Ultimate Heretic + Hexen Guide 2026: Classic FPS Review
After spending countless hours with the newly released Heretic + Hexen remaster, I can confidently say that Nightdive Studios has delivered another masterful preservation of gaming history. These fantasy-themed first-person shooters from the mid-90s have returned with modern enhancements while maintaining everything that made them special. As someone who played these games on MS-DOS back in the day, experiencing them again with quality-of-life improvements feels like reuniting with old friends who’ve learned some new tricks.
The surprise announcement at QuakeCon 2026 caught everyone off guard – including me. One moment I was browsing gaming news, the next I was downloading these classics on my Steam Deck. For newcomers to these titles, you’re in for a treat: two groundbreaking FPS games that dared to swap Doom’s sci-fi horror for swords, sorcery, and spell-slinging mayhem. These games belong alongside the best retro games of all time, representing a unique evolution in first-person shooter design that influenced countless modern titles.
A Journey Back to 1994: Understanding Gaming History
When Raven Software released Heretic in 1994, they weren’t just creating another Doom clone – they were pioneering something unique. I remember the first time I picked up the Ethereal Crossbow and realized this wasn’t just Doom with a fantasy skin. The inventory system alone was revolutionary for its time, letting me carry items between levels and use them strategically. This was unheard of in FPS games back then.
Hexen followed in 1995 and pushed boundaries even further. The introduction of three distinct character classes – Fighter, Cleric, and Mage – fundamentally changed how you approached each playthrough. I spent entire weekends exploring the hub-based level design, another innovation that would influence countless games to come. While my friends were fragging in Doom II, I was solving puzzles and backtracking through interconnected worlds, feeling like I was playing something that bridged the gap between FPS action and RPG adventure.
The technical achievements of these games often get overshadowed by their more famous id Software cousins, but they deserve recognition. Hexen’s scripting system, called ACS (Action Code Script), became fundamental to later Doom engine games. The destructible environment elements, like shattering stained glass windows, added atmosphere that pure action shooters of the era lacked. For players seeking more comprehensive gaming guides, understanding this historical context makes these classics even more impressive.
The 2026 Remaster: What Nightdive Studios Got Right
Having played through both campaigns in the remaster, I’m impressed by how Nightdive balanced preservation with modernization. The visual enhancements are immediately noticeable – running at 4K resolution with uncapped framerates transforms these pixelated classics into sharp, responsive experiences. Yet they’ve retained the original art style’s charm. The sprites still have that distinctive 90s look, but now they’re crisp enough to appreciate the detailed artwork.
The new episode, “Quest for the Sigil Curse,” adds six fresh levels that feel authentic to the original design philosophy. Playing through these new areas, I found myself using the same strategies I developed decades ago, which speaks to how well the new content meshes with the classic gameplay. The level design maintains that perfect balance of combat encounters, secret hunting, and environmental puzzles that defined the originals.
Controller support deserves special mention. I’ve been playing on Xbox Series X, and the implementation feels natural. The addition of gyro aiming on supported platforms (like the Switch and Steam Deck) brings surprising precision to a genre that traditionally demanded mouse control. During intense battles with Iron Liches or Serpent Riders, I never felt handicapped by using a controller – something I couldn’t say about previous console ports of these games.
Gameplay Mechanics: Why These Games Still Matter
What strikes me most about revisiting Heretic and Hexen is how their gameplay mechanics still feel fresh compared to modern shooters. The weapon variety goes beyond simple damage upgrades. In Heretic, the Tome of Power transforms each weapon into something entirely different – the Elven Wand becomes a rapid-fire devastator, while the Phoenix Rod turns into a flamethrower. I find myself managing this power-up more carefully than any modern game’s ultimate abilities.
Hexen’s class system offers genuine replay value that many contemporary games struggle to match. Playing as the Fighter feels completely different from the Mage experience. The Fighter’s reliance on close combat and limited ranged options forces aggressive tactics, while the Mage’s arsenal of spells rewards careful positioning and resource management. The Cleric strikes a balance, but his Serpent Staff remains one of the most satisfying weapons in any FPS – the life-drain mechanic predates similar systems in modern games by decades.
The inventory system continues to shine. Carrying Quartz Flasks for emergency healing, Wings of Wrath for reaching secrets, or Chaos Devices for emergency escapes adds a tactical layer missing from pure run-and-gun shooters. I’ve lost count of how many times a well-timed Shadowsphere saved me from overwhelming odds. This resource management aspect connects these games more closely to modern survival games than their 90s contemporaries. If you enjoy tactical elements in gaming, you might also appreciate the best multiplayer games of all time that emphasize strategic coordination.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Classic Deathmatch Returns
The cross-platform multiplayer implementation exceeded my expectations. I’ve been jumping between PC and Xbox, joining matches with PlayStation and Switch players without any issues. The netcode feels solid – even in eight-player deathmatches, I haven’t experienced significant lag or hit registration problems.
Local split-screen co-op brings back memories of LAN parties, but with modern convenience. Playing through Hexen’s campaign with a friend on the same screen, each using different character classes, creates emergent gameplay moments. The Fighter tanks damage while the Mage provides ranged support – it’s cooperative gameplay that feels intentional rather than tacked on.
The deathmatch arenas, both original and new, showcase level design that understood vertical gameplay before it became standard. Using Wings of Wrath to reach elevated positions or dropping Firemace spheres from above adds dimensions to combat that feel surprisingly modern. The chaos of an eight-player match with weapons like the Firemace and Bloodscourge creates spectacular mayhem that rivals any contemporary arena shooter.
The Boomer Shooter Renaissance Connection
Playing Heretic + Hexen in 2026 highlights their influence on the current boomer shooter revival. Games like Dusk, Amid Evil, and Project Warlock clearly draw inspiration from these fantasy FPS pioneers. The DNA is unmistakable – from the arcane weapon designs to the gothic architecture and emphasis on movement over cover.
What’s fascinating is how these remasters demonstrate that the originals still hold up against their modern inspirations. The level design in particular showcases a confidence and coherence that some modern throwbacks struggle to capture. Hexen’s Shadow Wood hub, with its seasonal transitions and interconnected areas, remains more ambitious than many contemporary indie shooters dare to be.
This release also benefits from perfect timing. The gaming community’s renewed appreciation for fast-paced, skill-based shooters means new players are more receptive to these classics’ demanding gameplay. Unlike when these games originally released and competed with revolutionary titles like Quake, they now stand as refined examples of a specific design philosophy that’s back in vogue. For modern gamers exploring this genre, checking out best multiplayer PS5 games can provide additional context for how FPS gaming has evolved.
Tips for New Players: Navigating Classic Design
If you’re coming to these games fresh, here’s my advice from hundreds of hours across multiple decades: embrace the exploration. These aren’t corridor shooters with objective markers. Get lost, check every wall for secrets, and remember that switches in one area might open doors three levels away. This is particularly true in Hexen, where puzzle-solving is as important as combat prowess.
Save frequently and in multiple slots. These games come from an era before generous checkpointing. Nothing frustrates more than losing 30 minutes of progress to an unexpected Iron Lich. The remaster includes quicksave functionality – use it liberally.
Experiment with different difficulty levels. Unlike modern games that often just increase enemy health, Heretic and Hexen add more enemies and change item placements on higher difficulties. Starting on “Thou Needeth a Wet Nurse” (easy) isn’t shameful – it’s smart for learning level layouts and enemy patterns before tackling harder challenges.
Master the inventory system early. Binding frequently used items to quick keys transforms your effectiveness. Having instant access to Quartz Flasks or Chaos Devices can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Don’t hoard items either – they’re meant to be used, and you’ll find more.
Technical Performance and Platform Differences
Across my testing on multiple platforms, performance has been consistently excellent. The PC version offers unlimited framerate potential and full modding support, making it the definitive edition for enthusiasts. Steam Deck runs both games flawlessly at 60fps, making these perfect portable experiences.
Console versions impress with their optimization. Xbox Series X and PS5 maintain 120fps at 4K, while Series S targets 1440p at the same framerate. Even the Switch version, which I was initially skeptical about, maintains a steady 60fps in both docked and handheld modes. The gyro aiming implementation on Switch actually makes it my preferred platform for casual sessions.
The inclusion on Game Pass deserves special recognition. Having these classics available as part of the subscription removes any barrier to entry. I’ve already convinced several friends to try them simply because there’s no additional cost. This accessibility helps preserve gaming history by exposing these titles to audiences who might never have purchased them separately.
Community and Modding: The Future Looks Bright
The modding community’s response has been enthusiastic. Classic mods are being updated for compatibility, and new projects are already in development. The official mod support through the in-game browser makes accessing community content straightforward – no more hunting through forum posts for installation instructions.
I’m particularly excited about the potential for total conversions. Hexen’s ACS scripting and hub system provide a robust foundation for ambitious projects. We’re already seeing creators experiment with entirely new campaigns that push these engines in directions Raven Software never imagined.
The speedrunning community has also embraced these remasters. New categories are being established, and the quality-of-life improvements like instant level restarts make practice more efficient. Watching speedrunners exploit these games’ quirks while I struggle with basic puzzles provides endless entertainment.
Final Verdict: Essential Gaming History Preserved Perfectly
Heretic + Hexen stands as another triumph for Nightdive Studios and a gift to gaming preservation. These aren’t just nostalgic cash-grabs but thoughtful remasters that respect the source material while making it accessible to modern audiences. At $9.99 for both games plus new content, or free on Game Pass, there’s no reason not to experience these influential titles.
For veterans like myself, it’s a chance to relive formative gaming experiences with modern conveniences. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to understand where many contemporary game design ideas originated. The fantasy FPS subgenre might seem niche today, but Heretic and Hexen prove it deserves more attention.
As I write this, I’m planning another Hexen playthrough, this time as the Cleric on the highest difficulty. These games grabbed me in the 90s and refuse to let go in 2026. Whether you’re seeking gaming guides and tips or just want to experience gaming history, Heretic + Hexen delivers an adventure that transcends generational boundaries. In an industry often obsessed with the latest technology, sometimes the best experiences come from perfecting what already existed. For those interested in exploring more classic gaming experiences, these titles represent the perfect gateway into understanding how innovation and creativity shaped the FPS genre we know today.