So, Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy. You might be wondering, after all this time, is it actually… playable? This year, of all years? The short answer is yes. The slightly longer, more nuanced answer involves digging into your wallet. Deeply.
See, here’s the thing. Dark Heresy, the grimdark RPG where you play an acolyte of the Inquisition, isn’t exactly new. The original version came out back in 2008. That's practically ancient history in tabletop gaming years. But it holds a special place in many gamers' hearts, including mine. I remember countless late nights huddled around a table, rolling dice and desperately trying to survive the horrors of the 41st millennium. Good times. Or, you know, grimdark times.
And that's where the "cost" comes in. We aren't just talking money, we're talking time, effort, and maybe the sanity of your gaming group.
The (Several) Editions of Dark Heresy
The confusing thing about Dark Heresy—and I've got to admit, this part tripped me up for a while—is that there isn’t just one edition. There are, in fact, several. Each with its own quirks, strengths, and weaknesses. You've got the original Dark Heresy (the one I mentioned from 2008). Then came Dark Heresy 2nd Edition, which refined some of the rules and added new character options. There was also Dark Heresy: Ascension, Dark Heresy: Inquisitor's Handbook and Dark Heresy: Creature Anathema, expansions that broadened the scope of the game.
But wait, there's more! All these are currently out of print (at the time of writing)!. Why is this important? Because if you want to play, you'll either need to find someone willing to sell their old books (prepare for potentially hefty prices – think collector's item territory) or... sail the digital seas, if you catch my drift.
Actually, that's not quite right. There is another option. But it's even pricier.
Wrath & Glory: The Unofficial Dark Heresy Successor
See, Games Workshop decided to move away from the Fantasy Flight Games system that powered the original Dark Heresy. They released their own system called Wrath & Glory. Now, Wrath & Glory isn’t technically Dark Heresy. It covers the entire Warhammer 40k universe and allows the player to play any type of character from space marines to eldar. That said, with a bit of tweaking, it can absolutely capture the feel of Dark Heresy. The core gameplay loops are the same.
I initially thought Wrath & Glory was a terrible replacement. But after playing it for a while, it actually isn't that bad. The mechanics are a bit different, sure, and you might need to house rule a few things to get that true Dark Heresy feel. But it's a functional, playable system that's still in print. That means you can actually buy the books without taking out a second mortgage. And if you want a little more sci-fi in your life, check out this.
And that, my friends, is the key. Playable? Absolutely. This year? Definitely. Cheap? Absolutely not. But consider this: think about the cost of the books like buying a gaming chair. It's expensive but essential right?
The Cost Beyond the Books
But the financial cost is only part of the equation. The real cost is time. Time spent hunting down books, time spent learning a new system (if you go the Wrath & Glory route), and time spent convincing your friends to play a game that might require a bit of... let's call it "creative interpretation" to get the Dark Heresy feel just right.
And there's the GM cost too. Being a game master is no easy task. You're not only in charge of keeping the story going, but you're also responsible for keeping everyone having fun. That means hours of prep time, creating encounters, writing dialogue, and generally making sure the game doesn't devolve into a chaotic mess. But.
But, I'd argue, that's part of the fun. Right? The collaborative storytelling, the shared experience of facing impossible odds, the sheer joy of rolling a critical hit at just the right moment. It's all worth it. (At least, that's what I tell myself when I'm spending hours prepping for a game.)
FAQ: Your Dark Heresy Questions Answered
Is Dark Heresy too complicated for new players?
It can be. The original Dark Heresy system, while beloved, wasn't exactly known for its streamlined rules. It involves a lot of dice rolling, modifiers, and charts. However, a good GM can definitely ease new players into the system. Focus on the story and the roleplaying aspects first, and gradually introduce the more complex mechanics as players become more comfortable. If you're using Wrath & Glory, the rules are a bit more modern and easier to grasp, but still require some learning.
How do I create a truly grimdark Dark Heresy campaign?
Think oppressive atmosphere, moral compromises, and a pervasive sense of dread. The Imperium of Man in Warhammer 40k is not a nice place. Your players should constantly be facing difficult choices with no easy answers. The focus should be on survival and uncovering the truth, even if that truth is horrifying. Think about the themes you want to explore: corruption, heresy, faith, despair. Use those themes to inform your story and create a truly memorable, and unsettling, experience. Maybe throw in a few unexpected twists to keep them on their toes.
Where can I find Dark Heresy character sheets and other resources?
A quick search online should turn up plenty of fan-made character sheets and other resources. DriveThruRPG might also have some materials available, although be sure to check for compatibility with the edition you're using. For Wrath & Glory, Cubicle 7 (the publisher) offers official resources on their website.
Is Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy expensive to get into?
Here's the honest truth: it can be. Finding the original Dark Heresy books can be pricey, especially if you're looking for first editions in good condition. Wrath & Glory is more readily available, but you'll still need the core rulebook and possibly some supplements. There's also the cost of dice, miniatures (if you use them), and other gaming accessories to consider. However, you can definitely mitigate the cost by using online resources, borrowing books from friends, or focusing on the roleplaying aspects of the game rather than investing heavily in miniatures.
