Heretical

RPG· Action Roguelike· Roguelite· Replay Value

Early access since Oct 2024

Die. Adapt. Strike back. Climb Sanctora in this brutal Rogue-lite where every death unlocks powers, heroes, and paths to vengeance.

84% positive · 1,039 reviews

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam Updated 11 Oct 2026 $14.99 IndieGala Steam key Updated 12 Oct 2026 $14.99

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Evaluation

Heretical entered Steam Early Access on October 30, 2024, with Three Swords Studio explicitly stating the game represented roughly 50% of the planned content. The developer committed to expanding the game significantly before a full 1.0 release, with a price increase from $14.99 to $24.99 planned at launch. Since entering Early Access, the game has received a consistent stream of major updates. The Celestial Weave update arrived January 21, 2025, reworking core systems and adding new skills, uniques, and progression content. A substantial feature patch followed on March 11, 2025. The Bells Toll update (June 19, 2025) added two large new regions — the Cathedral of Silent Oaths and The Foundry — along with new bosses, skills, and items, representing one of the biggest content additions yet. The Herbal Medicine update (August 7, 2025) overhauled the healing system and added new languages. The Alchemist update (October 7, 2025) introduced an entirely new playable class and a new weapon type. A feature patch on June 5, 2026 noted a new region called The Mines was added to the world map but is still unplayable, clearly signaling more content under active construction. In May 2025, the studio announced a publishing partnership with Ultimate Games S.A., stating this gives them "greater stability and confidence that Heretical will not only continue to grow, but reach full release as we envisioned it." Developer communications have been consistent and regular throughout the Early Access period, and the most recent patch was posted on June 5, 2026 — just two weeks before today. The game is actively being developed toward its 1.0 release.

Evidence

Latest patch adds a large portion of a new unplayable region — The Mines — indicating it is under active construction and will become playable in a future update.

news post · Jun 5, 2026 source content planned

high

Major update adds a fully new playable class (The Alchemist) with a unique class mechanic, a new weapon type (one-handed crossbows), new uniques, and more prophecies.

news post · Oct 7, 2025 source content shipped

high

Media

Details

Developer

Three Swords Studio

Publisher

Ultimate Games S.A.

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

partial support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player

Action Roguelike Roguelite Replay Value Action RPG Hack and Slash Souls-like Dark Fantasy Isometric Controller Stylized Atmospheric Medieval Story Rich Dungeon Crawler Loot

About this game

Die. Adapt. Strike back. Heretical is a punishing Rogue-lite Action RPG with Soulslike DNA. You’re not just fighting to survive - you’re evolving through death. Unlock new characters, master devastating abilities, and rewrite your strategy with every failed run as you ascend Sanctora Mountain to face a merciless demigod.

With deep RPG mechanics, engaging narrative, and countless custom character builds, each run offers a unique experience.

MAIN FEATURES

Unlockable Characters: Heretical entices the players to unlock new characters, each with a unique set of skills and proficiencies.
Level-Up Mechanics: The streamlined level-up system allows players to quickly choose which skill to acquire or upgrade, providing seamless gameplay.
Custom Character Builds: The variety of the character’s main stats, additional perks, collected items, and acquired skills brings endless customization options.
Randomized Items: Countless different weapons and gear pieces allow for a unique build in every run.
Prophecy Cards: An achievement system, allowing the player to unlock new game mechanics, skills, and items.
Well of Stars: Enables the player to improve their character’s skills and perks further, adding variety to the unique builds.
Boss Fights: To progress through the game, the player needs to defeat multiple bosses, each with its own skill set.

NEVER THE SAME EXPERIENCE TWICE

Although the world of Heretical is based on linear progression, no two play runs are ever the same. Through random item drops, a multitude of skill combinations, and different play styles of each of the heroes, Heretical offers countless variations to the way you venture up to the top of Sanctora Mountain.

WELCOME TO SANCTORA MOUNTAIN

Sanctora Mountain, the crown jewel of Aelyndor, now exists in isolation, locked away from the rest of the world. Its ruler, the mighty Abidan, presides over the remaining populace with an iron fist, making sure he retains control over the Sanctorite mines - the source of all magic.

At the same time, a mysterious entity stands cursed and bound to a crumbling church, a reminder of the lost faith. There, he offers guidance to heroes who enter this world looking for absolution.

HEROES OF SANCTORA

To enter Abidan's realm, first you have to choose one of the heroes and guide them from the Sanctuary of the Forlorn to the gates of Sanctora Manor. On this path, you'll encounter powerful bosses who will test your acquired skills to their very limits.

Should you fail, use that as a lesson for the next encounter, as well as an opportunity to help your hero permanently unlock powerful skills and unique weapons.