This page is beta-based. Dark Heresy is not out until January 28, 2027, so there is no launch meta, no tier list and no solved build order. What the beta does show is the shape of each archetype and the specialization directions available.
How building works
- Pick a tier-1 archetype — Warrior, Officer, Operative, Soldier or Mystic.
- Pick an origin — Criminal, Astra Militarum, Imperial Noble or Sanctioned Psyker.
- Pick a homeworld — one of three; exact bonuses are not fully documented yet.
- Commit to a specialization — a focused direction rather than a second class.
- Slot ability modifications — unlocked at set levels (reported as 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20 and 23 in the beta) and swappable outside combat.
Because modifications are swappable, a build is less about permanent point allocation and more about which specialization you commit to and which abilities you take into a fight.
Build directions by archetype
Warrior — dual-wield or anti-armor
The Warrior’s job is to get close and stay there. Two beta-supported directions:
- Dual-wielding — more attacks, more chances to exploit body-part targeting, higher exposure.
- Anti-armor — answers the game’s separate armor pool and heavy enemies.
Pair with Cogg for a second front-liner, or use the Warrior as the only melee while the rest of the party shoots.
Soldier — burst fire and suppression
The Soldier is the simplest ranged plan:
- Burst fire for single-target damage.
- Suppression to control enemy actions and protect the front line.
Haymar Devos is the beta’s built-in example of this plan. Epione Spes is the support variant of the same archetype.
Operative — precise targeting
The Operative leans on precise targeting and positioning:
- Single-target damage against priority enemies.
- Skill checks and utility outside combat.
- Body-part targeting synergies.
Ra’akhti is the beta’s precision example. The Operative is the best fit if you like planning a fight before it starts.
Officer — support and action economy
The Officer is the force multiplier:
- Buffs and morale support.
- Extra actions and positioning for allies.
- Party-wide tempo rather than personal damage.
Touma Ortos is the beta’s Officer. An Officer-led party tends to want damage dealers in the other slots.
Mystic — psyker disciplines
The Mystic is the dedicated psyker:
- Warp powers and psychic disciplines.
- Risk/reward casting.
- Synergy with the Sanctioned Psyker origin and psychic talents.
Saro is the beta’s pyromancer example. Discordance is the anti-psyker counter, which matters if you plan around warp powers.
Sample party shells
| Plan | Front line | Damage | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melee pressure | Warrior + Cogg | Haymar | Touma | Simple, durable, low micro |
| Precision | Cogg | Ra’akhti + Haymar | Epione | Kill priority targets first |
| Psyker | Warrior | Saro + Laarthyr | Touma | Discordance for enemy psykers |
| Noble authority | Cogg | Haymar | Aspyce + Touma | Story-heavy, flexible |
These are beta shells, not launch tier lists. Companion balance and ability numbers will change before January 28, 2027.
What to ignore for now
- No tier list. Any site publishing a Dark Heresy tier list before launch is working from beta impressions or guessing.
- No exact stat weights. Damage formulas and armor values are beta data and will be tuned.
- No “best origin” claim. Origins change skills and dialogue, and the full list of homeworld bonuses is not documented yet.
For the archetype overview, see archetypes. For origins, see origins.