In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.
But there are many facets to this war, all shaped and influenced by the unique setting of Warhammer 40,000. There are countless conflicts raging across the Imperium, from the legendary battles of the Space Marines to the heroic deeds of the Astra Militarum. They endure, hoping to hold back the vile influence of Chaos, the creeping threat of vicious xenos, or any one of the many other threats lurking in the dark recesses of the galaxy.
The story of Warhammer 40,000 is the struggle for survival and the war for Humanity’s soul in the face of unending horrors. And among this struggle, one story stands out to us: the Dark Heresy.
We're ready to show our hand and share how Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy will differ from Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Let's delve into the oppressive atmosphere of Dark Heresy and unveil some secrets about our upcoming project. We’ll reveal novel changes, fresh mechanics, and the distinctive tone that we will bring to Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy. So be sure to stay with us till the end.
And before we start, don’t forget to check out our video guide to Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy!
What is Dark Heresy?
Those who have played our games before know that adapting tabletop systems into video games is something we do quite often. That is what we did with Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, and this is what we’ll do with Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy.
But what is Dark Heresy? Dark Heresy is one of the most iconic role-playing systems in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. Dark Heresy has proudly stood the test of time for almost 20 years, shaping the system into the glorious state it is in today.
In Dark Heresy, we play as acolytes. We are mortal servants of the Inquisition in a sector where heresy festers right below the surface and the light of the Emperor has been extinguished.
The acolytes' resources are few, and enemies numerous. The servants of the Inquisition are tasked with investigating heresy, uncovering conspiracies, interrogating suspects, and combating eternal threats: heretics, xenos, and daemons alike.
What Makes Dark Heresy Unique?
Among the multitude of perspectives in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Dark Heresy depicts the dark, hopeless, gothic face of the Imperium, seen through the lens of the Inquisition.
While Rogue Traders venture brazenly into the unknown, cloaked in opulence and draped in ancient authority, the acolytes of the Inquisition walk in shadow. They are stripped of glory and are nameless in death. No gilded voidship bears their crest, no xenos relics fill their vaults, and no riches await them.
The world of Dark Heresy is decaying; it is full of fear, lies, and madness. We are living inside of a massive, necrotic empire, tasked with hunting heretics, xenos, daemons, and even each other. Our characters do not seek fame; we can only strive to survive in this abode of horrors, paranoia, intrigue, personal tragedy, and the ever-present fear of an enemy cloaked in shadow.
Dark Heresy reveals the very essence of the rot and corruption made manifest by the many atrocities committed in the Calixis Sector. It will show you that the most terrifying enemies are not just lurking out of sight — they are already among us.
How Does Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Differ?
The Story
As we’ve already shared, you will start the game as an Acolyte of the Inquisition, bestowed with an important mission. Any path you choose will not be easy. Moreover, you may choose not to be bound by tenets and creeds of the Imperium — decisions must be made, and the burden of their consequences must be embraced.
The Place
The game will take place in the infamous Calixis Sector, located in the Segmentum Obscurus. The main plot will unfold in the Scintilla System. It is the focal point of power, politics, and corruption in the whole sector. Scintilla is an overpopulated, polluted, and ancient place that hides dreadful secrets. Scintillian hives are built on bones, bathed in light, and ruled from the shadows.
The Combat
We have carefully worked through all your feedback on the combat system in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and have decided to make use of the same system framework for our next project. Of course, we are putting in great effort to improve combat encounters and rework the class system, as well as adding new mechanics. This will make the combat system even more original and exciting.
The New Mechanics
In addition to all the perilous adventures we have in store for you in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, we are also developing a new and exciting Investigation mechanic. In this interactive mini-game, you will be able to investigate crimes, analyse evidence, and dispense verdicts. But remember, your decisions will have consequences. We will tell you more about our new system very soon, so don’t miss out!
The Enemies
In Dark Heresy, one is never safe. Enemies are everywhere, and only faith can save these poor souls. Or… can it? In the dark void between stars, they lurk, ready to strike without warning. The Night Lords. You cannot hope for a swift end, for their weapon is far more cruel. Their main weapon is fear, but they also enact gruesome massacres, slaying whole populations in the name of their dark gods.
However, the Night Lords are not the only thing you should fear. The threat of the ominous Tyrant Star in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is beyond comprehension. It is believed to be many things; an omen of doom, a herald of madness, and a harbinger of death.
The Choices
The decisions in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy will present you with impossible moral dilemmas, making you feel the full weight of the consequences. There will not be a spectrum of good and evil, but of purity versus pragmatism. You will be able to choose the Puritan path: unyielding, absolute, and untainted. Or set out upon a more adaptive, yet perilous Radical course. Both adherents claim to serve the Imperium. Both believe that theirs is the correct course of action.
This was just a brief overview of what awaits you in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy. But more lies ahead. Stay tuned to see what we have in store!
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Thank you for being with us. The Emperor protects!