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Owlcat Games has been busy. The developer has a totally new Warhammer 40,000 RPG on the horizon, plus a few expansions for its current romp.
So, it’s heresy then!
If you’re a role-playing fan, then you probably know all about Owlcat Games. The developer has forged some of the best-loved modern cRPG’s, including the Pathfinder saga and 2023’s Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, which brought players into the depths of the grim/dark universe’s Koronus Expanse. And while there’s a chunky expansion (or two) coming for that already released title, there was a surprise announcement today for a totally new followup as well.
That game will be Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, which will likewise be a turn-based cRPG. That’s where the similarity ends though, as this time around players will find themselves battling the forces that seek the destruction of mankind in the boots of an Inquisitor.
Step into the shadows as an acolyte of the Inquisition in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, a second narrative-driven tactical RPG set in the beloved grimdark universe. Set against the backdrop of the Noctis Aeterna and the mystery of the Tyrant Star, players will lead a warband of diverse companions in a desperate battle against heresy and corruption, from loyal Imperial subjects, such as a veteran Guardsman from the death world of Catachan, to nefarious xenos, including a bird-like Kroot mercenary. With intricate investigations, a turn-based combat system, and choices that carry grave consequences, Dark Heresy is an atmospheric dive into the brutality and mysticism of one of the Imperium’s most feared organizations. The game greatly expands on the ideas introduced in Rogue Trader and features fully voiced dialogues.
Owlcat Games press release
There’s no release date just yet for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, though it’ll be making its way to the PC (via Epic, Steam, and GOG), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
About that expansion
As we mentioned above, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy doesn’t take the place of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader‘s expansion pack. That’s still very much on the way with Lex Imperialis, and will bring in some brand new elements.
Building on what Rogue Trader already offers will be an additional 15 hours of playtime. Lex Imperialis will intro the Adeptus Arbites, a brand new character, and both cybernetic eagles and cyber-mastiffs when it debuts as paid DLC next month.
Launching June 24, 2025, Lex Imperialis is the second major expansion for Warhammer 40,00: Rogue Trader. Thrusting players into the iron grip of Imperial Law, this DLC features a new 15-hour storyline that introduces the Adeptus Arbites, a faction of incorruptible enforcers, and a new companion—the grim and relentless Solomorne Anthar. With battle Familiars like cybernetic eagles and cyber-mastiffs, this DLC deeply enriches the gameplay and narrative layers of Rogue Trader.
Owlcat Games press release
Hang on though, because we’re not done yet. As hinted at above, today also brought another surprise, with the reveal of Season Pass 2 for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. It’s a season of content that will include two expansions and some appearance customization options.
Like Lex Imperialis, the next big expansion for the base game will be 15 hours in length. Unlike Lex Imperialis, fans can expect it to focus on the Necron.
The third major addition to the game will allow players to enter a Necron vault curated by the iconic Trazyn the Infinite, challenge ancient guardians, and uncover relics tied to the Von Valancius legacy. The fourth one will let them explore the Processional of the Damned — a surreal voidship graveyard, in a descent into madness and mystery. Each DLC will feature a new companion character, new quests deeply integrated into the main storyline, new mechanics, and deliver around 15 hours of gameplay.
Owlcat Games press release
Finally, those who pre-purchase the new season pass are in for a treat, as they’ll receive a special appearance pack. Look for “new hairstyles and augmenting implants” to be included there, according to Owlcat.
