Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Take a walk on the more obscure side of the humans in the Warhammer universe, but it will be a bumpy ride.

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In "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader - Deluxe Edition," players explore the Koronus Expanse, a dangerous and profitable region of space, from their personal voidship. As a Lord-Captain, players make decisions that change the open world and their crew of heroes, psykers, and xenos. Every action, even in character creation, affects the game's outcome.

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Reviews

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 14,299 reviews

story2,038 positive mentions

stability1,228 negative mentions

story
5,661 mentions
36 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" is widely praised for its depth, engaging characters, and intricate plot twists that reflect the grimdark atmosphere of the Warhammer 40k universe. Players appreciate the meaningful choices that significantly impact the narrative, although many express frustration with bugs and pacing issues, particularly in the later acts, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game is recommended for its rich lore and storytelling, especially for fans of the franchise.
- “The story is great, full of lore and grim humor, but what makes it unbeatable is its fluidity, constantly changing based on your choices.”
- “The writing of the story is gripping, the characters feel real and autonomous, and the narrative choices presented to you are numerous and meaningful.”
- “The story is interesting and quite reactive to player choices, but the very high quality of world building and faithfulness to the setting are standout good.”
- “Leaving a negative review simply because the game doesn't warn you that completing a quest ends Act 1.”
- “By the second act, things start to make less sense, the story wears more thin, and decisions stop mattering quite as much.”
- “Unfortunately, many quests and decisions are limited and do not allow for deviations.”
gameplay
2,361 mentions
31 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" is characterized by its deep and complex mechanics, blending turn-based tactical combat with elements of character customization, resource management, and exploration. While many players appreciate the strategic depth and engaging narrative, they also note significant issues such as bugs, unclear mechanics, and balance problems that can detract from the overall experience. The game offers a rich lore experience for fans of the Warhammer universe, but newcomers may find the steep learning curve and overwhelming mechanics challenging.
- “Gameplay-wise, the combat’s fun and the build diversity feels quite large.”
- “I’ve also really enjoyed the smaller mechanics throughout the game — space combat, colony projects, and resource management have all been a lot of fun.”
- “The gameplay is incredibly fun and engaging, the combat system is quite well balanced (at least on daring difficulty) and the environments and designs are both gorgeous and very true to the Warhammer 40k setting.”
- “Some gameplay features seem underbaked, such as the colony management system, which I feel should be a bit more robust and require more of the player, rather than just 'get the resources and interact with a menu.'”
- “There's management gameplay, space combat, exploration, all these things are unpolished and sometimes a little questionable at times (some people hate the space combat but I didn't mind it, I was a little more disappointed at the exploration, some of those locations deserved way more and left me hanging!! also holy shit the random travel encounters needed to slow down).”
- “The mechanics of the gameplay have passed through a lot of trial and error, due to the many problems at launch (and for a good chunk of time afterwards), but I can say it's been worth it.”
stability
1,271 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The stability of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as a "buggy mess" at launch. While some users report that the game has improved with patches, the consensus is that it remains riddled with bugs, particularly in the later acts, leading to game-breaking issues and frustrating gameplay experiences. Players are advised to either wait for further updates or utilize mods like Toybox to mitigate the numerous glitches encountered during play.
- “It is my 2nd favorite CRPG I've played (the first being Baldur's Gate 3), and my playthrough has been 99% bug free minus some harmless bugs like character models going into each other during some traversal, but that elicited a chuckle out of me rather than any frustration.”
- “Generally bug free for me too, nothing majorly impactful.”
- “The game feels and runs great, exactly as I had expected - especially as someone used to the Owlcat experience, so to speak.”
- “On release, it was a buggy mess.”
- “Glad to see Owlcat is still releasing completely broken, buggy, unfinished games after all these years.”
- “The game is a buggy mess that shouldn't be released so early.”
graphics
839 mentions
33 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Rogue Trader" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the game's ability to capture the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer 40,000 universe through its art style and atmospheric design. However, several players noted that the graphics feel dated and can be resource-intensive, leading to performance issues on various systems. While the visuals are generally considered adequate for a CRPG, they do not match the high standards set by contemporary titles like Baldur's Gate 3, and some graphical glitches have been reported.
- “The developers have done an incredible job of bringing the Warhammer 40,000 universe to life with stunning visuals that capture the grim darkness of the far future.”
- “The graphics and attention to detail remain commendable, portraying the grim landscapes and massive starships with a visual flair that immerses players into the dark and oppressive ambiance of the Warhammer 40k universe.”
- “The grim and dark atmosphere of the Warhammer 40,000 universe is effectively conveyed through the art style, making you truly feel like a part of this dystopian future.”
- “The graphics are dated; it has multiple areas that still need work, but it's fun and generally well written.”
- “For a universe as rich and visually intense as Warhammer 40k, the graphical quality falls embarrassingly short, making it seem like a relic in comparison to more modern titles.”
- “The graphics are standard for an Owlcat game, so don't be expecting Baldur's Gate 3 level, but it's good enough.”
music
568 mentions
58 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and capture the essence of the Warhammer 40k universe. The soundtrack is described as exceptional, featuring a mix of haunting orchestral pieces and powerful themes that resonate well with the game's narrative and setting. While some players noted moments of repetitiveness, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the immersive experience, making it enjoyable both in-game and as a standalone listen.
- “The soundtrack is probably one of the best ever and really helps with the game's atmosphere.”
- “The music is phenomenal, as is the sound design.”
- “The music perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing the sense of epic scale and drama.”
- “The music is alright, so is the voice acting, the art direction, so on and so on.”
- “The music is slow and repetitive like a goddamned lullaby.”
- “The music was passable, but didn't really stand out.”
atmosphere
563 mentions
58 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of the Warhammer 40k universe, effectively capturing its grimdark tone and rich lore. Reviewers highlight the game's exceptional art design, atmospheric music, and well-crafted environments that draw players into the narrative, making it a compelling experience for both fans and newcomers to the franchise. Despite some technical issues, the overall atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the storytelling and gameplay.
- “Rogue Trader captures the spirit and atmosphere, conflict and turmoil the 40k series is well-known for.”
- “The atmosphere, the dialogue, the visuals, it just bleeds grimdark, and I played most of the available 40k games, so this doesn't come easily from me.”
- “The atmosphere of the game is infused with the spirit and lore of the Warhammer 40k universe, reflected in lovingly crafted details that bring the setting to life.”
- “The atmosphere nails 40k - it's easily apparent that the Imperium isn't the 'good guys', and the warp is a credible threat.”
grinding
320 mentions
1 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
98 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the leveling system and combat mechanics to be tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the depth and complexity of character progression, others feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of skills and abilities, leading to a laborious experience. Overall, the game offers enjoyable elements, but the frequent grind and lengthy combat encounters can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially in later stages.
- “Likewise, the combat is interesting but not too tedious.”
- “No grinding I have seen so far, but it doesn't need it.”
- “Character progression is complicated and tedious and I don't think it's going to be fun for most players.”
- “The combat is tedious and magnitudes of abilities and classes are straight up useless.”
- “The leveling system is beyond tedious and so frequent I would not doubt over a quarter of my playtime was just me reading skills for a character system that doesn't make any sense why they would set it up like that.”
optimization
244 mentions
20 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly in later acts, and a variety of bugs that can disrupt gameplay. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on high-end systems, others experienced stuttering, long loading times, and crashes, especially on lower-end hardware or during intense combat scenarios. Overall, while there are improvements over previous titles, many reviewers recommend waiting for further patches and optimizations before fully engaging with the game.
- “Leveling up has a million different options and ways to optimize it, which can be overwhelming, but if you don't want to put a lot of energy into it, the game is definitely beatable without optimized builds.”
- “I highly recommend this game for fans of the lore and those who (like myself) thoroughly enjoy iterative optimization and spreadsheets.”
- “After the updates and optimizations, I can't recommend this CRPG enough.”
- “The game is buggy and poorly optimized.”
- “The performance on Steam Deck was fine, but the controls were good once you got used to navigating the menus with them.”
- “The performance is poor as usual with Owlcat games.”
humor
184 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending dark, grim humor with absurd and over-the-top scenarios that resonate well with the Warhammer 40k universe. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, hilarious character interactions, and the comedic potential of gameplay mechanics, often finding themselves laughing at both intentional jokes and unintentional bugs, such as T-posing characters. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the game, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate its satirical take on the grimdark setting.
- “It's hilarious to see how people who loved BG3 seem hesitant about trying any other game in the genre.”
- “The writing is top-notch, capturing the grimdark essence of Warhammer 40k while also providing moments of dark humor and satire.”
- “A wonderful cast of characters, some exciting drama, hilarious comedy, and fantastic action.”
replayability
148 mentions
37 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, with players praising its diverse story paths, character builds, and meaningful choices that significantly impact outcomes. Many reviews highlight the potential for 100+ hours of content, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different alignments and decisions. However, some users note that the lengthy nature of the game may deter repeated playthroughs for certain players.
- “This game is extremely fun, very diverse in story and play style of the campaign that it allows replayability and keeps you hooked.”
- “The replayability value alone, to discover all the different outcomes, gives this game an added value which is hard to overstate.”
- “Your decisions significantly impact the narrative and the fate of your crew, which adds a layer of replayability that’s rare to find.”
- “The biggest issue with all of Owlcat's games is that it taunts you with so much replayability and branching paths, but makes the games 100+ hours long.”
- “This game just doesn't have what it should to make me want to bother finishing it; forget any replayability, that is a zero.”
- “Has absolutely no replayability once you beat it.”
character development
91 mentions
32 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Character development in this game is praised for its complexity and depth, offering a wide range of options and synergies that allow for diverse playstyles and meaningful choices. While many players appreciate the intricate mechanics and the impact of character decisions on the story, some find the system overly complicated and difficult to navigate, especially with multiple characters. Overall, the character development is seen as a standout feature that enhances the immersive experience within the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
- “The character development is spectacular, and I was glued to the screen my whole playthrough.”
- “Character development is a very complex process, and by that I mean the upgrades they receive are very detailed and extensive.”
- “The game provides a sophisticated character development flow.”
- “Whole character development system is extremely overcomplicated.”
- “The character development process is very time-consuming as I noted above, however, one gains levels very quickly and I've barely begun to understand what effect the new ability has had on the game before I have to pick another.”
- “All the side characters, with the exception of two, have really boring and meaningless personal story arcs with no actual character development or proper payoff.”
emotional
54 mentions
96 % positive mentions
-2 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game has garnered mixed responses, with players expressing a range of feelings from deep investment and connection to characters, to disappointment in the execution of emotional moments. Many reviewers noted that while the game can evoke laughter and tears, it often lacks a consistent emotional core, leading to hollow endings and missed opportunities for impactful storytelling. Despite its flaws, the game is praised for its ability to immerse players in the Warhammer 40k universe and create memorable, heartfelt interactions, though some felt that the emotional weight of choices and character arcs could have been better developed.
- “Overall, it’s been an incredible experience and although I haven't yet finished the game, it already has made me cry, laugh, and otherwise completely and utterly consumed my every waking thought.”
- “The writing is incredible and you get emotionally invested in your followers; they make you laugh and smile, but they can also make you angry and frustrated at times. Sometimes you become so protective of some of them that you'll go out of your way to prioritize killing enemies that piss you off by attacking them.”
- “There were so many moments where I laughed out loud or had a difficult choice that I sat for minutes pondering the ramifications of, or some truly heartfelt moments that really made me feel connected to the world.”
- “The combat is frustrating, the characters lack depth, and the story is painfully dull, making it hard to feel any emotional connection.”
- “The game fails to provide engaging character interactions, leaving players to endure a tedious narrative without any emotional investment.”
- “With a travel system that feels tedious and a leveling experience that offers no rewards, the emotional engagement is completely absent.”
monetization
19 mentions
0 % positive mentions
21 % neutral mentions
79 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it as a cash grab characterized by excessive microtransactions and unfinished content. While some acknowledge the effort put into the game, the overall sentiment suggests that players feel exploited, often comparing it unfavorably to other titles that prioritize profit over quality. Concerns about misleading advertising and the potential for future DLCs to follow the same pattern of minimal effort and high cost further exacerbate these frustrations.
- “It feels like a lazy, unfinished, and unoptimized cash grab misusing the same engine as previous efforts.”
- “I really wanted to give this game a chance and I did, but it comes across as an unfinished cash grab.”
- “It was released as a cash grab and people are basically paying to be beta testers for this product.”