Bethesda and Nightdive Studios have teamed up to reintroduce two of Raven Software’s most iconic ‘90s fantasy shooters. The updated releases of Heretic and Hexen include all original content, expansion packs, and entirely new episodes for each game. Longtime fans on PC can grab the updates for free if they already own them on Steam or GOG, and for the first time, both games are officially available on modern consoles.
Heretic Returns with Faith Renewed
Heretic arrives with its expansion Shadow of the Serpent Riders and a brand-new episode, Faith Renewed. Originally released in 1994 on a modified Doom engine, Heretic kept the familiar run-and-gun style but layered in a medieval fantasy theme, an inventory system, and unique artifacts like the Tome of Power.
The update adds enhanced levels that improve map layouts and visual details, along with an optional enhanced weapons mode to address the game’s notorious enemy sponginess. Players can also bind hotkeys for inventory items, making artifact use much smoother than cycling through them manually.
Faith Renewed offers nine new maps that feel like they could have shipped in the mid-’90s, featuring cut enemies from the original beta and a new weapon skin, the Tempest Wand. Even so, the final boss remains Despereaux, keeping the story rooted in its original arc.
Hexen’s Best Version Yet
The Hexen update includes the base game, the Death Kings of the Dark Citadel expansion, and a new episode, Vestiges of Grandeur. Released in 1995, Hexen expanded beyond Doom-style level progression, using hub-based maps, switch and item puzzles, and three playable classes: Fighter, Cleric, and Mage.
The remaster brings quality-of-life improvements like enhanced weapon damage, reduced frustration with Centaur enemies, widescreen-ready weapon sprites, and the ability to swap classes mid-campaign. Navigation is easier with map markers and indicators showing puzzle progress. Co-op play now supports up to 16 players, with updated netcode for stable matches.
Vestiges of Grandeur keeps Hexen’s complex puzzle structure but limits it to one large hub, streamlining progression while retaining its trademark challenge. The update doesn’t add new enemies or weapons, but the map design, scripted sequences, and atmospheric areas feel authentic to the original style.
Audio and Visual Upgrades
Both games feature the option to switch between the original DOS soundtrack by Kevin Schilder and new remixes by Andrew Hulshult, known for his standout work on boomer shooter soundtracks. The music updates preserve the atmosphere while making tracks sound fuller and more modern.
Heretic + Hexen announced, releases today
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Visual changes are subtle, aiming to maintain the original look. Enhanced lighting, environmental effects, and widescreen support for weapon sprites are the most noticeable improvements. Players can toggle all enhancements on or off for a fully original experience if preferred.
Why These Updates Matter
For long-term fans, these updates offer refined ways to enjoy games that have shaped the FPS genre, with quality-of-life tweaks that make them easier to revisit. For newcomers, they provide the most accessible and stable versions ever released, without sacrificing the challenge or design philosophy that made them cult classics.
Nightdive Studios continues its track record of modernizing older titles while keeping their core intact. While neither update reinvents the games, both make them more approachable for current platforms and ensure these two fantasy FPS icons remain playable for years to come.
