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

Author:Kristen Update:May 26,2025

Relic Entertainment has exciting news for fans of the iconic real-time strategy game with the announcement of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition. Set to launch later this year on PC via Steam and GOG, this edition revives the classic gameplay that fans cherish, now optimized for today's hardware. For a deep dive into what this release brings to the table, check out IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle, which offers comprehensive details on the project.

PlayThe Dawn of War community has been vocal about wanting a revival of the franchise, and this Definitive Edition of the original game, often hailed as one of the best Warhammer 40,000 titles, could be the spark needed for future developments. Fans are hopeful that this re-release might lead to a new installment, perhaps even **Dawn of War 4**.

The Definitive Edition packs a punch with all content from the original Dawn of War and its standalone expansions, including four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps. It also brings modern enhancements such as 4K support, upscaled textures that are four times the resolution of the originals, and advanced image-based lighting. These updates promise to elevate the visual experience while preserving the essence of the classic gameplay. Improvements in world lighting, unit reflections, shadows, and new gloss and emissive lighting effects aim to make every battle more immersive.

Additionally, the camera system has been updated to allow a wider field of view, and the user interface and screen layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. The game has been upgraded to a 64-bit platform, ensuring compatibility with the extensive modding community's creations over the last two decades.

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 came during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast. If you missed the event, be sure to catch up on all the other announcements and trailers that were revealed.