Revealed at QuakeCon 2025, Raven Software’s spell-casting FPS Heretic and Hexen are getting what they’re calling a re-release as Heretic + Hexen. It’s also been shadowdropped, it’s out now.
Originally developed by Raven Software and published by id Software, this re-release (some may call it a remaster) is done by Nightdive Studios. Heretic + Hexen are also making their console debut with this re-release.
Heretic + Hexen contains the following titles and content:
- Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders
- Hexen: Beyond Heretic
- Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel (expansion to Hexen)
- Two all-new episodes created in collaboration between individuals at id Software + Nightdive Studios:
- Heretic: Faith Renewed
- Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur
Owners of the previously current version of Heretic and Hexen (and its expansion pack) on Steam, Microsoft Store and GOG will receive Heretic + Hexen that contains all three games as a free upgrade. You just need to own one of them to qualify for the free upgrade, not all three.
The original DOS versions players bought before will still be accessible, as per this FAQ.
The new Heretic + Hexen re-release adds cross-play co-op and Deathmatch multiplayer (up to 16 players), two new original episodes created by Nightdive as well as mod support. The game runs at least 60FPS on all consoles, even the Switch.
In addition, the re-release adds new remixed soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult. The original MIDI and FM Synth-based soundtrack by Kevin Schilder is still there for those who prefer the classic renditions.
Plus, the re-release adds the Raven Vault, a collection of behind-the-scenes materials from the development of Heretic and Hexen.
The PC versions also receive native controller support. Obviously the mouse and keyboard is the superior input device for FPS titles, but it’s nice to have such an option.
Raven Software is still around today making FPS, as they are part of the team that makes the single-player campaigns for the yearly Call Of Duty titles.
But 30 years ago, this development team were shaking up the FPS formula by putting guns aside and go full magic. And by Heretic II, even ventured into 3rd-person action action adventure. The mix of FPS and third-person action can later be seen when Raven went to work on the later titles in the Star Wars: Jedi Knight series.
It’s nice to see Bethesda continues to explore the rich backlog id Software has and have be re-released on consoles. All of the Doom games have recently received the same treatment, and so have Quake I and II.
Heretic + Hexen is out now on PS4, PS5, PC ((Steam, Microsoft Store, GOG), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.