Players will take on the role of a Rogue Trader, a scion of an ancient dynasty of daring privateers, that reign over their own merchant empire and explore the fringes of Imperial space  with the blessing of the Emperor Himself. Thanks to their Warrant of Trade - the Rogue Trader is endowed with privileges and power beyond imagination as well as the task of expanding the borders of the Imperium. At their disposal is a gargantuan voidship of immense strength and innumerable personnel ready to follow any undertakings of the leader. Show your subjects mercy or disdain, stay faithful to the Emperor or consort with enemies of Mankind - every decision and every act of the Rogue Trader sends ripples throughout entire star systems, changing the in-game world and those who inhabit it.

The action will unfold in the Koronus Expanse, a dangerous and unexplored region on the far frontiers of the Imperium of Man. Many explorers have fallen victim to this dangerous place and never returned.

Exploration will bring the protagonist to mysterious lost and forgotten worlds as well as numerous planets claimed by humanity - from lush Agri-Worlds to steel-clad Forge Worlds, all of them ready to be claimed for your burgeoning merchant empire or plundered for their riches. While travelling between the stars, get ready to come across potential allies and dangerous enemies of the Imperium, Chaos cults and alien Xenos counting among the most treacherous and deadly.

Owlcat Games also announced that all early founders who pre-purchased any version of the game are now able to download and play the Beta!

The closed Beta dramatically extends the amount of content available for the players and features the prologue and the first three chapters of the game. The explorers of the Koronus Expanse will get access to 60-80 hours of adventures, ​​exciting quests, will meet new enemies and friends and also will learn how it all starts.

The Beta allows players to start from the very beginning, earning position as a Lord Captain in the Prologue and Act I, continuing through Act II (featured in closed Alpha), and finally venturing into the dark city of Commorragh, home of the insidious Drukhari, in Act III.

The Rogue Trader will expand the number of loyal companions - Ulfar, a mighty Adeptus Astartes from the Space Wolves chapter, will join retinue in the Beta to crush the enemies in the Emperor’s name.

Moreover the closed Beta introduces the character creation featuring a wide range of options to create an absolutely unique Rogue Trader both visually and mechanically (several options are still work in progress). The character progression has seen a significant overhaul, introducing new and updated talents and abilities together with a new doctrine and changes in the rest. The Beta also introduces a unique progression tree for the navigator and the highly anticipated ability to play as a psyker for the main character. The Beta gives a glimpse of the Convictions system. Important decisions taken during the course of adventures of Lord Captain will have lasting consequences called Convictions in the full version of the game. Characters will accumulate points towards Imperialis, Benevolentia, or Hereticus, unlocking new perks and dialogue options. 

Space combat has received a massive update, including new space backgrounds, new HUD, shield UI, combat grid visuals, and a great number of balance and gameplay updates. Colonization has also seen a significant update, with improved UI, and an array of balance changes.

This is only a part of the updates that awaits players in the Beta. 

This Beta version of the game will remain live until Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader‘s release, meaning that anyone who pre-purchases any of the founder’s packs will be able to try the game early. In-game progress will not be transferred from one version to another

You will make fateful decisions that affect the lives of entire worlds. You will prove your strategic and tactical skills in high-impact turn-based battles against powerful opponents.

No Rogue Trader travels alone: on this dangerous journey into the unknown, you will meet faithful and sophisticated companions. Imagine fighting alongside a mighty power armoured Space Marine, a lethal Aeldari Ranger, or even a courageous Sister of Battle armed with bolter and ardent prayer - these characters and many others will join you. Become a Rogue Trader endowed with great authority, discover new worlds and shape the future of the Imperium! Join this fantastic story!

The  Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader collector’s box revealed on the show includes an 8-inch painted figure of Navigator Cassia Orsellio, hardcover art book, Warrant of Trade that you can personalize with your name, Rogue Trader banner, and sticker pack. Together with physical items you will receive a digital version of the game in a selected store with the pack of various in-game goodies and access to Alpha and Beta versions.

The Collector’s Edition contents: 

• Cassia Statue (8in/20cm): An exclusive 8-inch collectible figure of Cassia Orsellio, Navigator and noble companion of the Rogue Trader. Although Cassia looks youthful, her extraordinary powers strengthen the party immensely.
• Art Book: Read about the creation of the game and see the concept art and final hi-res artwork for characters, environments, and various equipment in this hardcover art book.
• Warrant of Trade: The Imperial Warrant of Trade describes and sanctions the solemn duties and immense privileges of a Rogue Trader and their descendants.
• Sticker Pack: “Fight for the Imperium”, “Success / Prosperity”, “Your Emperor Needs You!” – you will find these and other atmospheric slogans on sticker replicas of Imperial propaganda posters. Look out for the posters in various in-game locations and decorate your possessions with the matching sticker set.
• Rogue Trader Cloth Banner: This large banner is made from thick fabric and is a close replica of the coat of arms of House von Valancius.

Fans can support the game right now by pre-ordering a copy of the Founder’s Pack and become a part of the team behind Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is in development for PC (Steam / GOG) and consoles.