'Cleanse, Purge, Kill!' Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Returns With Definitive Edition of 20-Year-Old RTS Classic

Relic Entertainment has unveiled the highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, a modernized take on the beloved 20-year-old real-time strategy (RTS) classic. Set to launch on PC via Steam and GOG later this year, this edition aims to preserve the original gameplay while enhancing it for today's hardware.

For a deep dive into what the Definitive Edition offers, check out IGN's exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle. The interview covers everything you need to know about this updated version of the game, making it essential reading for any Dawn of War fan.

The Dawn of War series has been a fan favorite, with the first game often hailed as one of the best, if not the best, Warhammer 40,000 games ever created. This Definitive Edition re-release is seen as a potential stepping stone towards the development of a new installment, possibly **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 means players will have access to four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps, all integrated into a single game. The visual upgrades include 4K support, textures upscaled to four times the original resolution, and enhanced image-based lighting to boost fidelity while maintaining the classic feel. Improvements in world lighting, unit reflections, shadows, as well as new unit gloss and emissive lighting, promise to enrich the gameplay experience.

In terms of gameplay enhancements, the camera has been updated to allow for a wider field of 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 showcased.