Owlcat Games has unveiled their latest venture into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 with the announcement of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, their next narrative-driven tactical RPG following the success of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The reveal came during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase, where fans were introduced to the role of an Inquisitor, one of the Imperium's most feared and revered enforcers.
Here's the official description:
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 set to deliver 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.
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is slated for release on PC (available on Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. While no specific release window was provided, anticipation is high for this deep dive into the world of the Inquisition.
In addition to the announcement of Dark Heresy, Owlcat Games shared plans for future content for Rogue Trader. The second major story expansion, Lex Imperialis, along with Season Pass 2, which includes two additional DLC expansions and an appearance customization pack, are on the horizon.
Lex Imperialis immerses players in the world of Imperial Law, introducing a new 15-hour storyline featuring the Adeptus Arbites, a faction known for their incorruptible enforcement, and a new companion, the stern Solomorne Anthar. Players can expect to encounter battle Familiars such as cybernetic eagles and cyber-mastiffs, enhancing the gameplay and narrative depth. This expansion is set to launch on June 24, 2025, and promises to be accessible to all players.
Season Pass 2 for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader will bundle two new expansions and an appearance customization pack. The third expansion takes players into a Necron vault, overseen by the fan-favorite Trazyn the Infinite, where they'll confront ancient guardians and uncover relics linked to the Von Valancius legacy. The fourth expansion, titled The Processional of the Damned, invites players to explore a voidship graveyard, delving into a surreal journey of madness and mystery. Both expansions will introduce new companion characters, quests integrated into the main storyline, new mechanics, and approximately 15 hours of gameplay each.
For those who missed the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast, you can catch up on all the announcements and trailers from the event to see what else is in store for the Warhammer 40,000 universe.