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Watch trailer on Steam ↗Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy
Owlcat Games · Published by Owlcat Games
Content notice: This game contains scenes and texts some people may find disturbing. They are not graphically detailed and presented from an isometric point of view, and most of them occur episodically. However, we consider it our duty to inform our players about them. You may see depictions of blood, gore, dismemberment, torture, slavery, and kidnapping in this game. It also contains textual descriptions and mentions of abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, cannibalism, and miscarriage. Player discretion is advised.
Last updated 9 Oct 2026
Become an acolyte of the Inquisition in this grim dark, party-based, story-driven cRPG. Lead investigations, uncover grand conspiracies, master tactical combat, and wage a secret war against heresy. Make tough choices as a conduit of the God-Emperor’s will.
Adventure, Indie, RPG, Strategy · More free games
Join forces with a party of investigators in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, where you'll lead missions to expose heretical threats and make critical decisions that shape your character's destiny.
About this game
Community Goals: Wishlist Milestones
The God-Emperor calls you to act. Join other players in glorious community activity and help achieve awesome rewards for all!
We’re launching the Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Wishlist Goals, a community-driven campaign where every milestone reached unlocks unique rewards for all players. From digital bonuses to awesome in-game content, each tier brings something new to discover.
About the Game
Embrace the role of an Inquisitor in the grim darkness of the far future in a cRPG set in the rich Warhammer 40,000 universe. Start your service as an acolyte of the Inquisition: Investigate heresy, command a diverse warband, and shape the fate of the Calixis Sector in a story-rich experience where every decision has weight, justice is non-existent, and the line between salvation and damnation is razor-thin. Explore an in-depth depiction of the Inquisition as an organisation and the vast force it commands: its power, bureaucracy, and inner conflicts laid bare like never before.
As an Inquisitor, you have one primary goal: to protect the Imperium, whether that be from the taint of xenos, the betrayal of heretics, or the scourge of mutants, by any means necessary. Be the conduit of the Emperor’s will in a place where all hope was lost decades ago, explore the mysteries of the maddening Tyrant Star, and overcome the worst horrors thrown at you by the Noctis Aeterna.
Your duty is to investigate heresy deep within the Calixis Sector. Your craft is to expose the hidden rot in places where no one else dares to look, to be the final defense of Humanity in the face of annihilation. Uncover nefarious plots, interrogate suspects, and piece together conspiracies in a deep investigative system. The only question is, how far are you willing to go on the path of damnation in the name of salvation?
Every Inquisitorial warband is unique, and yours is no exception. Ranging from loyal Imperial subjects, such as a veteran Guardsman from the death world of Catachan, to nefarious xenos, including an avian-like Kroot mercenary. Each and every one of them offers distinctive gameplay and a new perspective on the story with fully voiced dialogues.
Turn-based combat rewards careful planning and ruthless efficiency: target enemy weak points and keep each party member's morale high to gain the upper hand in every battle. Managing their individual morale effectively will maximise their combat potential. Complex yet elegant systems ensure deep interactivity, making every decision in combat impactful and every kill brutally satisfying.
System Requirements
Will my PC run this? →Recommended
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12600 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce RTX 3060 Ti / Radeon RX 6700 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 40 GB available space
Supported Languages
*languages with full audio support
Latest news
Press Coverage
"Your word is undeniable truth": Can't be bothered to find evidence in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy? It's fine, because no matter what, you're always right
If the promises that Owlcat are making of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy aren't just PR fluff, it sounds like we might be in for a good bit of fun. In Dark Heresy, you are an acolyte of the Inquisition, meaning you have to look out for that titular heresy, which actually means that you're a space cop. Boo to that in the real world, obviously, but it's a narrative device that can make for some interesting storytelling, and according to the game's narrative designer, that storytelling manifests in being able to wrap up investigations with hardly any evidence. Read moreRead full article on Rock, Paper, ShotgunAnnouncementsOfficial
Lord Captain Aspyce Chorda, the God-Emperor's Chosen
The Great Rift cleaved the Imperium in two, forever altering the fates of billions of the God-Emperor's subjects. The worlds cut off from Holy Terra and Humanity's main fleets now only have themselves to rely on — interstellar travel beyond the Cicatrix Maledictum has become a death sentence. Not everyone succeeded in returning to their homeworlds before the warp storm engulfed the galaxy... and many find themselves trapped, among company that is by turns strange and dangerous. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45629785/43765a5e66fc7ba7db5faf58a3cdbd961f8208a9.png Lord Captain Aspyce Chorda can trace her lineage to a noble Scintillan dynasty, but the best part of her dubious fame she earned in the neighbouring sector — the lawless Koronus Expanse. The Rogue Trader's path to greatness has been paved with intrigue, treachery, cruelty, and bloodshed — none would dare accuse Aspyce of eschewing even a single chance to rise above her rivals. Who can say what compelled the Lord Captain to forsake her ancestral hunting grounds in the Koronus Expanse to journey to Calixis? But for Aspyce, the journey proved to be a fateful one. When a warp storm cut off her route home, she found herself on Scintilla along with other refugees from across the sector. The capital world's nobility fear her reputation as a capricious and cruel ruler; the officers of the Imperial Navy respect her for her fearlessness and strength of will; while the Inquisition... watches her every move with suspicion. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45629785/502f61cc9ee373b1065f7424fcad5aaa66426a00.png When the entertainments of dazzling Scintilla begin to wear on the Rogue Trader, and her refined tastes demand ever more sophisticated and unusual distractions, anything becomes a potential source of diversion — even an Inquisitorial investigation, in which Aspyce Chorda finds herself so conveniently entangled. Playing a part in the cases and inquiries of the Holy Ordos is a privilege afforded, perhaps, only to Rogue Traders, who stand far ab...Read full article on Community Announcements (Starrok)AnnouncementsOfficial
Enemies Within, Without, and Beyond: Witness the Ordos of the Inquisition
Ravaged by the horrors of the warp and rotting from internal corruption, the Imperium survives not through mercy but through vigilance and fear. Lurking far beyond the sight and understanding of common citizens, the Inquisition endures as the Emperor’s unseen hand and silent judgement. It moves through the Imperium like a shadow cast across a dying sun, ever watchful, ever listening, its vigilance unceasing. This secretive organisation is divided into the three Major Ordos, each specialising in eradicating a specific kind of existential threat to the Imperium. Wishlist Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, and brace for a harrowing journey into the shadowy corners of the Imperium, where every choice courts damnation. Ordo Malleus Perhaps the most secretive and dangerous branch of the Inquisition, the Ordo Malleus is dedicated to combating the forces of Chaos and the daemonic entities of the warp. The Ordo Malleus, whose members are known as “Daemonhunter”, was established to confront the corruption of the Chaos Gods and the daemonic legions that serve them. Like all Ordos of the Inquisition, the Ordo Malleus answers to no earthly authority and operates with absolute autonomy, standing as the Imperium's foremost defence against the daemonic and the unknown. As with Inquisitorial strike forces across the wider Inquisition, those of the Ordo Malleus are intentionally small and precise, typically consisting of a Malleus Inquisitor and a hand-picked retinue of acolytes and Throne agents. When confronted with the most dire threats, the Ordo will often work alongside the formidable Grey Knights, a secretive and incorruptible chapter of Space Marines created for one singular purpose: the utter destruction of daemons wherever they manifest. Some within the Ordo bear ritual electoos, each a testament to a coven destroyed or a servant of Chaos slain. The eldest may be covered in ancient sigils recording the daemons they have vanquished. Others cloak themselves in black robes and deep...Read full article on Community Announcements (Eyler)Community & EventsOfficial
The Big Community Portrait Survey
Brace yourself, we are starting the big annual community survey! Our ever-growing fellowship of Owlcat fans keeps welcoming new faces — people who share our love for narrative-driven games full of depth and heart. As always, we want to hear from you! Fill out this survey to help us learn more about who you are and guide us as we craft the next unforgettable adventures. 🔗https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bigsurvey26🔗 {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45629785/8a3475a37324b7bf77b8ef3a0e2876e09d9bf77d.jpgRead full article on Community Announcements (Eyler)AnnouncementsOfficial
Isometric Sale: Now Live
The Isometric Sale has begun! Today we’re celebrating the games we love — isometric adventures! META Publishing and Owlcat Games have arranged the Isometric Sale, gathering more than 160 games into this one event and offering you special discounts. Do you love turn-based combat or real-time with pausing? Want to experience a deep story and explore vast worlds? Something is waiting for every kind of RPG fan From acclaimed classics to exciting discoveries, this is a perfect opportunity to expand your collection and embark on your next unforgettable journey. Discover new games and enjoy the discounts of the Isometric Sale! The sale will continue till August 19th, so, if your wishlist has been waiting for the right moment, this is it. 🔗Steam Sale Page🔗 Let's take a closer look at some of the special offers available. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader The treasures and secrets of the Koronus Expanse await its new Rogue Trader. Take up the mantle of the Lord Captain and shape your story. Will you stay devoted to the Imperial Creed or will you be merciful? Or maybe you’re ready to succumb to heresy? The choice is yours – grab Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader with a nice 65% discount! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2186680/Warhammer_40000_Rogue_Trader/ Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous – Enhanced Edition Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has a lot to offer to a true RPG lover — deep story, detailed companions, and lots of classes, races and potential builds. Explore nine unique Mythic Paths and lead the Crusade! It’s time to save Golarion from the all-consuming terror unleashed from the Abyss with 75% off. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1184370/Pathfinder_Wrath_of_the_Righteous__Enhanced_Edition/ Rue Valley A captivating story-rich adventure game where your character becomes stuck in a strange time loop. Discover the mysteries of Rue Valley with a 50% discount! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2126190/Rue_Valley/ Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Heresy is festering in t...Read full article on Community Announcements (Eyler)
