The new isometric RPG set in the Warhammer universe finally has an official release date! I’ve been following this project for a long time, and I’ve made sure to give Owlcat Games’ promising title plenty of coverage here on TBL. Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy will be released on 28th January 2027 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version will be available via Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. A Switch 2 version is also in the pipeline, with release details to be announced at a later date.
The studio has also been issuing a new release date trailer with the announcement and is setting out the remaining beta participant and prospective backer deadlines. January is looking set to be a very busy month for anyone wanting to serve the Emperor, provided the recruitment forms survive the trip.
Dark Heresy sees you playing as an Inquisitorial acolyte operating in the Calixis Sector, investigating suspected heresy by interrogating the suspects and working out the conspiracies. Your decisions will have a direct impact on how the campaign plays out. Owlcat is also looking at the Inquisition itself (its own bureaucracy, the various internal squabbles, the way it goes about protecting the Imperium, etc.).
A recruited warband forms the backbone of those investigations and the fighting that comes after. The band consists of Imperial troops and alien mercenaries (a Catachan veteran and a Kroot are already known to be in the group). Each member brings their own set of skills and their own take on the story, resulting in a warband whose individual interests are unlikely to be perfectly aligned.
Combat is turn-based with Owlcat very much stressing the importance of enemy weak points and individual morale as key tactical considerations. Keeping your party members’ morale up is key to them being able to perform well, so their state of mind is another factor you’ll want to take into account when you’re planning an encounter. The wider campaign then blends those battles in with investigations and your own choices as to how far you want to go in the Inquisition’s service.
The release announcement also confirms the beta will close on 7th January 2027 as Owlcat gets ready for the full release. That’s three weeks prior to launch, so current beta participants have a very clear cut-off point for their time in the beta.
Founder’s Packs will be available until early January via the official site. Owlcat are pointing out the benefits of having your name in the credits and getting some exclusive in-game rewards as well as the option to go for the Collector’s Edition. There’s no specific final purchase date given.
Collector’s Edition buyers should also check the shipping address stored in their account. Owlcat intend to start shipping the Collector’s Editions very shortly after the game launches, so the physical shipping will go out well after the 28th of January.
Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy is available to wishlist on Steam and Owlcat have confirmed that further announcements and updates will come as we approach release.
