When id Software released Doom in 1993, it forever changed the PC gaming landscape as it ushered in a new era of fast-paced first-person shooters. The following year, in 1994, id would partner with developer Raven Software (a studio that is still around, working on Call of Duty) to publish Heretic. Instead of wielding guns in the distant future, fending off a demonic invasion from Hell, Heretic presented the FPS action of Doom in a rich fantasy world with magic, spells, monsters, and flaming swords.

Heretic quickly became a cult classic, alongside its follow-up Hexen: Beyond Heretic, which Raven also developed and released with id Software. With QuakeCon 2025 kicking off this week, Bethesda, id Software, and Nightdive Studios have been working behind the scenes to shadow drop Heretic + Hexen, a definitive remastered version of both games, for PC and console.
With native 4K 120 FPS action on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, PC gamers also benefit from the modernized update, which supports multiple resolutions and aspect ratios. It doesn't stop there, as this re-release also includes two brand-new campaigns or episodes in the form of Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur, online cross-platform co-op, a remastered soundtrack, and multiplayer Deathmatch for up to 16 players with 120 maps to choose from.
And if you already own Heretic and Hexen on Steam, this remastered collection and re-release will already be there in your library, ready to fire up - free of charge. This collection includes all post-release episodes from back in the day, as well as the original DOS versions for those looking to create that authentic mid-90s experience. Here's a look at the trailer for the Heretic + Hexen re-release, and a quick summary of what's new and improved.
Heretic + Hexen Enhancements
- Online cross-platform deathmatch and co-op for up to 16 players
- Local split-screen deathmatch and co-op for up to 8 players
- Toggleable, enhanced Tome of Power soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult
- Community-published mod support with an in-game mod browser
- Improved performance with multithreaded rendering supporting up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS
- A Vault section containing concept art and unused sprites from the development of the original games
- Accessibility options, such as updated UI, improved legibility, contrast and screen FX adjustments, and text-to-speech features.
- Modern controller support
- Weapon carousel for faster weapon switching
- Game balance toggle (original/enhanced)
- Quick Save/Load support
- Widescreen support
- Many engine fixes for bugs present in original versions
- Translated into 12 new languages: French, Italian, German, Spanish, LATAM Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese




