Innocence proves nothing. This isn’t just a statement to be taken lightly. Rather, it’s a mantra—one that must be ingrained if you wish to survive as an Acolyte of the Inquisition in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, the latest computer role-playing game (CRPG) from Owlcat Games.

As a member of the Holy Ordos, you'll utilize vast intelligence networks, ruthless cunning, and (in some cases) morally dubious ploys to protect the Imperium of Man from any and all threats. And as the otherworldly blackness—the Noctis Aeterna—spreads across the Galaxy, you might just realize that you and your ragtag band are the last line of defense for the entirety of the Calixis Sector.

Owlcat Games is no stranger to crafting intricate systems, immersive worlds, and grand narrative arcs, having developed Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. These were followed by 2023's Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, which was also the studio’s first foray into the Warhammer universe. But while Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy does share some of its role-playing DNA with Rogue Trader, there are still several key differences.

“The first thing you might notice about Dark Heresy is the change in the status of the main character,” notes Olga Kellner, the team’s Lead Narrative Designer. “After playing as Rogue Traders who stand above the rules imposed by the Imperium upon its subjects, Dark Heresy players will have to get into the shoes of a humble Acolyte of the Holy Ordos, which naturally comes with a range of limitations. Dark Heresy will focus more on investigative decisions that have long-lasting consequences. We also want to showcase a more intimate depiction of life on an Imperial world, from the dingy lower levels to the wicked glitz of a Hive City’s spires. [We’re aiming to present] a setting that’s even darker and grittier than our previous title.”

It’s in these dingy lower levels where my journey began as I played the Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy alpha. Upon arriving at the slums of Marisportum Sectoris, I was informed about the mass disappearance of citizens, the iron-fisted rule of a baron, the vengeful killings committed by feral gangs, the involvement of a strange cult, and the presence of mysterious “bog beasts.”

Of course, as an Acolyte, you have to follow each and every lead. This presents multiple opportunities for gathering clues, whether details from NPCs that you coerce or intimidate, key documentation from dataslates, hard-to-spot footprints that can be scanned by your floating Servo-Skull, and, in some cases, analysis from your own allies.

During one investigation, I had to reconstruct a crime scene deep within the bowels of an excavation site. I debated between various suspects and eventually came to a conclusion, complete with an Inquisitor’s stamp of approval. Surprisingly, a character then said that my theories were tenuous at best, causing me to wonder if I'd made the wrong choices.

“Technically, there is no wrong answer in every investigation. After all, what the Inquisition says, goes,” says Kellner, referencing the powers vested upon members of the Ordos. “There will also be opportunities to act akin to an executioner rather than a judge, and there will be instances where your reputation in the Inquisition depends on how you resolve a case. However, since you will usually deal with groups or factions, the ramifications will be appropriately greater.”

It’s this system of choice and consequence that further draws you into Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy’s grimdark setting, from using innate skills like Intimidation and Diplomacy in conversations to making pivotal decisions that can impact the story at large. And if all the clues and deductions become too overwhelming, Kellner notes that there will still be opportunities for players to “BS their answer to every investigation.” It’s a means of progressing through the campaign for those who don’t want to put a lot of effort into checking out all the evidence.

Much of the lore regarding the structure, actions, and intricacies within the Ordos comes from Black Library novels written by author Dan Abnett, i.e. the Eisenhorn, Ravenor, and Bequin series. Kellner even admits to personally recommending Abnett’s novels, as well as those written by other authors like Aaron Dembski-Bowden and Peter Fehervari, to every narrative designer that joins Owlcat Games.

“That said, there are no direct connections between Dark Heresy and the Eisenhorn saga,” Kellner clarifies. “Still, over the years, the Inquisition books that feature Eisenhorn and Co. have become a staple of how fans imagine the Holy Ordos to be. It’s a given that some elements that Dan Abnett included in his works—like a Daemonhost used by a Radical—are nowadays something that you cannot separate from the image of a ragged and jaded Inquisitor. So, yes, in a way, you might still notice familiar moments in the game.”

It’s also worth noting that the Inquisition has two diametrically opposed factions: the conservative Puritans who live by a strict code of following Imperial doctrine, and the Radicals who seek unconventional methods even to the point of committing acts that are borderline heretical in nature.

This dilemma became apparent when I recruited Laarthyr, an Aeldari Way Seeker (think space elves). Given the extreme xenophobia within the Imperium, it came as no surprise when guardsmen arrived to arrest my team for colluding with an alien. I was then given a choice to either sacrifice my Xenos ally or resist and eliminate the soldiers.

Since Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is still in its alpha stage, I can only guess how these outcomes might affect my character down the line. After all, Pathfinder had the Lawful, Neutral, and Chaotic alignments, while Rogue Trader had Dogmatic, Iconoclast, and Heretical options. “We’ll be ready to tell more about Dark Heresy’s alignment system in the future,” says Kellner. “For now, suffice to say the Puritan-Radical dichotomy will play a role.”

Granted, you won’t spend the entirety of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy just talking to people or conducting investigations. As you explore areas like Hive City alleys, foetid marshes, and dank caverns, you’ll run into all sorts of hostile inhabitants. Thankfully, you’ll be able to recruit various companions throughout your journey to aid you in combat.

During the alpha, I was able to meet Epione, a Chirurgeon (combat medic) wielding a flamer; a Catachan Jungle Fighter named Haymar; the Pyromancer Saro; and Cogg, a hulking Ogryn bodyguard. The aforementioned Aeldari Laarthyr isn’t the only Xenos companion, as I later encountered Ra’akthi, a Kroot scout who’d been ostracized by her tribe.

Each party member has a unique background that grants them bonus features or attributes. They also have a certain archetype or class, along with skills and perks, that allow you to fine-tune their role in battle. For example, Cogg occupies four tiles on the map, limiting his movement but allowing him to act as cover for nearby teammates. Laarthyr, meanwhile, can inflict precision attacks with his corsair swords, allowing him to gravely wound a specific body part. My favorite synergy, thus far, comes from Epione and Saro’s fire-based attacks. Saro even has a Blazeweaver ability that causes another instance of damage to targets that are already burning.

Deciding on which types of companions would make an appearance in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy involved the community, too. 

“Some of the decisions came from the audience’s expectations and requests. The Ogryn and Kroot are companions that were highly requested by the players of Rogue Trader. While being more of an unorthodox choice, it's still possible to recruit Xenos companions in your retinue, with the implication that Inquisition will regard you as more of a Radical from the moment they appear in your squad,” says Kellner. 

“Of course, whether to make acquaintances with such dubious characters, at least from the Imperium’s perspective, is up for the player to decide," Kellner adds. “In the future, we will introduce more human companions, ones that Puritan-leaning players will be more eager to team up with.”

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn’t ask about the Grey Knights or Deathwatch, Space Marines that act as the Chamber Militant of their respective orders. 

“You’ll have to wait for the game’s release to get your answer,” Kellner says with a wink. “All I can say is that the Night Lords aren’t the only Astartes that will be included in the narrative of the game.” We can only hope that more secrets will be unveiled as Owlcat Games continues the development of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy. 

You can wishlist Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy now on the Epic Games Store ahead of its release.