 4 starring Strife offers exciting possibilities for new gameplay mechanics:

Ranged Combat Focus: Given Strife's proficiency with pistols, the game could emphasize ranged combat and tactical positioning. Players might need to utilize cover and manage ammunition effectively.
Gun Customization: Expanding on the ammunition types from Genesis, Darksiders 4 could introduce a robust gun customization system, allowing players to modify their weapons with different barrels, scopes, and attachments.
Stealth Elements: Strife's cynical nature might lend itself to stealth gameplay. Players could utilize stealth to bypass enemies or set up ambushes.
Agility and Mobility: To compensate for his ranged focus, Strife could possess enhanced agility and mobility, allowing him to quickly dodge attacks and reposition himself in combat.
Co-op Integration: Drawing from Genesis, there could be ways to integrate co-op play, potentially with another returning Horseman, even within a primarily single-player experience. This could be through specific dungeons or missions designed for two players.

These potential mechanics could differentiate Darksiders 4 from its predecessors, offering a fresh and engaging gameplay experience.

Story Possibilities for Darksiders 4

The narrative possibilities for a Darksiders 4 centered on Strife are vast. Some potential story arcs include:

Investigating Corruption: Strife could be tasked with uncovering corruption within the Charred Council, forcing him to confront his own doubts and loyalties.
A Personal Quest: Strife might embark on a personal quest to find a missing ally or uncover a secret from his past.
Dealing with the Consequences of Genesis: The ending of Darksiders Genesis leaves the fate of Lucifer uncertain. Strife could be tasked with hunting him down, dealing with the fallout from the events of the game.
A Moral Dilemma: Strife's inherent skepticism could be tested by a situation where he is forced to choose between two equally undesirable outcomes, forcing him to confront the complexities of morality in a war-torn world.

Exploring these themes through Strife's cynical lens could provide a thought-provoking and morally ambiguous narrative.

Fan Theories and Speculation

The Darksiders community is rife with fan theories and speculation about the future of the franchise. Some popular theories include:

A Time Travel Element: Some fans believe that Darksiders 4 might involve time travel, allowing Strife to interact with characters from previous games and alter the course of history.
The Seventh Seal: The breaking of the Seventh Seal is a major event in the Darksiders lore. Some theories suggest that Darksiders 4 might focus on the consequences of this event and the role the Horsemen play in the new world order.
The Fate of the Charred Council: The Council's power and authority have been questioned throughout the series. Some fans speculate that Darksiders 4 might see the Horsemen overthrowing the Council and establishing a new governing body.

While these are just theories, they highlight the passion and engagement of the Darksiders community.

Developer Statements and Hints

THQ Nordic and Gunfire Games have been relatively tight-lipped about Darksiders 4. However, there have been a few hints and statements that fuel the speculation:

Joe Madureira's Comments: Joe Madureira, the creative director of the original Darksiders, has expressed interest in continuing the series and exploring the stories of all four Horsemen.
THQ Nordic's Teases: THQ Nordic has made vague statements about the future of the Darksiders franchise, suggesting that they have plans to continue the story.
Focus on Strife: In various interviews surrounding the release of Darksiders Genesis, developers highlighted the desire to explore Strife more deeply and mentioned he was a fun character to create.

These statements, while not definitive confirmations, suggest that the developers are aware of the demand for a Darksiders 4 and are considering Strife's story.

Why Darksiders 4 is Crucial for the Franchise

Darksiders 4 is more than just another game in the series; it's a crucial step in completing the narrative arc and solidifying the franchise's legacy.

Completing the Horsemen's Story: Giving Strife his own game would finally complete the story of the Four Horsemen, providing closure for long-time fans.
Expanding the Lore: Exploring Strife's perspective could add new layers to the lore and reveal secrets about the Darksiders universe.
Attracting New Players: A new Darksiders game could attract new players to the franchise, especially if it offers a unique gameplay experience and a compelling story.
Maintaining Momentum: The success of Darksiders Genesis proved there is still a strong interest in the franchise. A follow-up featuring a core character like Strife would help maintain the series' momentum.

By delivering a high-quality Darksiders 4, THQ Nordic can ensure the long-term success and relevance of the franchise.

The Challenges of Developing Darksiders 4

Developing a successful Darksiders 4 is not without its challenges:

Meeting Expectations: Fans have high expectations for Darksiders 4, and the developers must deliver a game that meets or exceeds those expectations.
Balancing Innovation and Tradition: The game needs to introduce new gameplay mechanics and story elements while staying true to the core Darksiders formula.
Avoiding Repetition: Each Darksiders game has offered a distinct gameplay experience. The developers need to ensure that Darksiders 4 feels fresh and unique.
Marketing and Promotion: Effectively marketing and promoting Darksiders 4 will be crucial to its success, especially in a crowded gaming market.

Overcoming these challenges will be essential for delivering a compelling and commercially successful Darksiders 4.

Darksiders: Beyond the Mainline Series

While the focus is primarily on a mainline Darksiders 4, other avenues could be explored to expand the universe and keep fans engaged:

Spin-offs: Games focusing on side characters or exploring different time periods within the Darksiders universe.
Comics and Novels: Expanding the lore and telling stories that may not fit within the scope of a video game.
Animated Series: Adapting the Darksiders storyline for a wider audience through animation.

Exploring these options could further solidify Darksiders as a multimedia franchise.

The State of THQ Nordic and Gunfire Games

The success of Darksiders 4 hinges on the capabilities of THQ Nordic and Gunfire Games. It's important to examine their current state:

THQ Nordic's Portfolio: THQ Nordic has a diverse portfolio of games, ranging from remasters of classic titles to original IPs.
Gunfire Games' Experience: Gunfire Games has a proven track record of developing successful action games, including Darksiders III and Remnant: From the Ashes.
Financial Stability: THQ Nordic's financial stability allows them to invest in ambitious projects like Darksiders 4.

With a strong publisher and a talented development team, the prospects for Darksiders 4 are promising.

Analyzing Darksiders III's Reception and Lessons Learned

The reception to Darksiders III offers valuable insights for the development of Darksiders 4:

Combat Difficulty: Some players found Darksiders III's combat to be too difficult, particularly the reliance on precise dodging and timing. Darksiders 4 could offer more difficulty options or a more forgiving combat system.
Open World Design: While Darksiders III featured a more interconnected world, some players felt it lacked the scale and variety of Darksiders II. Darksiders 4 could benefit from a larger and more diverse open world.
Storytelling: Some players found Fury's story to be less compelling than those of War and Death. Darksiders 4 needs to deliver a strong and engaging narrative to resonate with players.

By addressing these criticisms, the developers can ensure that Darksiders 4 is a more polished and satisfying experience.

How Darksiders Genesis Influences the Future

Darksiders Genesis, while a spin-off, provides crucial information that could affect the future of the series:

Co-op Mechanics: Genesis introduced co-op gameplay to the Darksiders franchise. This mechanic could be integrated into Darksiders 4, either as a main feature or as an optional mode.
Strife's Playstyle: The gameplay in Genesis already demonstrates a functional ranged combat system for Strife, serving as a template to build upon in a potential sequel.
Lore Expansion: Genesis explored the events leading up to the Apocalypse, providing valuable context for the main series. Darksiders 4 could build upon this lore and reveal new secrets about the Darksiders universe.

Darksiders Genesis has paved the way for a more ambitious and engaging Darksiders 4.

The Importance of Community Feedback

The Darksiders community has played a vital role in shaping the franchise. THQ Nordic should continue to listen to community feedback and incorporate it into the development of Darksiders 4.

Forums and Social Media: Engaging with fans on forums and social media platforms can provide valuable insights into their desires and expectations.
Surveys and Polls: Conducting surveys and polls can help gauge interest in specific gameplay mechanics and story elements.
Early Access Programs: Releasing early access builds to a select group of players can provide valuable feedback and identify potential issues before launch.

By actively involving the community in the development process, THQ Nordic can ensure that Darksiders 4 is a game that fans truly want to play.

The Future of the Darksiders Universe

The Darksiders universe has the potential to expand far beyond the main series. Here are some ideas for the future:

Darksiders 5: After Strife's game, a potential Darksiders 5 could focus on the Horsemen working together to rebuild or reshape the world after the events of the previous games.
A Prequel Series: A prequel series could explore the origins of the Horsemen and their relationship with the Charred Council.
Multiplayer Games: A multiplayer Darksiders game could allow players to create their own characters and participate in epic battles in the Darksiders universe.

The possibilities are endless, and with the right vision and execution, the Darksiders universe could continue to thrive for years to come.

When Can We Expect Darksiders 4?

Unfortunately, there is no confirmed release date for Darksiders 4. Given the development cycles of previous Darksiders games, it's reasonable to expect that the game is still in the early stages of development. A realistic estimate would be a release sometime in 2025 or later, depending on the scope and ambition of the project. Until an official announcement is made, fans will have to rely on speculation and hope for the best.

Conclusion: The Ride Continues

The question of whether Strife will finally ride in Darksiders 4 remains unanswered, but the evidence strongly suggests that it's only a matter of time. The potential for innovative gameplay mechanics, a compelling narrative, and the completion of the Horsemen's saga makes Darksiders 4 a highly anticipated title. With a talented development team and a dedicated community, the future of the Darksiders franchise looks bright. The ride is far from over, and fans eagerly await the day when Strife finally takes center stage.