Raven Software followed up their hit Heretic with something even more ambitious. Hexen: Beyond Heretic (1995) introduced three distinct character classes, hub-based level design, and a darker, more puzzle-focused approach to the first-person shooter. It remains one of the most unique and underappreciated DOS games ever made. A free demo is available.
About the Game
The world of Cronos is dying. The Serpent Rider Korax has enslaved the gods and twisted the realm into a nightmarish shadow of itself. Three heroes rise to fight back: the Fighter, a powerful warrior who excels in melee combat; the Cleric, a healer-turned-warrior with holy weapons; and the Mage, a spell-caster who deals massive damage from a distance. You choose one and fight through seven interconnected hub worlds to reach and destroy Korax.
Gameplay Features
What makes Hexen stand apart from every other DOS shooter is its hub-based structure. Instead of linear levels, Hexen groups its maps into hubs — interconnected areas you travel between freely. Pulling a switch in one map might open a door in another. This design creates a sense of exploration and discovery that no other DOS shooter attempted.
Each of the three character classes plays completely differently. The Fighter uses fists, a spiked gauntlet, an axe, and the devastating Hammer of Retribution. The Cleric wields a mace, a serpent staff that drains health from enemies, a flame-based weapon, and a wraithverge that summons spectral bishops. The Mage uses a wand, frost shards, arc of death lightning, and the powerful bloodscourge. Replaying with each class offers an entirely different experience.
Why It’s Worth Playing Today
Hexen is the thinking person’s DOS shooter. The puzzle elements, the class system, and the hub-based exploration give it a depth that pure action games lack. It is more demanding and slower-paced than Doom or Heretic, but for players who enjoy both action and exploration, it is deeply rewarding. The atmosphere is exceptionally dark and the art design is stunning for its era.
Download Hexen Demo for Free
How to Run with DOSBox
- Install DOSBox if you haven’t already.
- Extract the files to a folder like
C:HEXEN. - In DOSBox:
mount c C:HEXEN→c:→hexen.