My fascination with the occult, particularly its darker, more demonic facets, has always been a driving force in my gaming choices. I’ve been captivated by tabletop RPGs like Vampire: The Masquerade, Call of Cthulhu, and Candela Obscura, drawn to their moral ambiguities, thrilling narratives, and opportunities for supernatural power fantasies. Yet, even in these dark worlds, a glimmer of heroism or a “good guy” usually emerges. Warhammer 40,000, however, fundamentally shatters this notion.
In the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000, the line between hero and villain is utterly blurred. Games Workshop provides the exhilarating power fantasy of colossal armor and devastating weaponry, but genuine altruism is a luxury rarely afforded. Unlike most narratives where individuals resist darker impulses, Warhammer 40,000 compels you to embrace and act upon them, all in the name of a twisted form of justice. This inherent moral conflict was explored in Owlcat’s previous title, Rogue Trader, and it’s a central theme players will confront in their eagerly awaited new RPG, Dark Heresy.
While Rogue Trader placed players at the helm of a grand space opera, immediately establishing their authority, Dark Heresy shifts the perspective dramatically. Here, you embody an Inquisitor – a formidable agent tasked with enforcing the Emperor’s will, no matter the cost. Concepts of right and wrong cease to exist; only the Emperor’s decree and the eradication of heresy matter. This rigid binary, where the ultimate objective is clear despite a multitude of bloody consequences, demands a distinct mindset from players.
Executive producer Anatoly Shestov emphasizes this unique ethical landscape: “Traditional stories often present a clear delineation of good and evil, with consequences that align accordingly. However, in Warhammer, these concepts are so deeply intertwined that their true nature becomes indistinguishable. Our narrative isn’t about choosing between pre-defined good and bad; it’s about players making those judgments for themselves. A decision to eliminate seemingly innocent individuals might be deemed ‘good’ in a specific context, while punishing a ‘bad’ person could, paradoxically, lead to far greater suffering down the line if their existence prevents a larger corruption.” This intricate moral framework promises a truly thought-provoking experience.
A gripping gameplay trailer showcases the dark atmosphere and intense action of Dark Heresy, hinting at the morally ambiguous choices ahead for players.
As Shestov guided us through an early segment of the game, the familiar mechanics of Rogue Trader were evident, yet everything felt dramatically expanded. The environments and animations have received a significant visual upgrade; haunting, scrawled drawings of missing persons in a settlement deeply immerse you in the world’s grim reality. Caverns boast impressive verticality, setting the stage for complex combat, while destructible environments often conceal terrifying surprises, adding a layer of dread and tactical opportunity.
A striking divergence from Rogue Trader is Dark Heresy’s pronounced emphasis on detective work. Much like classic investigative titles, players must meticulously gather clues to compile reports for their Imperial superiors. Crime scenes demand thorough investigation, exploring every hidden corner. However, Shestov clarifies that this isn’t a purely cerebral endeavor; players will often need to “smash things up” to unearth crucial details, embodying more of an “Arnold Schwarzenegger” approach than a “Sherlock Holmes.” For fans of compelling detective narratives, this blend of deduction and destruction is incredibly appealing.
Shestov elaborates on the organic nature of this investigation: “The system doesn’t force a detective role upon the player; it emerges naturally from the story. We understood that incorporating this investigative layer would enable us to connect with players on a deeper level. It’s more than simply presenting facts, which could be found in an encyclopedia, or personal feelings gleaned from dialogue. Instead, it weaves a distinct, self-contained story within the larger narrative.”
An in-game screenshot depicts several characters from Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy investigating a corpse on a metallic grate, bathed in an eerie green light from nearby robots, highlighting the grim and investigative nature of the game.
Despite the investigative elements, much of the gameplay, as Shestov confirms, revolves around direct confrontation and “smashing” enemies. Warhammer 40,000 fundamentally champions destruction, with combat serving as its brutal core. Expanding on Rogue Trader’s established turn-based mechanics, Dark Heresy introduces a precise, Fallout-style targeting system. Players can now pinpoint specific body parts—arms, legs, head, torso, neck, or even eyes—each with a distinct hit chance. Successfully targeting a limb, such as an arm, can inflict severe wounds, potentially crippling an enemy and adding a thrilling new dimension of strategic depth to every encounter.
Combat scenarios have also seen significant enhancements, possibly drawing inspiration from Larian’s acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3. During a demonstration, an encounter with a bar full of grim, heretical gang members presented multiple tactical choices. While stealth or an all-out assault were options, the chosen approach involved getting the bandits inebriated before engaging, applying a series of debuffs. This flexible approach elevates how players can engage in major skirmishes, adding compelling strategic layers to already intricate battles.
Although the full extent of the battle wasn’t shown, the core turn-based system, with various party members utilizing their unique abilities, felt familiar from Rogue Trader. The cover system remains intact, but the overall combat experience feels undeniably refined and elevated. While a tavern brawl is entertaining, the anticipation for larger, more formidable boss encounters is immense, promising exhilarating opportunities to unleash devastation upon these enhanced heretics.
Another striking image showcases a hulking Ogryn character from Warhammer 40,000 engaged in combat with smaller, goblin-like creatures within a rugged, rocky environment, emphasizing the game’s diverse enemy types and action.
Shestov aptly characterizes Dark Heresy as the “fruit of Owlcat’s passion and labor,” a sentiment that resonated profoundly even after a brief hour of gameplay. This title is clearly designed to be grander, more audacious, and more intricate than its predecessor. In the landscape of post-Baldur’s Gate 3 CRPGs, Dark Heresy stands out as the only one with the genuine potential to rival Larian’s magnum opus. While its Warhammer setting might initially deter some, those who appreciate deeply immersive narratives and impactful, morally challenging decisions will undoubtedly find Dark Heresy to be an essential experience.
“We remain incredibly ambitious and enthusiastic, crafting the game we ourselves want to experience,” Shestov concludes with a confident smile. The prospect of delving into Dark Heresy’s brutal world is exciting, but for now, a revisit to Rogue Trader and its Lex Imperialis DLC will have to suffice. Embracing the true spirit of an Inquisitor, perhaps it’s time to let those darker, more decisive impulses guide my actions—for the Emperor’s will is absolute, and who am I to challenge it?