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

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

Author : Lucas Update : May 25,2025

Relic Entertainment has exciting news for fans of the iconic real-time strategy game, announcing the release of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition. Set to launch on PC via Steam and GOG later this year, this modernized version brings back the beloved gameplay of the original, now optimized for today's hardware. For an in-depth look at what to expect, check out IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle, which offers comprehensive insights into the Definitive Edition.

Fans have eagerly awaited a revival of the Dawn of War series, and the first game, often hailed as one of the finest Warhammer 40,000 titles ever created, serves as the perfect foundation. There's hope that Relic will leverage this release to pave the way for a new installment, potentially *Dawn of War 4*.

The Definitive Edition packs a comprehensive experience, including all content from the original Dawn of War and its standalone expansions. This encompasses four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps, all accessible in one game. The edition also introduces 4K support, enhanced textures (4x the original resolution), and image-based lighting to elevate the visual fidelity while preserving the classic feel. Enhancements in world lighting, unit reflections, shadows, and the introduction of new unit gloss and emissive lighting aim to enrich the moment-to-moment action.

Additionally, the camera has been updated to allow for a wider view, and the HUD along with the screen layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. The game 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 right from launch.

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

View 11 Images“The Definitive Edition celebrates the original Dawn of War and ensures its legacy endures for future generations,” stated Justin Dowdeswell, CEO at Relic Entertainment. “With Warhammer 40,000 enjoying unprecedented popularity, we aim to introduce new players to the origins of the classic Dawn of War series while offering a platform for our dedicated fans to experience it anew 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 showcased.