'Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Definitive Edition Launches, Reviving 20-Year-Old RTS Classic'

Relic Entertainment has exciting news for fans of the iconic real-time strategy game with the announcement of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition. Set to launch later this year on PC via Steam and GOG, this modernized version brings back the beloved gameplay of the 20-year-old classic, now optimized for today's hardware. If you're curious about what this update entails, IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle provides a deep dive into all the details. It's a must-read for any Dawn of War enthusiast.

The Dawn of War community has long been vocal about their desire for a revival of this cherished franchise. The original game, often hailed as one of the best, if not the best, Warhammer 40,000 titles, could be the perfect starting point. Fans are hopeful that this Definitive Edition might serve as a stepping stone for Relic to develop a new entry in the series—perhaps even a *Dawn of War 4*.

The Definitive Edition is a comprehensive package, featuring all content from Dawn of War and its standalone expansions. This includes four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps, all consolidated into one game. Players can now enjoy 4K support, with textures upscaled to four times their original resolution, and enhanced image-based lighting for a more detailed yet familiar experience. World lighting, unit reflections, and shadows have been significantly improved, with new unit gloss and emissive lighting designed to heighten the intensity of every battle.

To enhance the viewing experience, the camera now allows for a wider field of view, and the HUD and screen layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. Additionally, the game has been upgraded to a 64-bit platform, ensuring compatibility with the vast array of mods created by the community over the last two decades.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition Screenshots

View 11 ImagesJustin Dowdeswell, CEO at Relic Entertainment, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "The Definitive Edition celebrates the original Dawn of War and preserves the legacy of this landmark Warhammer 40,000 title for years to come." He added, "Warhammer 40,000 is more popular than ever, and we want new players to experience where the classic Dawn of War franchise began, while providing a platform for our long-time fans to relive it in its entirety."

The announcement came during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast. If you missed the event, be sure to catch up on all the announcements and trailers that were unveiled.