Summary
With the recent announcement ofWarhammer 40,000: Dark Heresyduring Games Workshop’s annual Skulls reveal show, fans of40kvideo games have another high-quality title to be excited about. Developed by Owlcat Games, the creators ofWarhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, this new title promises to be another epic CRPG adventure across thegrimdark future of the 41st millennium.
Dark Heresyis based on a 2008 tabletop RPG of the same name, with players taking on the role of an acolyte of the Inquisition. While only a small amount of gameplay and information has been revealed so far, this small morsel has given players an exciting look into the future game. Owlcat Games has quickly become a major name in the world ofWarhammervideo games, andDark Heresylooks set to solidify this status with new, deeply immersive gameplay and fully voiced characters.
1The Calixis Sector
Explore A Cursed Area Of Space
Like the tabletop RPG,Dark Heresyis set in the Calixis Sector, an area of the Milky Way galaxy located in the Segmentum Obscurus in the far galactic North. Due to the area’s proximity to the Eye of Terror, a colossal warp rift where the forces of Chaos reside, the Calixis Sector is prone todaemonic incursionsand Chaos attacks. This has only increased since the formation of the great rift that tore the galaxy in two.
In addition, players are set to investigate the mysterious Tyrant Star that can be found in the Calixis Sector. The Hereticus Tenebrae, also known as The Tyrant Star, is a dark stellar anomaly that appears at random in different locations and always heralds a planet’s doom. The existence of this Black Dwarf star, along with the Inquisition’s interest in the prophecy surrounding it, will likely be key to the narrative ofDark Heresy.
2The Inquisition
The Secretive & Feared Organization
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresyrevolves around the Inquisition. This powerful faction is tasked with seeking out and stopping the many dangers that threaten humanity, often with fanatical zeal. This is one of the most secretive and dangerous factions within the Imperium. They enjoy almostunrivaled powerand access, and have the authority to destroy entire planets if it aids their goals.
Dark Heresypromises players an in-depth look into the Inquisition organization with “its power, bureaucracy, and inner conflicts laid bare.”This statement hints that, like inRogue Trader, players must navigate various political situations and gain allies and enemies within the Inquisition itself.
3Investigation Mechanics
Uncover Hidden Secrets
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Traderoffered players a vast and immersive story, filled with warring factions and hidden secrets.Dark Heresylooks to be building on this narrative style even further, with players taking on the role of an investigator.
The game’s description states players will “Uncover nefarious plots, interrogate suspects, and piece together conspiracies in a deep investigation system.” These exciting new mechanics may offer complex narrative possibilities, with different outcomes relying on the information the player gathers.Dark Heresyis poised to be a deeply immersive experience with an untold number of outcomes ready for players to discover.
4Career Path
Create A Unique Character
Much like inRogue Trader,Dark Heresywill likely offer players a variety of options when creating their character. Starting as an Inquisition Acolyte, players will choose different career paths and rise through the ranks of the Inquisition, with each pathoffering different abilitiesand proficiencies.
WhileDark Heresy, the video game, is likely to differ fromDark Heresy, the tabletop RPG, fans can be close to certain that some of the known career paths will be available in the game. In the tabletop RPG, players can choose from either an Adept, Arbitrator, Assassin, Cleric, Guardsman, Imperial Psyker, Scum, Tech-Priest, Adepta Sororitas, or Grey Knight. While fans don’t know which of these will be available in the video game, these offer players an exciting variety of story-changing playstyles and powerful abilities.
5Combat & Morale System
Battle The Enemies Of Humanity
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Traderoffers playersin-depth combat mechanicsthrough various characters and classes. Using a turn-based system, players can strategize the best way to approach any dangerous situation with numerous abilities and weapons available to aid in the fighting.
Dark Heresyis set to build on this, using the same style of turn-based combat. However, this time, a Morale system is being introduced overRogue Trader’s Momentum. Players will need to manage their party’s morale, which becomes vital during combat encounters to boost combat efficiency. How deep this morale system goes beyond combat, fans have yet to find out. However,Dark Heresypromises “complex yet elegant systems” that hint at some intriguing possibilities for combat encounters.
6Companions
Revealed Allies
Companions are a major part of any CRPG experience, with different characters offering unique abilities in combat and fun storylines to explore.Dark Heresyis no different, with five of the game’s diverse playable companions already revealed.
Epione Spes is an Inquisition acolyte and the party’s healer. Haymar Devos is a combat specialist and a member of the elite Catachan jungle fighters. Conscript O-118-B, simply known as Cogg, is a large and powerful Ogryn, a subspecies of human tolerated by the Imperium. Ra’akhti is a xenos mercenary of the predatory Kroot race. These avian-like creatures can evolve after consuming genetic material. Lastly, Laarthyr Cairnareth is anAeldari Corsairand a powerful psyker who has entered into a dangerous alliance with the Inquisition.
7Enemies Of The Imperium
Overwhelming Evil
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresywill likely feature a diverse army of enemies that players must battle. The40ksetting has no shortage of inhuman monstrosities to feature in the future game. However, Owlcat has already revealed some of the dangerous foes players will face.
In the trailer, players were treated to a few glimpses of gameplay, which included battles with the Kroot. These carnivorous xenos are known members of the Tau Empire and are used as savage frontline warriors in battle. This may hint that the Tau will also play a major role inDark Heresy’s story. Also revealed in the trailer were theforces of Chaos. This took the form of a deformed mutant spawn that breathes fire and a terrifying Night Lord Space Marine. The Night Lords are masters of fear and pain and are set to be a major enemy inDark Heresy’s story.
