Shadows instead of glory – why Dark Heresy is different
Warhammer 40,000 is known for larger-than-life heroes, epic battles, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. But with Dark Heresy , the developers at Owlcat Games turn the image on its head: instead of glory and riches, the focus is on doubt, fear, and brutal compromises.
The setting for the new cRPG is the Calixis Sector, a crumbling empire rife with corruption, where xenos, demons, and heretics spin their webs unnoticed. As acolytes of the Inquisition, players do not appear in splendor and glory, but in hideouts, catacombs, and back rooms. “Survival is already a victory here,” say the devs in their latest diary entry. Even legendary enemies such as the Night Lords are said to leave their bloody mark in the distance – a clear message to all those who expect only heroic adventures.
Instead of black-and-white thinking, it’s about moral abysses. Purity collides with pragmatism, every step could cost loyalty or ruin entire companions. Decisions have long-term effects here – and they are relentless.
Investigations, companions, and playing with terror
But Dark Heresy doesn’t just want to tell a story, it also wants to break new ground in terms of game mechanics. After its experience with Rogue Trader, Owlcat Games has refined the combat system, made encounters more nuanced, and introduced a completely new element: the “investigation” mechanic. Players collect clues, question suspects, and reconstruct crime scenes—much like an inquisitorial investigation. This investigative layer adds depth to the dark setting and makes the players themselves the judges of guilt and innocence.
Your own Inquisitor is supported by a warband that could hardly be more diverse. A gruff veteran from the death world of Catachan meets a Kroot mercenary with dubious motives. This mixture of duty and strangeness forces delicate alliances that could break at any moment. The whole thing is set in the dark era of Noctis Aeterna and the mystery surrounding the Tyrant Star. Material that is sure to give lore fans goosebumps.
Dark Heresy is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Fully voiced dialogue, tactical combat, and a story full of grave consequences make it clear that this is no ordinary role-playing game, but a bitter look into the darkest corners of the 41st millennium.