Relic has announced the much-anticipated Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, a refreshed take on the iconic real-time strategy game that first captivated gamers 20 years ago. Set to launch on PC through Steam and GOG later this year, this edition promises to deliver the classic gameplay that fans cherish, now enhanced for today's technology. For an in-depth look at what's new, don't miss IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle, which delves into all the exciting details of the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition.
The gaming community has long been vocal about their desire for the revival of the Dawn of War series. With the original game widely regarded as one of the finest, if not the best, in the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, this release could be the first step towards realizing fans' dreams. There's a strong hope that Relic will leverage this Definitive Edition as a springboard to develop a new installment, potentially Dawn of War 4.
The Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition is packed with all the content from the original game and its standalone expansions, offering four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps all in one comprehensive package. Players can look forward to enhanced visuals with 4K support, textures upscaled to four times their original resolution, and advanced image-based lighting for a more detailed and immersive experience. Improvements to world lighting, unit reflections, and shadows, along with new unit gloss and emissive lighting effects, will elevate the in-game action while staying true to the classic feel.
Further enhancements include a camera that can pull back further for a broader view of the battlefield, and a user interface and screen layout optimized for widescreen displays. The game has also been upgraded to a 64-bit platform, ensuring compatibility with the vast array of mods created by the community over the past two decades, thus supporting ongoing modding efforts.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition Screenshots
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“The Definitive Edition celebrates the original Dawn of War and preserves the legacy of this landmark Warhammer 40,000 title for years to come,” said Justin Dowdeswell, CEO at Relic Entertainment. “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 of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition 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 showcased.
