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 : Sarah Update : May 27,2025

Relic Entertainment has exciting news for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe: they've announced the release of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition. This modernized version of the beloved 20-year-old real-time strategy (RTS) classic is set to launch later this year on PC via Steam and GOG.

The Definitive Edition promises to deliver the original gameplay that fans cherish, now optimized for today's hardware. For an in-depth look at what this edition brings to the table, IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle is a must-read for any Dawn of War enthusiast.

The Dawn of War community has long awaited a revival of this iconic series, and this Definitive Edition could be the stepping stone to a new chapter, possibly leading to **Dawn of War 4**. The game includes all the content from the original Dawn of War and its standalone expansions, featuring four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps.

This edition is not just a re-release; it's enhanced with modern features like 4K support, upscaled textures (four times the resolution of the originals), and image-based lighting to elevate the visual experience while preserving the classic gameplay. Improvements in world lighting, unit reflections, shadows, unit gloss, and emissive lighting enhance the action without compromising the game's essence.

The camera system has been updated to allow for a wider 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 over two decades of community 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 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 was made during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast. If you missed the event, be sure to catch up on all the announcements and trailers from the show.