Just when Warhammer 40k fans were catching their breath after Rogue Trader’s turn-based triumph, Owlcat Games has dropped a heretical new announcement: Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy is on the way. This upcoming party-based CRPG promises a deep dive into the Calixis Sector, pitting players against cosmic corruption and moral ambiguity-while building on the design DNA of Rogue Trader and genre icons like Baldur’s Gate 3.
So, what’s new in Dark Heresy, and what does it mean for the future of 40k video games? Let’s break down the highlights and see how Owlcat is pushing the boundaries of digital heresy.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Owlcat Games |
| Release Date | TBA (Dark Heresy), June 24, 2024 (Rogue Trader: Lex Imperialis DLC) |
| Genres | CRPG, Turn-Based, Party-Based |
| Platforms | PC, Consoles |
After Rogue Trader turned heads with its smart fusion of Warhammer lore and modern CRPG mechanics, Dark Heresy promises to double down on player choice, party dynamics, and the ever-present threat of corruption. Players step into the boots of an Inquisitor’s acolyte, sent to uncover the secrets of the Tyrant Star—a cosmic anomaly that’s as sinister as anything the 41st Millennium has conjured up. Expect tough decisions, branching storylines, and plenty of ways to damn or save your soul (and your party).
The biggest twist this time? Your adventuring crew isn’t just a parade of Imperial archetypes. Owlcat is pulling in diverse characters from across the 40k spectrum: a grizzled Catachan Guardsman, a Kroot mercenary (yes, a Xenos!), and other figures whose loyalties—and morals—might not always align. It’s a bold shakeup for Warhammer games, which have traditionally stuck to factional lines, and hints at more layered party conflicts and unique roleplaying moments.
Core gameplay will feel familiar to fans of Rogue Trader or Baldur’s Gate 3, with turn-based tactical battles, fully voiced dialogue, and sprawling, choice-driven quests. The addition of feuding party members and more overt moral dilemmas suggests a heavier focus on replayability and consequence—a welcome evolution for both Owlcat veterans and CRPG newcomers.
For those not ready to leave Rogue Trader behind, there’s good news: the new Lex Imperialis DLC launches June 24, promising a 15-hour campaign as you cross paths with the Emperor’s enforcers, the Adeptus Arbites. Expect new recruitable familiars (robotic eagles, mastiffs, ravens, and a surprisingly adorable swarm of Servoskulls) and a storyline that wrestles with Imperial law. On top of that, Season Pass 2 is introducing two sizeable expansions—one delving into Necron mysteries, another into the eerie Processional of the Damned. Owlcat clearly plans to keep the content coming for the foreseeable future.
No release date for Dark Heresy yet, but founder packs are available for the most dedicated acolytes. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Warhammer veteran or a turn-based RPG convert, Owlcat’s mix of party drama, tactical combat, and 40k weirdness is shaping up to be one of the year’s most tantalizing announcements.
TL;DR: Owlcat Games takes another bold step into the Warhammer universe with Dark Heresy, a new party-based CRPG set in the Calixis Sector. Expect expanded party options (including Xenos!), tough choices, and the return of turn-based tactical combat. Meanwhile, Rogue Trader’s Lex Imperialis DLC lands June 24, bringing fresh narrative and gameplay to fans. The Emperor protects—but in Owlcat’s universe, you’ll need more than faith to survive.
Source: Owlcat Games via GamesPress