Amidst the DOOM and Quake frenzy of the 90s, two fantasy-themed gems, Heretic and Hexen, dared to be different. And now, thanks to the wizardry of Nightdive Studios and id Software, they’re back and shinier than ever.
Announced at QuakeCon 2025, Heretic + Hexen is available now, ready to grace your Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and even your Game Pass subscription. So, if you've been yearning to revisit those monster-filled halls with improved fidelity, your prayers have been answered.
Originally unleashed in 1994 and 1995 by Raven Software, these pioneering titles brought us groundbreaking features like inventory systems, ambient sound effects, and the revolutionary ability to… look up and down.
It was a different time, introducing features we now take for granted in pretty much every game. Before Heretic and Hexen, your neck was practically cemented to a fixed horizontal gaze. It also spiced things up with a healthy dose of high fantasy, trading shotguns for enchanted staves and space marines for undead knights.
Fast forward to today, and this enhanced re-release is bursting with improvements. Up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS on supported hardware, which means you can now witness every glorious pixel of your ancient foes. Plus, there’s a remixed soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, in-game mod support, and local split-screen for up to 8 players. Gather your pals, get Just Eat ordered, and prepare for some chaotic couch co-op – something that feels like a dying feature these days. Online crossplay for up to 16 players is also supported.
Nightdive and id Software have collaborated on two brand-new episodes: Heretic: Faith Renewed, and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandier. So, even if you’re a seasoned veteran of these arcane realms, there’s fresh content to explore. As Brian Raffel, co-founder of Raven Software, put it, seeing Heretic and Hexen return is "kind of surreal."
If you’ve never checked them out before, it’s certainly worth your time; you can get an appreciation of some video game history and play a couple of classics.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
This Game Boy inspired mouse makes the thought of an 8-bit gaming PC just fine, actuallyMaking your PC more fun
-
Someone's just created a Nintendo Switch 2 controller that doubles as a french fry holderWe’re really lovin' this
-
10 New Nintendo Switch 2 games to add to your wishlist: Monster Hunter, Persona and moreReturning classics, new entries and more
-
Dedicated Sony fightstick gets name and release windowFor the pros
-
Microsoft announces Hollow Knight: Silksong demo for select fewFinally
-
LEGO unveils brick-built Game Boy – A nostalgic masterpieceNostalgia done right
-
Xbox Game Pass now lets you stream your own games on PCWho, err, needs a console, right?
-
PlayStation 5 PS Plus subscribers are getting one of the best — and most controversial — RPGs of the decade for freeWelcome to Night City
