Owlcat Games has pulled back the curtain on their upcoming party-based tactical cRPG, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, with a brand-new developer diary. Expanding on the studio’s experience from Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, the team detailed how they’re shaping Dark Heresy into a distinctive, grim journey rooted in secrecy, moral compromise, and survival.
The dev diary offers a glimpse into the studio’s design process, highlighting how player feedback influenced changes to combat, class structure, and entirely new gameplay systems designed to reflect the investigative nature of the Inquisition.
Acolytes of the Inquisition
Unlike the wealth and authority of the Rogue Traders, acolytes of the Inquisition live and die in the shadows. They inherit no voidships, wield no riches, and receive no eternal glory. Instead, they move through the rotting colossus of the Calixis Sector, fighting heresy, xenos threats, and the creeping influence of daemons.
The diary describes Dark Heresy’s tone as one of decay and futility, where players must accept that even victory may come without recognition. Lurking in the void are the dreaded Night Lords, harbingers of cruelty whose presence adds even more dread to the already oppressive gothic atmosphere.
Morality Reforged
Where many RPGs present morality as a spectrum of good versus evil, Dark Heresy twists the paradigm into purity versus pragmatism. Every decision carries grave consequences, with choices that often feel impossible, ensuring players live the true weight of serving the Inquisition.
The diary emphasizes that choices won’t be easily defined, and players may often have to sacrifice lives, principles, or ideals in the pursuit of a greater purpose.
New Gameplay Mechanics
Owlcat revealed that Dark Heresy will refine and expand mechanics first introduced in Rogue Trader. Combat encounters are being rebuilt for more challenge and tactical depth, while the class system has been reworked to provide greater flexibility in warband composition.
Most notably, a new Investigation mechanic has been added. This interactive mini-game allows Inquisitors to gather evidence, interrogate suspects, and issue verdicts, further rooting the gameplay in the investigative fantasy of the Inquisition.
About Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy casts players as acolytes of the Inquisition during the Noctis Aeterna, with the mystery of the Tyrant Star looming in the background. Players will assemble a warband of unique allies, from loyal Imperial veterans to enigmatic xenos mercenaries, and lead them through a narrative-driven experience full of choice, consequence, and turn-based combat.
The game promises fully voiced dialogue, complex investigation systems, and a richly atmospheric dive into the dark, gothic heart of the Imperium.
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is in development for Windows PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store) and consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S). Players can wishlist the game now or support its development by purchasing a Founder’s Pack via the official website.