Fit check
Is Heretical worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Rogue-lite players who want permanent progression after failed runs
- Action RPG fans interested in experimenting with character builds
- Players who enjoy fantasy combat built around repeated boss encounters
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a failure-free campaign with no repeated attempts
- Players who prefer fixed characters and simple progression over build combinations
- Players looking for stealth, disguises, and conversations as the main activities
Our take on Heretical
Death defines the structure: failed climbs can permanently open skills, weapons, and characters before the next attempt begins.
What is Heretical?
Heretical is a punishing rogue-lite action RPG set on Sanctora Mountain.
Each failed run can contribute to permanent unlocks, including skills, weapons, and characters, while randomized equipment and varied skill combinations change later attempts. Players choose heroes with different abilities and proficiencies, then develop them through stats, perks, items, and acquired skills. Prophecy Cards open additional mechanics, skills, and items through an achievement system, and the Well of Stars provides further improvements to skills and perks. Progress follows an ascent from the Sanctuary of the Forlorn toward Sanctora Manor, with multiple bosses blocking the way. The story concerns Abidan, the Sanctorite mines, and a mysterious entity bound to a crumbling church.
How Heretical plays
- 01Persistent Death Progression
- Failed attempts can permanently unlock skills, weapons, and other options for later runs.
- 02Custom Character Builds
- Stats, perks, equipment, and acquired skills can be combined into different setups.
- 03Randomized Equipment
- Weapons and gear vary between runs, changing the available build choices.
- 04Unlockable Heroes
- New playable characters become available with distinct skills and proficiencies.
- 05Prophecy Card System
- Achievements can open additional game mechanics, skills, and items.
- 06Boss Encounters
- Several bosses must be defeated during the climb, each using a distinct set of abilities.
Heretical compared to similar games
Heretical focuses on repeated action-RPG runs, permanent unlocks, randomized gear, and boss encounters. Ghost of a Tale is also an action RPG, but its description centers on Tilo’s adventure, stealth, disguises, conversations, immersion, and exploration rather than repeated runs and persistent build progression.
Heretical: platforms & release
Is Heretical worth it?
It is worth it if: rogue-lite players who want permanent progression after failed runs. Skip it if: players seeking a failure-free campaign with no repeated attempts.
Where can I download Heretical?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Heretical's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Heretical on?
Windows only.
