The Rogue Trader

The **Rogue Trader** is the main character of *Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader*, as they ascend to the position of Rogue Trader and embark into the Koronus Expanse with their trusted companions.

## Background

The future Rogue Trader was working under the leadership of Theodora von Valancius. While not closely related to her, they are nonetheless the heir of the von Valancius dynasty, and the responsibility of leading the von Valancius trade empire will come to them after Theodora disappearance in the depth of the Koronus Expanse for reasons that might have to do with her past.

Through their progression and social ascension toward Rogue Trader, the main character will have the occasion to learn more and more about the Imperium and the galaxy at large. Their choices may lead them to conspire with the enemies of the Imperium, and even to allow Chaos to corrupt them.

## Gameplay

As part of the character creation, as well as its progression through the career system, the main character has to select a background or origin. Known origins include: Commissar, Crime lord, and Navy officer.

The Rogue Trader can issue orders during combat. One of those allow a companions to take a free turn.

## Behind the scenes

"*We need to convey that you are not some commoner [...] you have giant influence [and you] won’t be looking in trash cans for loot.*"
―Creative Director Alexander Gusev
The archetype of the Rogue Trader was selected by Owlcat Games to be the main character of *Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader* because contrary to members of others imperial organisations, it is in a position to offer much more freedom to the player, including interactions with Xenos that aren't limited to aggression, an aspect of *Warhammer 40,000* that is not often explored.

## Gallery

### Concept art

Imperial Navy originCommissar originCrime Lord origin
## Notes and references

Explore all **images** for this article subject.
1. ↑  Owlcat Games Announces Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader on Owlcat Games' official website (June 1, 2022) (backup link)
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Reuben, Nic: "Owlcat Games on exploring the Koronus Expanse and going full heretic in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" (June 15, 2022). *Rock Paper Shotgun*. (achived on June 16, 2022)
3. ↑  Announcement Teaser Trailer on the official Owlcat Games YouTube channel (June 1, 2022) (backup link)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 *GameSpot*: "Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader – How Do You Play As 40k's Most Powerful Explorers?" (June 20, 2022). YouTube. (achived on June 20, 2022)
5. ↑  Dev Diary #1 on the official Owlcat Games YouTube channel (July 15, 2022) (backup link)
6. ↑  Owlcat Games (@OwlcatGames) on Twitter (June 16, 2022): "When choosing a successor, some Rogue Traders prefer to avoid their closest relatives and try scouring their broad bloodline for more capable heirs. Often, distant relatives from the Imperial Navy prove to be the best choice. After all,they are the best when it comes to voidships" (backup link)
7. ↑ Purslow, Matt: "Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader’s Combat Promises To Be a Strategy Masterclass" (September 5, 2022). *IGN*. (achived on September 26, 2022)
8. ↑ Bussell, Cat: "In Warhammer 40,000 RPG Rogue Trader, you’re 'less of an adventurer' and more 'like a god'" (September 5, 2022). *TechRadar*. (achived on September 16, 2022)