Relic Entertainment has thrilled fans by announcing Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, a refreshed take on their iconic 20-year-old real-time strategy classic. Scheduled for release on PC via Steam and GOG later this year, this edition aims to deliver the beloved original gameplay, enhanced for today's hardware. For an in-depth look, check out IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle, which covers all the exciting updates.
The Dawn of War community has been vocal about their desire for a franchise revival, and the original game, often hailed as one of the finest Warhammer 40,000 titles, is an ideal starting point. There's hope that this release could pave the way for a new installment, perhaps even Dawn of War 4.
The Definitive Edition bundles all the original Dawn of War content along with standalone expansions, offering four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps in a single package. It boasts 4K support, upscaled textures at four times the resolution of the originals, and image-based lighting to elevate the visual experience while preserving the classic feel. Enhancements include improved world lighting, unit reflections, shadows, and new unit gloss and emissive lighting to enrich the action.
The game's camera system has been upgraded to allow for a wider view, and the HUD and screen layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. Additionally, Dawn of War has been updated 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
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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," stated 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."
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 showcased.
