In a triumphant ascent to the zenith of the Steam charts, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, the latest creation from Owlcat Games, has emerged as a stellar addition to the RPG realm. Following the lauded success of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Owlcat’s foray into the Warhammer universe has garnered widespread acclaim, propelling the game to the fifth spot on the Top Sellers list on Steam. This meteoric rise is not merely a happenstance; rather, it is a testament to Owlcat Games’ proficiency in crafting compelling RPG experiences.
Owlcat Games, a studio that first captured the gaming community’s attention with Pathfinder: Kingmaker, a contemporary adaptation of the eponymous Pathfinder Adventure Path, has traversed a path strewn with challenges. Despite an initial mixed reception for Kingmaker, marred by bugs and glitches, the studio exhibited resilience, diligently patching up the game’s flaws and subsequently delivering the critically acclaimed Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. The triumph of Wrath of the Righteous not only vindicated Owlcat Games but also firmly established the studio as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of CRPGs.
Anticipation loomed among fans regarding Owlcat’s next move. Would it be another venture into the rich tapestry of a new Pathfinder Adventure Path, or perhaps an entirely different odyssey altogether? The answer, it seems, was a resounding departure into the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The choice to explore the role of a Rogue Trader within the Warhammer 40,000 setting proved to be a masterstroke, reminiscent of the style seen in classics like Baldur’s Gate 3. Owlcat Games’ adept handling of this concept is evident in the game’s glowing reviews and the enthusiastic reception from players.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, after a stint in early access, officially debuted on December 6 for PC, swiftly ascending the ranks on Steam’s Top Sellers chart. Currently occupying the fifth position, the game finds itself in the esteemed company of full-priced titles, with only Baldur’s Gate 3 ahead in the hierarchy. The factors contributing to this success are manifold. Firstly, the goodwill generated by Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has elevated Owlcat Games to a position of prominence among CRPG enthusiasts. Secondly, the prevailing popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3 has cast a spotlight on the genre, creating a fertile ground for the success of games like Rogue Trader. Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, Rogue Trader stands tall as a commendable game in its own right.
Unlike its predecessor, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, which offered players the choice between turn-based and real-time gameplay, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader embraces a strictly turn-based approach. Set against the backdrop of the Koronus Expanse, the game immerses players in the role of a Rogue Trader—an envoy and explorer sanctioned by the Imperium of Man to venture into the uncharted expanses of the galaxy. The game’s allure is further heightened by an alignment system, a diverse array of companions, and the possession of a formidable voidship, all seamlessly integrated to mirror the essence of Games Workshop’s tabletop experience.
For those who found solace and exhilaration in the realms of Baldur’s Gate 3, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader beckons as a kindred spirit. While it may not boast the same financial largesse as Larian Studios’ acclaimed creation, Rogue Trader has found resonance among fans, attesting to its merit and engaging gameplay.
The success of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader marks a significant milestone for Owlcat Games, solidifying its reputation as a developer capable of delivering immersive and captivating RPG experiences. As the game continues to soar in the Steam charts, it beckons players to embark on a thrilling odyssey through the grim and expansive universe of Warhammer 40,000, reaffirming Owlcat Games’ position as a noteworthy contender in the competitive landscape of CRPGs.
