Though it was a latecomer in 2023, Owlcat Games’ Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has yet to be outdone by any 2024 release when it comes to captivating gamers. This CRPG stands out as one of the finest adaptations of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, boasting intricate turn-based combat, compelling characters, and a rich narrative that offers a gripping introduction to this complex lore.
If you’re eyeing the PC version, it’s typically priced at $50.99. But here’s the jolly news: CDKeys is playing Santa early this year with a hefty 67% off, bringing the game down to a much wallet-friendlier $16.59.
Now, you might be wondering whether to take the plunge into Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Let me tell you, the decision is pretty straightforward. Warhammer 40,000 is enjoying a surge in popularity. Amazon’s gearing up for a Warhammer 40,000 TV series, and after more than a decade in the making, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has finally landed with much fanfare. Not to mention, Rogue Trader is the franchise’s first foray into the world of CRPGs since 2023.
In this thrilling game, you assume the role of a Rogue Trader, helming a sprawling trading empire on behalf of the Imperium of Man and its mighty God Emperor. Your mission? To navigate the unclaimed territory of the Koronus Expanse and bring it under control by wiping out Xenos, mutants, and heretics. You’ll wrestle with whether to fulfill the Imperium’s demands or succumb to the dark temptations of Chaos for immense power.
Of all the Warhammer 40,000 games I’ve played, Rogue Trader is a shining star, right up there with the revered Dawn of War series from Relic Entertainment. The storyline is brilliantly crafted, serving as a fantastic gateway for newcomers eager to delve into the intricate history, politics, and ideologies of the Warhammer 40k universe through seamless gameplay and storytelling.
Replayability is a real strength here. The game teems with meaningful dialogue choices that drastically alter your narrative, offering multiple endings and unique quests based on your decisions. The characters you meet, whether they become allies or adversaries, are richly developed with diverse arcs that unfold based on the paths you choose.
When it comes to gameplay, Rogue Trader is packed with content that could keep you entertained for hundreds of hours. You’ll traverse diverse planets, engaging in quests and gathering treasure. Plus, there’s endless enjoyment in customizing your party, equipping them with various classes, weapons, and armor to prepare them for battle.
And speaking of battles, Rogue Trader’s turn-based combat takes the cake. It features tactical ground battles reminiscent of XCOM, where you’ll use cover and a mix of ranged and melee skills to dispatch your foes in satisfyingly visceral fashion. Additionally, space battles await you, requiring strategic maneuvering and ship-to-ship combat.
Sure, like any game, it’s not totally devoid of issues. Initially, it was bogged down by numerous bugs that made frequent saving a must. Luckily, major updates have ironed out most of these kinks. The launch of the 15-hour DLC ‘Void Shadows’ in September 2024 and a massive free update in December 2024 have made leaps in improving gameplay, fixing bugs, and balancing the overall experience.
Bugs aside, my time with Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader was thoroughly enjoyable, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to any fan of the Warhammer 40k universe or those who appreciate a story-rich CRPG. If all this piques your interest, there’s no better time to dive into this grim-dark world, especially with such a hefty discount on the PC version, slashing the price from $50.99 to just $16.59 at CDKeys.
