TECHMASH

Tag: #OwlCatGames

  • Purge the Heretic! Owlcat Games Launches Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy PC Closed Beta

    Purge the Heretic! Owlcat Games Launches Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy PC Closed Beta

    The Holy Inquisition has officially opened its ranks to the public. Fresh out of the annual Warhammer Skulls showcase, Owlcat Games—the critically acclaimed masterminds behind Rogue Trader and Pathfinder—has announced that the Closed Beta for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is officially live on PC.

    If you’ve been itching to trade a rogue captain’s fancy hat for the brutal, unforgiving badge of an Inquisitorial Acolyte, your time has come.

    How to Join the Beta: Become a Founder

    Unlike standard betas that rely on lucky raffle draws or limited-time Steam Playtests, Owlcat is rewarding its core community. Access to the Closed Beta is guaranteed for any player who purchases one of the game’s Founder’s Packs directly via the official Owlcat Games website.

    Depending on your dedication to the Imperium (and your budget), there are four tiers available:

    • Core Digital Pack: $39.99
    • Premium Digital Pack: $49.99
    • Developers Digital Pack: $79.00
    • Collector’s Edition: $289.00 (This bad boy includes a physical statue of your future Kroot companion, Ra’akhti!)

    The best part? Owlcat has confirmed that once you’re in, you’re in. The Closed Beta will remain open and playable all the way up until the game’s official launch.

    What’s Waiting for You in the Beta?

    While last December’s Alpha test kept players confined to the gritty, disease-ridden slums of Marisportum Sectoris, the Closed Beta blows the doors wide open.

    Players can expect around 20 hours of story-rich gameplay that transitions from the bottom of society straight to the high-class spires of Scintilla. You’ll be mingling with planetary elites, military high commands, and the Holy Clergy to uncover a massive web of corruption right inside the Planetary Governor’s palace.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • A Deep Detective System: This isn’t just about shooting cultists. You’ll actively examine evidence, interrogate suspects, and piece together threads of conspiracy. Be warned: if you accidentally condemn an innocent NPC as a heretic, the game won’t stop you—but the world will absolutely react to your mistakes.
    • Revamped Turn-Based Combat: Owlcat rebuilt this system from scratch rather than reusing Rogue Trader’s engine. It features a reworked cover mechanic, a body-part targeting system (letting you maim specific enemy limbs), and a shifting Morale System that can cause enemies—or your own crew—to panic and surrender.
    • Meet Epione Spes: The beta introduces potential new companions, including Epione Spes, a cold, analytical medicae specialist from the Tyrantine Cabal who uses combat injectors to keep your squad breathing and razor-sharp scalpel claws to rip heretics apart.

    Double the Good News for Owlcat Fans

    If you’re still working your way through Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Owlcat also used the showcase to announce its third major DLC, The Infinite Museion. Dropping on June 11, 2026, this expansion fully integrates into the main story and features everyone’s favourite kleptomaniac Necron, Trazyn the Infinite.

    But for now, the spotlight belongs to the Inquisition. Dust off your plasma pistols, steel your mind against the warp, and head over to the official Owlcat store to claim your Founder’s Pack and start purging the Calixis Sector today.

    Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is currently in development for Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3710600

    #OwlcatGames #GamesWorkshop #Warhammer #GamingNews #Warhammer40000DarkHeresy #scifi #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Owlcat Games Takes Flight into the Belt: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Closed Beta Now Live

    Owlcat Games Takes Flight into the Belt: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Closed Beta Now Live

    The wait is over for Beltalowda and Inners alike. Owlcat Games, the narrative powerhouses behind Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, have officially launched the closed beta for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.

    As of April 22, 2026, “Founders” who have supported the project can finally step into the magnetic boots of a custom captain on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    A New Direction for Owlcat

    For fans used to Owlcat’s traditional isometric, turn-based CRPGs, Osiris Reborn represents a massive shift. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game is a third-person action RPG that many are already calling the spiritual successor to Mass Effect.

    “We wanted to capture the gritty, high-stakes atmosphere of The Expanse universe in a way that feels cinematic and immediate,” the studio shared in a recent interview.

    The game features:

    • Tactical Cover-Based Combat: Real-time firefights inspired by classics like Gears of War.
    • Zero-G Navigation: Exploration that utilises the series’ iconic physics.
    • Deep RPG Roots: While the combat is faster, the “Choices and Consequences” system remains the heart of the experience.

    What’s in the Beta?

    The closed beta isn’t just a brief stress test—it’s a curated slice of the early game designed to gather meaningful feedback.

    • The Mission: Players will explore the Pinkwater 4 station following a narrow escape from the catastrophic events on Eros.
    • Character Customisation: Choose between a female Belter or a male Earther, with specialised roles like Officer or Hacker.
    • Companions: You’ll be joined by your sibling, J, and supported by the veteran mechanic Zafar.
    • Duration: Expect roughly 1–2 hours of gameplay, featuring high-stakes dialogue and a taste of the ship management systems.

    How to Get Access

    Access is currently restricted to those who have purchased the Miller’s Pack or the Collector’s Edition via the official Owlcat website.

    Once purchased, you can claim your platform-specific key (Steam, Xbox, or PS5) through your digital profile. If you’re feeling lucky, Owlcat is also hosting a Beta Key Giveaway during their official developer stream on April 24.

    The Road to 2027

    Unlike many betas that disappear after a weekend, Owlcat has confirmed this build will remain live and updated until the game’s full launch in Spring 2027.

    The studio is leaning heavily into player feedback to polish the experience, particularly regarding the new Exploit System—a mechanic that lets you trigger environmental hazards and coordinate squad abilities in real-time.

    The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is shaping up to be a landmark sci-fi title. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the books and TV show or just a space-RPG junkie looking for your next fix, this is one to keep on your radar.

    Are you planning to join the Osiris Reborn beta, or will you be waiting for the full launch on Game Pass next year?

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3727390

    #OwlcatGames #TheExpanseOsirisReborn #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox #scifi #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • Closed Beta coming for fans of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

    Closed Beta coming for fans of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

    For fans of The Expanse, the wait to finally step into the magnetic boots of a Belter, Martian, or Earther is almost over. During the latest Xbox Partner Preview, developer Owlcat Games—the masterminds behind Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader—dropped a massive “protomolecule-sized” update for their upcoming action RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.

    The big news? A Closed Beta is officially launching on April 22, 2026, giving supporters a chance to experience the Belt nearly a year before the game’s full Spring 2027 release.

    How to Join the Closed Beta

    Unlike typical open betas, this phase is specifically for those helping fund the game’s ambitious development. To get in on April 22, you’ll need to have purchased one of the “Founder’s Packs” via the official website:

    The Miller’s Pack ($80): Includes the base game, digital goodies (artbook/soundtrack), and exclusive in-game items like Miller’s OPA heavy armour and his signature revolver.

    The Collector’s Edition ($289): For the true “legitimate salvage” hunters. This includes everything in the Miller’s Pack plus a physical collector’s box, a spaceship figurine, a printed art book, and more.

    The best part? Once you’re in, you stay in. Owlcat has confirmed the beta will remain playable and receive updates all the way up until the 2027 launch.

    What’s in the Beta?

    The beta isn’t just a technical stress test; it’s a substantial slice of the story. Players will play through a full mission early in the campaign.

    The story kicks off on Eros Station, where your custom character (a Pinkwater Security mercenary) is caught in the middle of a catastrophic lockdown. You’ll eventually escape to the Pinkwater 4 space station, where you’ll meet Zafar, the first of your many companions.

    Key Features to Test:

    Third-Person Combat: High-stakes, cover-based gunplay that many are already comparing to Mass Effect.

    Zero-G Movement: Experience the series’ signature Newtonian physics as you navigate environments where “up” is a relative term.

    The Exploit System: A new tactical mechanic where you can command your squad to trigger environmental traps or synchronised takedowns.

    Dialogue & Choice: Test out Owlcat’s deep RPG roots with branching conversations that reflect the political tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.

    A “Mass Effect” for The Expanse Fans

    While Telltale’s recent foray into The Expanse focused on narrative adventure, Osiris Reborn is a full-scale Action RPG. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game is pushing for a grounded, gritty aesthetic.

    From the gameplay trailer, it’s clear that companion relationships are the heart of the journey. Whether you’re upgrading your ship—the most advanced in the system—or settling disputes between your crew, your choices as Captain will carry heavy weight.

    Techmash Tip: While the beta is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, Owlcat specifically recommends playing on Xbox Series X or PS5 for the best console performance during this “work in progress” phase.

    Looking Ahead: 2027 Release & Game Pass

    If you’re not ready to drop $80 on a Founder’s Pack, there’s still plenty to be excited about. Owlcat confirmed that The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will be a Day One launch on Xbox Game Pass when it officially arrives in Spring 2027.

    The game is also confirmed for Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and PlayStation 5.

    Are you ready to join the OPA, or will you stay loyal to the MCRN? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be jumping into the beta this April!

    Find out more here – https://osirisreborn.owlcat.games/

    #OwlcatGames #TheExpanseOsirisReborn #ClosedBeta #scifi #opa #mcrn #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • In the Emperor’s Shadow: Why You Must Play Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy

    In the Emperor’s Shadow: Why You Must Play Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy

    The grim darkness of the far future is a terrifying place, but few corners are as intensely grim, or as darkly exhilarating, as the world of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy. This isn’t a game about Space Marine glory or massive tank battles—it’s about the silent war fought in the shadows, the paranoia that festers in the heart of the Imperium, and the impossible choices made in the name of the God-Emperor.

    If you have a taste for cosmic horror, complex investigations, and the sheer terror of being a small fish in a galaxy-spanning ocean of threats, then look no further.

    What is Dark Heresy?

    Dark Heresy is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) where you and your friends take on the roles of Acolytes serving the secretive, all-powerful Inquisition. You are the sharpest tools wielded by the most dangerous people in the Imperium, tasked with hunting down the enemies of Mankind—heretics, mutants, witches, and vile xenos—who lurk within the human empire itself.

    Unlike other Warhammer 40k games, your characters start small, often as a:

    • Guardsman: A veteran soldier with combat training.
    • Adept: A scholar specializing in forgotten lore and knowledge.
    • Tech-Priest: A cyborg expert in all things mechanical and arcane technology.
    • Psyker: A dangerous, mind-bending psychic, constantly on the brink of mutation or madness.

    You are not heroes; you are investigators and expendable assets. Your success is measured not in medals, but in how many dark secrets you uncover and purge before corruption or a lasgun blast ends your life.

    The Core Appeal: Investigation and Moral Decay

    The heart of Dark Heresy lies in its blend of investigation and cosmic horror. You’ll be piecing together clues, interrogating suspects (often with extreme prejudice), and uncovering plots that threaten to consume entire worlds.

    • The Setting is the Star: The game is set in a decaying, gothic future where religious dogma is law and bureaucracy is deadly. The world is corrupt, oppressive, and utterly terrifying. Your missions will take you from the teeming, anarchic depths of a hive city’s under-hive to the pristine, yet equally dangerous, halls of an Administratum spire.
    • Lethal Combat: The game’s D100 (percentile) system is notoriously lethal. Starting characters are fragile. A lucky shot from an enemy’s autogun can be a one-way trip to the grim Dark Future. This high lethality rewards clever planning, positioning, and avoiding fair fights.
    • Madness and Corruption: The enemies you face—cultists, daemons, and creatures of the Warp—are often more than your mortal mind can handle. The game features Madness and Corruption mechanics. Witnessing something truly horrific can grant permanent Insanity Points, sending your Acolyte spiraling into psychosis. Engaging with forbidden knowledge or Chaos itself earns Corruption, twisting your body and soul until you risk becoming the very monster you hunt.

    Why Dark Heresy is an Essential RPG Experience

    FeatureWhy It Matters
    Low Power LevelCharacters feel vulnerable, making small victories earned through cunning and teamwork incredibly satisfying.
    Moral AmbiguityYou work for the Inquisition, an organization that commits atrocities in the name of survival. The line between ‘Puritan’ and ‘Radical’ (heretical) methods is a constant source of player conflict.
    Rich LoreIt’s arguably the best way to experience the gritty, day-to-day terror of the Imperium, drawing heavily from the acclaimed Eisenhorn and Ravenor novels.
    Flexible GameplayMissions can involve cloak-and-dagger intrigue, heavy role-playing, desperate chases, or brutal, tactical shootouts.

    “Innocence proves nothing.”

    — Maxim of the Adeptus Arbites

    Whether you prefer the tight, classic structure of the 1st Edition or the more flexible, streamlined 2nd Edition (published by Fantasy Flight Games), Dark Heresy is a masterpiece of grimdark role-playing. It’s a game that asks players to wrestle with the horror of the 41st Millennium not as demigods, but as flawed, mortal humans trying to keep the abyss at bay.

    You will fail. You will be betrayed. You will probably die. But for the short time your Acolyte walks the light of the Emperor, you will know true tension, paranoia, and the desperate struggle against the inevitable collapse of civilization.

    Do you have the resolve to fight the darkness without becoming dark yourself?

    Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy – https://owlcat.games/

    #Warhammer40000DarkHeresy #Warhammer #DarkHeresy #steam #OwlcatGames #pcgames #Cogg #Abhuman #Ogryn #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Level Up Your Laughter: Diving into the Cooperative Chaos of Biped 2!

    Level Up Your Laughter: Diving into the Cooperative Chaos of Biped 2!

    The charming bipedal robots, Aku and Sila, are back! If you’re looking for a delightful blend of physics-based puzzles, platforming, and cooperative mayhem, the newly released Biped 2 is ready to test your communication skills—and maybe your friendships!

    What is Biped 2 All About?

    Building on the foundation of the critically acclaimed original, Biped 2 is a co-op action-adventure puzzle game where you control adorable robots on a mission to answer a mysterious distress signal from a distant planet.

    The core gameplay centres around the unique control scheme: each of your robot’s two legs is controlled independently by an analogue stick on your controller. This seemingly simple mechanic leads to hilarious, drunken-sailor-like movement that is deceptively challenging and incredibly fun when you finally sync up with your partner.

    New Features and Expanded Co-op

    The sequel is packed with enhancements and new ways to play that truly expand the “biped” experience:

    • Expanded Multiplayer: For the first time, Biped 2 introduces a four-player co-op mode! Get a team together for even more frenetic, challenging, and side-splitting puzzle-solving across the new biomes.
    • More Ways to Move: Aku and Sila have some new tricks! Expect new mechanics like hang gliding for soaring across gaps and a grappling hook to conquer ledges and breaks, adding exciting variety to the platforming.
    • Unique Pair Mechanics: The game forces true collaboration. You’ll encounter puzzles where one player must act as the robot’s “legs” while another takes the role of the “arms,” requiring flawless coordination to succeed.
    • Solo Play: For those who want to master the controls before bringing in a friend, or just enjoy a lone-wolf adventure, a dedicated single-player mode is also included.
    • Customisation: Collect treasures throughout the levels to buy wacky new hats and accessories. Style is a must for intergalactic heroes!

    The Hilariously High Stakes

    Reviews agree: Biped 2 is not for the faint of heart! While the aesthetic is cute and charming, the puzzles quickly ramp up the difficulty, demanding precision, timing, and constant communication.

    The initial awkwardness of controlling two legs with two sticks quickly turns into a deeply rewarding feeling when you and your friend finally manage to perfectly synchronise your steps to cross a collapsing bridge or solve an intricate environmental puzzle. Be prepared for a few shouts of “LEFT! NO, MY LEFT!”—it’s all part of the fun!

    Time to Take the Leap!

    Biped 2 is a wonderful choice for those who love cooperative gaming and are ready for a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. It’s a game that thrives on shared laughter and the satisfying “a-ha!” moment when you and your partner finally click.

    Grab your controllers, call up your friends (up to three of them now!), and prepare to waddle, skate, and grapple your way across the galaxy!

    Biped 2 – https://metapublishing.io/ongoing/biped-2

    #Biped2 #Biped #METAPublishing #OwlcatGames #coop #puzzle #adventure #PC #Steam #GOG #EpicGamesStore #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #Xbox #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Playtest for Blind Descent now on Steam

    Playtest for Blind Descent now on Steam

    At first sight, Mars appears to be a dry and almost dead planet, but miles below the surface, there is a strange and wonderful ecosystem just waiting to be explored. This is Blind Descent, a game of survival and discovery in a world that has remained untouched for a long time, until a failed mission to the planet leaves a single survivor in this vast underground world.

    To find out more about Blind Descent, go to the official website here https://blinddescent.net/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/YgV72

    #Playtest #BlindDescent #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #newgames #METAPublishing #OwlcatGames #scifi #survival #Pokuch #Martian #mars #alien #exploration #underground

  • Warhammer 40K Rogue Trader Grim Darkness Mode

    Warhammer 40K Rogue Trader Grim Darkness Mode

    This is a new event for the Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader game, the event is the Grim Darkness Mode and it is only for those who are experienced, skilled and brave, not necessarily in that order! In this event players have just one single save to complete the mission through the Koronus Expanse, there are no second chances here, so you need to be ready and full on in order to get through the Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader Grim Darkness Mode, are you ready for this?

    To find out more about the Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader game and the Grim Darkness Mode go to the games page on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/2186680/Warhammer_40000_Rogue_Trader/ or go to the game developer website here https://owlcat.games/

    #Warhammer #GamesWorkshop #VoidShadows #DLC #Warhammer40000RogueTrader #OwlcatGames #SciFi #GrimDarkness #KoronusExpanse #LordCaptain

  • Void Shadows Warhammer 40000 Rogue Trader Available Now

    Void Shadows Warhammer 40000 Rogue Trader Available Now

    Well, this is it the first expansion for the brilliant Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader game, it is called Void Shadows it will bring new content, a new storyline, a new companion and of course some seriously deadly new enemies. This is a great addition to the game and it just shows why Warhammer is so massive and still grows. The Void Shadows expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is out now.

    To find out more about the Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Void Shadows DLC go to the official website here https://roguetrader.owlcat.games/ or head on over to the games page on Steam here https://store.steampowered.com/app/2186680/Warhammer_40000_Rogue_Trader/

    #Warhammer40000RogueTrader #Warhammer #RogueTrader #GamesWorkshop #LordCaptain #VoidShadows #DLC #OwlCatGames #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam #GOG #EpicGamesStore #Games #Gaming