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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHeretic + Hexen launched on August 7, 2025, for a specific set of consoles and PC storefronts—not literally every platform. Owners of eligible original DOS games can get the enhanced edition at no extra cost, but only on the same storefront where they own the original.
When did Heretic + Hexen launch, and where can you play it?
The enhanced edition launched on August 7, 2025. Bethesda lists Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, the Windows Store/Xbox Windows app, Steam, and GOG. That is the supported platform and storefront list in Bethesda’s release notes and FAQ; it should not be read as availability on every device or storefront.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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PS5 Limited Run #163: Heretic + Hexen | $59.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Hexen II | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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MacPlay Shooter Pack: Hexen II / Heretic II / Sin Gold | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Pillbox Games Hex Effects | $15.52 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
CGE Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) | $24.97 | Buy on Amazon |
Xbox Wire described Xbox Play Anywhere and Game Pass access at launch. Bethesda’s FAQ also lists Game Pass Ultimate, including PC Game Pass, and xCloud access. For Steam cloud streaming, the FAQ says players must own the game. Its mention of GeForce NOW and Boosteroid as “coming soon” is not confirmation that either service is available now. Xbox Wire’s launch interview and platform overview provides additional context.
Who gets the free upgrade?
Bethesda says the upgrade is free for owners of an eligible original DOS release on the same platform. Eligible games are Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders, Hexen: Beyond Heretic, and Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel, owned through Steam, the Windows Store/Xbox Windows app, or GOG.
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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
Storefront ownership does not transfer: owning an eligible game on Steam does not establish upgrade eligibility on GOG, for example. Bethesda also says players keep access to the originals they already own.
What does the enhanced edition include?
The package brings together all three original products and adds two new episodes: Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur. Steam’s listing for Heretic + Hexen gives the combined release totals as 117 campaign maps and 120 deathmatch maps.
Rank #2
- Blackmarsh with seven levels: Blackmarsh, The Mill, The Barbican, King's Court, Palace Entrance, Inner Courtyayd and Stables.
- The Plaza of the Sun with six levels: Plaza of the Sun, Square of the Steream,Court of 1000 Warriors, Palace of Columns, Bridge of Stars and Obelisk of the Moon.
- The Temple of Horus with five levels: Temple of Horus, Palace of the Pharoah, Temple of Nefertum, Temple of Light and Pyramid of Qnubis.
- The Hall of Heroes with six levels: Hall of Heroes, Forum of Zeus, Gardens of Athena, Reflecting Pool,Baths of Demetrious and Temple of Mars.
- The Cathedral with four levels: Catherdral, Tower of the Dark Mage, The Underhalls, Eidolins Ordeal.
Other additions and options described by Bethesda include cross-platform multiplayer, a Raven Vault of behind-the-scenes materials, community-published mods, and an optional Andrew Hulshult soundtrack. Players can also choose the original MIDI and FM Synth soundtracks composed by Kevin Schilder. The enhanced release allows campaigns to be played in any order and includes Level Select.
How do multiplayer and online features work?
The sources describe online multiplayer for up to 16 players, with cross-platform play. Split-screen limits depend on platform:
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| Platform | Split-screen maximum | Source detail |
|---|---|---|
| Most listed platforms | Up to 4 players | Bethesda’s FAQ specifies four-player split-screen on all platforms, with higher limits for Xbox Series X|S and PC. |
| Xbox Series X|S and PC | Up to 8 players | Bethesda specifies eight; Steam also lists local split-screen co-op and deathmatch for up to eight. |
Single-player campaigns and local multiplayer can be played offline. Online multiplayer requires an internet connection. Bethesda says a Bethesda.net account is required for online multiplayer and the in-game mod browser on all platforms; the account is also required to use the mod uploader on PC.
What resolution and frame rate does each version support?
Bethesda’s published specifications differ by hardware. They do not support a blanket claim that every version runs at 4K and 120 frames per second.
Rank #4
- Experience a fast-paced “take that” card game where players manage Hexes in their Shadow and compete to be the first to treat all of them using clever strategy and timing.
- Use powerful Remedy cards to cure your Hexes—while navigating risky side effects that make you vulnerable to new Hexes from your opponents.
- Features unique, original artwork by Pillbox Games, bringing the world of Hexes, Remedies, and clever sabotage to life with bold, eye-catching visuals.
- Easy-to-learn rules make Hex Effects perfect for casual gamers, families, and party groups, yet with enough depth to thrill experienced strategy fans.
- Includes Hex cards, Remedy cards, and everything needed to start playing immediately—ideal for game nights, travel, gifts, and fans of Side Effects-style mechanics.
| Platform | Published resolution and frame rate |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch, handheld | 720p at 60 fps |
| Nintendo Switch, docked | 1080p at 60 fps |
| PlayStation 4 and Xbox One | 1080p at 60 fps |
| PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X | Native 4K at 60 fps |
| PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S | Native 4K at 120 fps |
| PC | Depends on the video card and display |
These are Bethesda’s stated platform targets in its release notes; actual PC output depends on the player’s hardware and display.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do original saves carry over?
No. Bethesda says saves from the original games are not compatible with the enhanced edition. Players who want to continue an original save can still access their original version through the relevant library: Bethesda describes original-game launch options on Steam and downloadable original versions in the GOG release.
Best Value
- Two teams race to identify their agents from a 5×5 grid, guided by a spymaster who knows each card’s identity
- Spymasters give one-word clues and a number to link multiple cards, encouraging creative thinking
- Teammates guess words matching the clue while avoiding the other team’s agents, bystanders, and the assassin
- Revealing the assassin ends the game instantly, adding high-stakes tension
- Teams may guess up to the clue number plus one, allowing strategic risks or revisiting old clues
Which languages are supported?
Bethesda lists twelve added translations: French, Italian, German, Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Steam lists 13 interface and subtitle languages, including English and Latin American Spanish. The two lists use different categories and naming, so they should not be treated as identical language counts.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
