The shadows of the Calixis Sector have never felt closer. As of December 18, 2025, Owlcat Games has officially launched the Closed Alpha for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy.
Following the massive success of Rogue Trader, Owlcat is returning to the 41st Millennium, but this time they are trading the golden throne of a privateer for the blood-stained badge of the Inquisition.
The Holy Ordos Call: What is Dark Heresy?
In Dark Heresy, you aren’t a billionaire dynasty heir with a voidship; you are an Inquisitor (starting as an Acolyte in the Alpha) tasked with the dirty work of the Imperium. While Rogue Trader was about expansion and conquest, Dark Heresy is a “grittier, tighter” experience focused on investigation, secrecy, and moral rot.
Key Features of the Game
- The Detective System: Unlike their previous games, Owlcat has introduced a dedicated investigation mechanic. You must gather clues, interrogate suspects, and connect evidence on an “Investigation Board.” Be warned: your conclusions can be wrong, leading you to execute the innocent while the true heretic escapes.
- A Different Kind of Party: The Alpha showcases a diverse retinue, including unique companions like a Kroot Mercenary and a Catachan Veteran.
- Turn-Based Combat Refined: While it shares DNA with Rogue Trader, the combat has been described as “grungier.” A new Morale System allows you to break the will of your enemies, forcing them to surrender or flee before the fight is even over.
- Full Immersion: In a major step up for the studio, the game features full voice acting for dialogues, bringing the grimdark atmosphere to life more vividly than ever.
Access isn’t open to everyone just yet. To step into the boots of an Inquisitor today, you generally need to have purchased one of the Founder’s Packs (specifically the Developers Digital Pack or higher) through the official Owlcat Games website.
If you are a backer, check your account portal for your Steam Alpha key. Owlcat has noted that this build is approximately 10–15 hours long, covering a significant portion of the game’s first act.
