Heretic + Hexen Beginner Guide Wiki – Achievements, Secrets, Cheats and more

Step into the reimagined world of Heretic + Hexen, two spell-infused shooters that helped define the genre. Originally developed by Raven Software on a modified DOOM engine, Heretic (1994) and Hexen (1995) introduced revolutionary mechanics like vertical aiming, inventory systems, and class-based gameplay. This enhanced edition faithfully restores these dark fantasy worlds—while polishing them with modern accessibility, performance, and multiplayer enhancements.

Whether you’re a returning veteran or brand new to these realms, this guide will walk you through everything—from lore and cheats to secrets, modifiers, and achievements.

Story Recap

Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders

The realm is in chaos. The Serpent Riders, three powerful beings, have corrupted the seven kings, bringing war. You play as a Sidhe elf, one of the last survivors of a decimated race. Branded a heretic, you seek vengeance.

Heretic: Faith Renewed

After the fall of D’Sparil, a new corruption spreads. You return as the Heretic, staff in hand, facing echoes of a religion that refuses to die. Once more, you walk the path of defiance against blind devotion.

Hexen: Beyond Heretic

While Corvus fought D’Sparil, the other two Serpent Riders unleashed ruin elsewhere. You choose your path—Warrior, Cleric, or Mage—to fight back Korax in the realm of Cronos.

Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel

Having defeated Korax, you’re trapped in the Realm of the Dead. A new nightmare begins—your only path home blocked by the undead and the looming Dark Citadel.

Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur

Korax is not truly dead. His spirit clings to rebirth. Another force manipulates both him and you—an invisible hand pushing the fate of Cronos toward another dark cycle.

What’s Enhanced

  • Up to 16-player online cross-platform deathmatch/co-op
  • 8-player local split-screen support
  • New Tome of Power Soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult
  • Built-in mod support with in-game mod browser
  • Multithreaded rendering (4K & 120FPS support)
  • Vault with unused art & sprites
  • Improved accessibility: contrast, legibility, screen effects, text-to-speech
  • Controller support & modernized weapon switching
  • Quick Save/Load, widescreen support, engine bug fixes
  • 12 new languages including Japanese, Russian, Chinese, etc.
  • Original DOS versions included

Modifiers (Custom Difficulty Settings)

When choosing a difficulty, press TAB to customize your modifiers for added challenge or convenience.

Cheats & Console Commands

You can enter cheats via the Options Menu or the console. Below are the commands for both the enhanced and OG versions:

KEX Engine Cheats

  • god – Godmode
  • give all – All items
  • noclip – No clip mode
  • exitlevel / exitsecret – End the level
  • debug_menu – Opens debug menu
  • map MAPNAME – Loads specific map
  • playsong SONGNAME – Play specific music
  • -skipmovies – Skips intro videos

Classic OG Cheats

  • IDKFA / RAMBO – All weapons, armor, and ammo
  • quicken – God mode
  • cockadoodledoo – Chicken mode
  • massacre – Kills all monsters
  • engageXY – Warp to level X/Y
  • kitty – Walk through walls
  • shazam – Toggle power-up mode
  • gimmea to gimmei – Items (Ring of Invulnerability, Wings of Wrath, etc.)
  • gimmee – Tome of Power
  • ravskel – All keys
  • ponce – Full health
  • noise – Sound debug
  • ticker – View ticks per frame

Secrets Guide (WIP)

Heretic – Episode 1:

  • E1M1 – The Docks:
    • Secret 1: Behind the crate in the first room.
    • Secret 2: Jump across the gap behind the green armor.
  • E1M2 – Hell’s Maw:
    • Secret 1: Find the wall with a different texture near the lava.
    • Secret 2: Shoot the stained glass.

(More secrets for E2–E4 coming soon)

Achievements (WIP)

There are 44 achievements across both games:

Story-Based

  • Complete episodes
  • Defeat each Serpent Rider
  • Finish both campaigns

Miscellaneous

  • Use every weapon
  • Get all secrets in a level
  • Use every artifact
  • Play all three Hexen classes