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.

76%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

stability, grinding

78% User Score Based on 16,564 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 25 reviews

Platforms

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About

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a single player and multiplayer role playing game. It was developed by Owlcat Games and was released on August 18, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games. Begin your adventure aboard your personal, giant voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse, a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader screenshot

+10

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78%

Audience ScoreBased on 16,564 reviews

story2.4k positive mentions

stability1.7k negative mentions

story
6,954 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
62%
4%
The story of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" is generally praised for its depth, engaging characters, and strong ties to the Warhammer 40k lore, making it a compelling experience for fans of the franchise. However, many players report significant issues with pacing and coherence, particularly in the later acts, where the narrative becomes disjointed and riddled with bugs that can hinder quest progression. While the initial chapters are well-received, the latter parts of the game often feel rushed and incomplete, leading to frustration among players who are invested in the story.
- “While the game does have its fair share of bugs, the interesting story, phenomenal world-building, deep combat, and intriguing characters make for a very enjoyable and deeply rewarding overall experience, even if there are a few bumps in the road along the way.”
- “The story is unexpectedly deep.”
- “The story is engaging and has much more depth than I expected, and despite the grimdark setting has a huge amount of heart.”
- “Good game but way too much talking and reading; it just seems like the story just drags on...”
- “The story starts strong but loses direction in later acts, with the player often reacting to events that seem to happen arbitrarily.”
- “The story completely stalls after the first act and just gives you a bunch of busywork to do.”
gameplay
2,857 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
63%
7%
The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" is characterized by its deep and complex mechanics, reminiscent of classic CRPGs, with a focus on turn-based tactical combat and character customization. While many players appreciate the engaging story and rich lore, they also note significant issues such as bugs, unbalanced mechanics, and a steep learning curve that can make the experience frustrating, especially for newcomers. Overall, the game offers a mix of enjoyable gameplay and narrative depth, but it is marred by technical problems and design choices that detract from its potential.
- “The mechanics are also easy to pick up and get a grip on, and the game is pretty generous in its respeccing if you find yourself not liking what you've built.”
- “The fundamental gameplay loop is a lot of fun.”
- “The gameplay is much more fun than the Pathfinder system.”
- “The game is of course not without its flaws, especially gameplay-wise - the balancing is all over the place, the combat system is quite confusing for beginners, but also very easy to break if you know how.”
- “However, the gameplay and UI are dated, clunky, obtuse, and often times immensely irritating to go through.”
- “The mechanics are not well described, and you have no idea what a few things do.”
stability
1,710 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
The stability of "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs and glitches that significantly impact gameplay. Many users experienced game-breaking issues, particularly in the later acts, leading to frustration and a recommendation to wait for patches before playing. While some found enjoyment in the game despite its flaws, the consensus is that it remains a buggy mess, especially after the initial chapters, making it difficult to recommend in its current state.
- “I've been rather lucky with the game, minus some issues in earlier abandoned runs or learning the system and builds. My latest run to completion was by and large bug free, minus two quests that were failed still being active being the most glaring.”
- “Acts 1 to 3 are fun and almost bug free, except for quests/rumours in the journal not updating and some visual glitches resolved by saving and reloading.”
- “The game is generally not buggy and during the intro I encountered no mechanical bugs, though there would be the occasional visual bug such as a servitor gliding towards me with no animations.”
- “I haven't even really started the game, and it's buggy to the point where I cannot play.”
- “The UI constantly glitches out, rumors still bugged and have been since release, saves/loads still broken... no auto-saves in 2 hours and all the quick saves I'd done not there... I do not understand how this game has very positive reviews when it gets to a point of being unplayable.”
- “It's a buggy mess in its current state, but still easily the best Warhammer 40k video game experience anyone has ever made.”
graphics
1,077 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
61%
7%
The graphics of "Rogue Trader" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they appear dated and lack the polish seen in more recent titles like "Baldur's Gate 3." While the art style effectively captures the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, technical issues such as graphical glitches and low-quality animations detract from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, some players appreciate the visuals for their immersive qualities and the game's ability to convey its thematic elements, though expectations should be tempered for those seeking cutting-edge graphics.
- “The graphics are great and each location is different and worthy of a visit.”
- “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.”
- “Also the text-heavy dialogues (that are mostly not voiced), lack of real cutscenes and overall lower quality graphics obviously are certainly not for everyone and feel out of date.”
- “Visually, it doesn’t impress; aside from the beautifully drawn comic panels and portraits, the graphics are modest for 2024 standards.”
- “The most glaring issue is the shockingly subpar graphics.”
music
645 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
43%
1%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere and immersion, effectively capturing the dark, gothic tones of the Warhammer 40k universe. Many players highlighted the soundtrack as a standout feature, with some tracks being described as phenomenal and memorable, while others noted occasional repetitiveness. Overall, the music is praised for its composition and fittingness to the game's themes, contributing significantly to the enjoyment of the gameplay experience.
- “The music is phenomenal, as is the sound design.”
- “The soundtrack is an absolute banger, and I found myself vibing to music rather than actually taking turns in combat, because the songs are that good.”
- “The atmosphere, the characters, the music and the abundance of lore, all come together to weave an intricate tapestry that is amazing to explore.”
- “The music was passable, but didn't really stand out.”
- “The music is slow and repetitive like a goddamned lullaby.”
- “Some of the music gets repetitive, very repetitive but the combat sounds... holy emperor they're amazingly good.”
atmosphere
632 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
40%
1%
The atmosphere in "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of the grimdark universe, capturing the essence of Warhammer 40k through detailed world-building, compelling dialogue, and atmospheric sound design. Players appreciate the depth of lore and the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and intrigue, although some note that the experience can be marred by bugs and occasional design flaws. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.
- “Rogue Trader absolutely nails the atmosphere of the grimdark 40k universe, with convincing dialogue options for those that inhabit it.”
- “The atmosphere and world-building are stellar; rarely did a game so effectively draw me into its setting.”
- “From the moment you embark on your journey as a rogue trader, you are immersed in an atmosphere so dense with lore and intrigue that every corner of the galaxy feels alive with potential and peril.”
- “There is so much exposition, much of which is badly written, poorly and partially voice acted, and featured in stop-start cut sequences that create no immersion or atmosphere at all.”
- “I was very hopeful for this game, the atmosphere is right, the writing felt genuine, but man is chapter 3 bugger, and man is chapter 4 empty.”
- “It sucks like they nailed the atmosphere with the game but decided to be classic Owlcat and not improve at all and release their game in an extremely unfinished state.”
grinding
426 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the combat system, leveling mechanics, and navigation. While some enjoy the initial gameplay, the experience tends to drag as encounters become monotonous and the need for constant grinding to progress becomes apparent. Overall, the game is seen as suffering from excessive complexity and a lack of engaging variety, leading to a laborious experience for many players.
- “A bit grindy.”
- “No grinding I have seen so far, but it doesn't need it.”
- “The combat encounters feel tedious and repetitive; the typical cycle of stacking buffs, mowing over cannon fodder, and focusing down the hero lacks depth and variety.”
- “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.”
- “In the end, combat drags out and becomes tedious rather than fun.”
optimization
294 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
59%
21%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including long loading times, frame rate drops, and bugs that affect gameplay. While some users with higher-end rigs experienced smooth performance, others noted that even powerful setups struggled, particularly in later chapters. Overall, many recommend waiting for further optimization and bug fixes before purchasing, as the game currently feels rushed and lacks polish.
- “Was worried my computer would have issues because it can barely do Baldur's Gate 3 without lagging, but the game runs smooth and looks great, very well optimized.”
- “Performance-wise, I had no issues; it ran smooth and I didn't experience any crashes.”
- “Oh, on a side note, the game is probably the most optimized Owlcat game to date.”
- “Optimization needs attention as the game can struggle with frame rates and stability, particularly in more demanding scenarios.”
- “The performance though is horrendous as well as having multiple bugs happen to me just in the prologue.”
- “Loading times and optimization are both abysmal.”
humor
212 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of dark, quirky, and situational comedy that resonates well with the Warhammer 40K universe, often highlighting the absurdity of its grim setting. Players appreciate the well-crafted dialogue and character interactions, which range from hilarious to deeply tragic, while also finding amusement in various bugs and glitches that add an unexpected layer of humor to gameplay. Overall, the game successfully combines engaging storytelling with a unique brand of humor that appeals to both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
- “I was totally unprepared for how funny this game is.”
- “It's kind of funny seeing a rogue trader bored out of their mind by another demon invasion that meant nothing to them, so they just send a bunch of bodies that will die by the hundreds because they're tired of dealing with demonic invasions.”
- “If you're a Warhammer 40k fan, it's a must; some of the dialogue in full 'Imperium dogmatic' mode is genuinely hilarious.”
replayability
162 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
64%
4%
Replayability in the game is generally regarded as high, driven by numerous branching paths, character builds, and alignment choices that significantly alter gameplay experiences. Many players appreciate the depth and variety offered, with some noting that the game encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different outcomes and strategies. However, a few critiques highlight that the lengthy playtime and certain design choices may limit the desire for repeated playthroughs, suggesting a mixed reception on this aspect.
- “The unending number of story options makes the game incredibly replayable.”
- “So, not only does this game give newcomers to the world of 40k the perfect way to learn about the world, by literally showing it to you, it also has an incredible amount of replayability for such a long game, with most people saying their playthroughs take about 80-150 hours, and the game having three distinct paths through the game (dogmatic, iconoclast, or heretic), with two different endings for each path.”
- “There are so many different options for how to build characters and play the game providing a ton of replayability not to mention alignment choices and a few changes that occur based on the order in which you do stuff.”
- “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
126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
63%
2%
Character development in the game is praised for its complexity and depth, offering a wide range of customization options and meaningful choices that impact gameplay and story outcomes. While many players appreciate the intricate systems and synergies available, some find the character development process convoluted and overwhelming, particularly when managing multiple characters. Overall, the game successfully integrates character development with engaging storytelling and combat mechanics, making it a standout experience for fans of the genre.
- “I am completely blown away at the level of detail, story, lore, depth, and character development this game brings to the table. Owlcat has absolutely broken this genre of games for me now.”
- “The combat is always interesting and character development is complex and rewarding.”
- “This game has such a great story, some grand character developments, interesting encounters, and side missions that can have impacts in your game and story sooner or later.”
- “The character development is very complicated without a sound tree system to lead you as you develop your crew.”
- “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.”
- “I earnestly think that the entire character development tree system should be ripped out and started over.”
emotional
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
95%
5%
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding heartwarming moments and deep connections with characters, while others criticize the lack of organic emotional depth and impactful storytelling. Many felt that the game had potential for emotional engagement but ultimately fell short, leading to hollow endings and unsatisfying character interactions. Despite this, there are standout moments that evoke laughter and tears, showcasing the game's ability to create memorable experiences amidst its flaws.
- “The companions, character arcs, and plots for some acts go from gut-wrenching to emotional.”
- “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 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 upset you.”
- “GW apparently didn't let them do anything interesting with characters, so enjoy the bland interactions as you slog through a boring story.”
- “The combat is bad, the characters are uninteresting, and the story is incredibly dull.”
- “The travel system is awful, and the leveling feels unrewarding.”
monetization
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
90%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the effort put into the game and noting it isn't a typical cash grab, while others criticize it for reliance on microtransactions and misleading advertising. Many players express concern that future DLCs may lack quality and feel like cash grabs, reflecting a broader frustration with the current state of monetization in the gaming industry. Overall, the sentiment is that while the game has potential, its monetization strategy raises red flags for players.
- “Forget the promise of progression and non-linearity, for in the grim dark future there are only microtransactions.”
- “I really wanted to give this game a chance and I did, but it comes across as an unfinished cash grab.”
- “Most seem incredibly rushed, full of bugs, and just a blatant cash grab.”

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75%Critics’ scoreBased on 25 critic reviews

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64h Median play time

78h Average play time

20-100h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 190 analyzed playthroughs

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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a role playing game.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac OS, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 78 hours playing Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader was released on August 18, 2023.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader was developed by Owlcat Games.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Pathfinder: Kingmaker — Enhanced Plus Edition, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Wasteland 3, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire and others.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

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