Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy has revealed gameplay screenshots — and they’re making me want to sign up for its Alpha Test as they look glorious

by

Like what you’re reading? To see more of our latest news, reviews, and features, consider setting Windows Central as a preferred source in Google Search. You can learn more about the benefits of doing so on our site!

Players who pre-ordered the Collector’s Edition or Digital Packs of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy will be the first to experience the game’s gameplay with an Alpha Test launching on Steam December 16, 2025.

Owlcat Games recently shared new screenshots to build excitement for their upcoming role-playing game. The images offer a look at the game’s dark setting, characters, battles, and unique investigation mechanics.

Let’s examine these screenshots and discuss the issues we’ll be addressing in a game I’m really looking forward to in 2026.

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is a new computer role-playing game (CRPG) set in the dark and gritty science fiction world of Warhammer 40,000.

You take on the role of an Inquisitor’s assistant, part of a galactic organization dedicated to rooting out threats to humanity. This group, known as the Inquisition, investigates and eliminates heretics, aliens, mutants, and anyone else who endangers the Imperium of Man.

You’ll be deployed to the Calixis Sector to eliminate dangerous Chaos cultists and mutants who are disrupting the peace. As you do, you’ll also investigate the strange and terrifying Tyrant Star to uncover its secrets.

Throughout your journey, you’ll investigate crimes to uncover hidden heresies, gather a skilled team of warriors, fight challenging turn-based battles, and face difficult decisions that could impact the entire Calixis Sector and even further.

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy will play much like the previous game, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, though these new screenshots highlight some important changes and improvements.

The game’s combat has been improved with a more user-friendly interface, and players will find new strategies and techniques to learn during fights.

A new feature called Body Targeting lets you aim attacks at specific parts of an enemy’s body, working much like the VATS system in Fallout.

Injuring an enemy’s arms or legs severely weakens them, making them easier to defeat or disrupting their current attack.

A key difference between Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is how investigations work in Dark Heresy. It features a dedicated system for them, setting it apart from the other game.

As a member of the Inquisition, your job is to solve crimes throughout the Calixis Sector. You’ll examine crime scenes, question people – sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully – gather evidence, and then report your findings to the Inquisition so they can decide what to do with the suspects.

Your journey will be challenging. You’ll encounter obstacles, misleading clues, and people who might deceive or even try to harm you.

I’m really excited because in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, you don’t have to go it alone! You can build a team of awesome companions who are great at both fighting and solving mysteries, which is perfect for this kind of adventure.

Within the group, individuals like COGG the Ogryn, Epione Spes the skilled doctor, and Haymar Devos, a veteran of the Catachan jungles, could prove loyal to the Imperium.

You can also add members of alien races to your warband. While this might create some internal conflict, it can also offer advantages for your mission. Currently, you can recruit Kroot outcasts like Ra’akhti and the Eldar Corsair Laarthyr Cairnareth.

I can’t wait to dispense vigilante justice in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy

The more I learn about Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, the more I want to play it.

The game’s combat is suitably brutal and bloody for a Warhammer 40,000 title, and the characters are interesting enough to make you want to know more about them. I’m particularly excited to see the Kroot featured, as they’re often overlooked in Warhammer 40,000 games.

I find the Investigation System in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy to be the most compelling part of the game.

Don’t worry if you hit a dead end while solving a mystery – you won’t have to begin again from scratch. Investigations aren’t straightforward; your decisions and the evidence you find can open up different story paths and lead to unique outcomes.

Even if innocent people are harmed, it’s possible to justify breaking the rules to enforce the law, create misleading reports to achieve what you believe is right (or to benefit yourself), or punish someone simply because you dislike them.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader offered players a huge amount of story options, and I expect Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy will offer a similar depth of content, especially with its new Investigation System.

I’m a big fan of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – my coworker Samuel Tolbert enjoyed it too, giving it a 4 out of 5 stars – and its expansions, Void Shadow and Lex Imperialis. I’m really looking forward to the release of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy in 2026.

FAQ

When does Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy release?

No release date for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy has been announced at this time.

Is Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy available to pre-order or wishlist?

You can buy the Collector’s Edition or digital versions of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy now through the official game website. You can also add the game to your Steam wishlist.

What platforms is Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy coming out on?

The role-playing game Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. You’ll be able to download and play it on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

How do I sign up for the Alpha Test?

If you want to join the first playtest of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, starting December 16, 2025, visit the game’s official website to sign up.

To get access to the Alpha and Beta tests, you’ll need to become a Founder by purchasing either the Collector’s Edition or one of the Digital Packs.

Read More

2025-12-09 18:11