The Dark Heresy RPG is a tabletop role-playing game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. You play as an acolyte working for an Inquisitor, investigating heresy and fighting threats to the Imperium. It’s one of the earliest and most influential 40k RPGs, and it’s still supported today.
What the dark heresy rpg is
Dark Heresy is a pen-and-paper RPG where you and your friends take on the roles of Inquisitorial agents. An Inquisitor sends your group on missions that can involve investigation, combat, intrigue, or a mix of all three. The game master can tailor campaigns to fit the group.
It was first published by Black Industries in 2008, then by Fantasy Flight Games from 2008 to 2017, and now by Cubicle 7. A second edition came out in 2014 under Fantasy Flight.
How it plays
Characters are built around career paths, which work like classes in other RPGs. The core rulebook has eight: Adept, Arbitrator, Assassin, Cleric, Guardsman, Imperial Psyker, Scum, and Tech-Priest. Each has its own strengths, from combat to knowledge to social skills.
Missions usually involve rooting out heresy, but they can also include taking down gangs, gathering evidence of corruption, dealing with aliens, or stopping rogue psykers. The system uses d10s and a percentile-based mechanic, so it’s gritty and lethal.
Why it matters
Dark Heresy was the first major RPG to let players explore the 40k universe from the ground up, as ordinary humans rather than Space Marines. It paved the way for later 40k RPGs like Rogue Trader, Deathwatch, and Only War.
It’s also a big influence on the upcoming video game Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy by Owlcat Games, which is a party-based cRPG with turn-based combat and a focus on investigation.
Connections to warhammer 40k lore
The game leans hard into the Inquisition’s secret war against heresy, chaos, and alien threats. You’ll deal with the Ecclesiarchy, the Adeptus Arbites, and other Imperial institutions. It’s a great way to experience the grimdark setting from a human perspective.
Key facts
- Dark Heresy is a tabletop RPG set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
- Players take on the roles of Inquisitorial acolytes.
- First published in 2008 by Black Industries; later by Fantasy Flight Games and Cubicle 7.
- A second edition was released in 2014.
- The game emphasizes investigation, combat, and intrigue.
- It inspired later 40k RPGs and an upcoming video game by Owlcat Games.
FAQ
Who publishes the Dark Heresy RPG?
It was originally published by Black Industries in 2008, then by Fantasy Flight Games from 2008 to 2017. Since 2017, Cubicle 7 has held the license.
Is Dark Heresy connected to the video game?
Yes, the upcoming video game Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy by Owlcat Games is based on the same concept: you play as an Inquisitorial acolyte. But it’s a separate product from the tabletop RPG.
What are the career paths in Dark Heresy?
The core rulebook includes eight: Adept, Arbitrator, Assassin, Cleric, Guardsman, Imperial Psyker, Scum, and Tech-Priest. More were added in supplements.