Rogue Trader's disastrous launch is finally paying off

Launching a massive cRPG on a handheld is no easy feat, but the debut of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader on Nintendo Switch 2 was rougher than traversing the Warp without a Navigator. Technical issues overshadowed what is otherwise one of Owlcat Games' most ambitious RPGs, leaving many players frustrated from day one.

Now, the developer is attempting to rewrite that first chapter.

Owlcat Games has announced a substantial update for the Nintendo Switch 2 version that doesn't just tackle performance problems—it also throws in an unexpectedly generous peace offering. As a way of making amends for the game's troubled launch, every DLC released for the Switch 2 version, including future expansions, will be free for owners of the game.

It's not often a studio responds to a rocky release by giving away an entire season's worth of premium content, but that's exactly what's happening here.

A Patch With More Than Just Bug Fixes

The upcoming update focuses on improving the overall experience on Nintendo's newest console. Players can expect better stability, smoother frame rates, improved visuals, and a host of fixes designed to make exploring the Koronus Expanse far less of a technical gamble.

For a game built around lengthy tactical battles, branching dialogue, and sprawling planetary adventures, those improvements could make a world of difference. After all, few things kill immersion faster than a crash halfway through negotiating with a suspicious Inquisitor—or battling a horde of Chaos cultists.

The patch is meant to turn the Switch 2 version into the experience players were hoping for when it first launched.

The DLC Is Where the Real Treasure Lies

The free expansions are arguably the biggest prize. Unlike many games where downloadable content consists of cosmetic extras or a handful of bonus missions, the Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader DLCs significantly expand the core adventure. Lex Imperialis, Void Shadows, The Infinite Museion and a fourth DLC yet to be relvealed weave new storylines into the campaign, introduce memorable companions with their own personal quests, and unlock fresh archetypes and classes that dramatically change how your Lord Captain can be played. Also, all the content in the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game will be available for free to those who own the game on Nintendo Switch 2, including in-game items, digital artbook, OST, and a wallpaper pack. 

With future expansions also included at no extra cost, Switch 2 players are effectively receiving the complete evolving experience as Owlcat continues to support the game. Whether you're assembling an entirely new squad or experimenting with different tactical builds, the additional content makes subsequent playthroughs feel genuinely fresh rather than simply familiar.

A Perfect Time to Jump Aboard

If you've been waiting for the Switch 2 version to find its footing, this may be the moment to answer the Emperor's call. The combination of technical improvements and a complete lineup of free DLC transforms what was once a difficult recommendation into a remarkably attractive package. New players get to experience the game in a far better state than early adopters did, while returning captains have plenty of reasons to chart another course through the Warp. It's a rare example of a developer acknowledging a disappointing launch with more than just an apology. Instead of simply fixing what went wrong, Owlcat is adding even more reasons to come back.

For Switch 2 owners curious about one of Warhammer 40,000's best modern RPGs, the stars may finally be aligning. Sometimes redemption doesn't arrive in power armor—it arrives in the form of free story expansions, new companions, and hundreds of hours of extra adventures. Make sure to use our comparator to get Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader on Nintendo Switch 2 at the best price.