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

Author:Kristen Update:May 25,2025

Relic Entertainment has thrilled fans by announcing Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, a modernized take on their classic 20-year-old real-time strategy game. Set to launch on PC via Steam and GOG later this year, this edition retains the original gameplay that fans cherish while being optimized for today's hardware. For a deep dive into what this release entails, check out the exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle on IGN—it's a must-read for any Dawn of War enthusiast.

The long-awaited revival of the Dawn of War series begins with this iconic game, widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, Warhammer 40,000 titles ever created. Fans are hopeful that this release will pave the way for a new installment, possibly Dawn of War 4.

The Definitive Edition is a comprehensive package that includes all content from the original Dawn of War and its standalone expansions. This means four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps all bundled into one game. The visual enhancements are significant, with 4K support, upscaled textures (4x the originals), and image-based lighting that elevates the game's fidelity while preserving the classic experience. Improvements to world lighting, unit reflections, and shadows, along with new unit gloss and emissive lighting, enhance the moment-to-moment action.

The game's camera has been updated to allow for a wider view, and the HUD and screen layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. Furthermore, Dawn of War has been upgraded to a 64-bit platform, supporting the modding community's ongoing efforts and ensuring compatibility with over two decades of community-created mods upon release.

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

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Justin Dowdeswell, CEO at Relic Entertainment, stated, “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.”

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition was unveiled during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast. If you missed the event, be sure to catch up on all the announcements and trailers to stay in the loop.