Heretic + Hexen is a restored and enhanced release of Raven Software’s dark-fantasy shooters, launched August 7, 2025. It brings the original campaigns and Hexen expansion together with two new episodes, modern multiplayer and platform support, and optional updated music. Digital versions are available across current PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms; limited physical editions were sold through Limited Run Games and are currently listed as sold out.
What is Heretic + Hexen?
The release combines Raven Software’s Heretic (1994) and sequel Hexen (1995), originally produced by id Software, in one restored and enhanced package. Bethesda released the collection on August 7, 2025. It preserves three previously released works and adds two new episodes, so it is more than a simple bundle of the original games. Bethesda’s release notes describe the launch and package.
Previously released campaigns
- Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders
- Hexen: Beyond Heretic
- Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel
New episodes
- Heretic: Faith Renewed
- Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur
Nightdive Studios lists 117 campaign maps and 120 deathmatch maps across the collection on its product page. Those totals describe the full release, not just the two new episodes.
What has changed in the enhanced release?
The core spell-casting, first-person-shooter campaigns remain, but the updated edition adds features intended to make them easier to play on modern hardware and with other people.
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- Cross-Platform & Local Multiplayer: Engage in deathmatch and co-op modes
- Enhanced Soundtrack: Toggle Andrew Hulshult's immersive score
- Mod Support: Customize your gaming experience
- Accessibility & Improvements: Enjoy various quality-of-life enhancements and engine fixes
- Online multiplayer: cross-platform co-op and deathmatch for up to 16 players, according to Bethesda. A Bethesda.net account is required for online multiplayer.
- Local multiplayer: split-screen supports up to four players on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch; up to eight on PC and Xbox Series X|S, according to Nightdive.
- Mods: an in-game browser provides community-published mods. Bethesda.net sign-in is required to use the mod browser.
- Raven Vault: behind-the-scenes development material is included in the game.
- Controls and accessibility: the release adds modern controller support and accessibility and quality-of-life options.
- Music: players can choose the original MIDI and FM Synth tracks by Kevin Schilder or an optional enhanced soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, titled “Tome of Power.”
The single-player campaigns and local multiplayer can be played offline, while online multiplayer and the mod browser require a Bethesda.net account. Bethesda’s release notes also list new translations in French, Italian, German, Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
How does performance vary by platform?
The 4K and 120 FPS figures advertised for the enhanced release are not universal. Nightdive lists performance up to 4K and 120 FPS on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Bethesda’s platform-specific figures show lower limits on other systems:
| Platform | Resolution and frame rate listed by Bethesda |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 720p at 60 FPS handheld; 1080p at 60 FPS docked |
| PlayStation 4 | 1080p at 60 FPS |
| PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S | Up to 4K and 120 FPS, as listed by Nightdive |
These are stated platform capabilities, not a guarantee that every display, setting, or scene will run at the maximum. See Bethesda’s release notes and Nightdive’s feature list for their respective specifications.
Where can you play Heretic + Hexen?
Bethesda lists the release for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. PC storefronts include the Windows Store/Xbox Windows app, Steam, and GOG. Bethesda also lists Game Pass Ultimate, including PC Game Pass, as an access option. Subscription and cloud-streaming availability can change; check the relevant service’s current listing before relying on it.
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- Model number : 21071
- Package weight : 0.249 Kg
- Product type : TABLETOP GAME
- Package Dimension :4.495 cm x 14.300 cm x 14.097 cm
Players who own eligible original DOS versions of Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders, Hexen: Beyond Heretic, or Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel on Steam, the Windows Store/Xbox Windows app, or GOG were eligible for a free upgrade on the corresponding platform. The original games remain in their owners’ libraries. Original saves do not work with the enhanced release.
The former Steam and GOG “Pack” collection included Heretic, Hexen, and Hexen II. It is no longer available for purchase; previous purchasers retain library access, and the upgrade applies to eligible titles in the pack. Bethesda’s release notes and FAQ provide the platform and ownership details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you get the physical editions?
Limited Run Games offered physical editions in standard, upgraded, console big-box, and PC big-box formats. Its Heretic + Hexen collection page currently lists those editions as sold out. That status does not establish availability at other retailers, so check a seller’s current listing before purchasing.
Why were Heretic and Hexen distinctive?
Raven built both games on a heavily modified version of the DOOM engine, adding fantasy weapons and spells alongside systems that pushed beyond a straightforward corridor shooter. Raven Software co-founder and co-head Brian Raffel recalled: “We built those games on a heavily modified Doom (1993) engine and tried to push the boundaries wherever we could, adding things like character classes, inventory systems, vertical aiming…stuff that was pretty wild for the time.” The comment appears in a PlayStation Blog interview.
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Hexen in particular built its campaign around hub worlds, class-specific playstyles, progression between levels, and environmental puzzles. Nightdive Studio Head Stephen Kick described those design choices in an Xbox Wire interview: “Hexen especially took real risks: non-linear hub worlds, character classes with unique playstyles, persistent progression between levels, and environmental puzzles that required actual observation and memory.”
Is this a worthwhile way to revisit the games?
For players who want the original campaigns on modern platforms, the collection gathers the main Heretic and Hexen releases with their expansion content and two new episodes. Its practical differences from the old versions are the expanded platform access, cross-platform online play, local split-screen, mod browser, Vault material, and soundtrack choice. Buyers should choose a platform based on their own hardware and multiplayer plans rather than assume every system has the same performance ceiling. The physical route is currently a collector’s option to watch rather than a confirmed in-stock purchase.
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