Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition Revives RTS Classic

Relic has unveiled Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, a modern take on its 20-year-old real-time strategy classic.

Releasing later this year on PC via Steam and GOG, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition preserves the beloved core gameplay while optimizing it for modern hardware. IGN spoke exclusively with design director Philippe Boulle, who breaks down all the key details in an interview that's essential reading for any Dawn of War enthusiast.

Fans have long awaited a revival of the Dawn of War series, and the first game—often regarded as one of the finest Warhammer 40,000 titles ever created—is a perfect place to start. Many hope this release will serve as a stepping stone toward a brand-new installment, possibly Dawn of War 4.

The Definitive Edition bundles all original Dawn of War content and standalone expansions into one package, featuring four classic campaigns, nine playable armies, and more than 200 maps. It introduces 4K support, upscaled textures (four times the original resolution), and image-based lighting for enhanced visual fidelity without compromising the classic feel. Global lighting, unit reflections, and shadow effects have all been refined, with new gloss and emissive lighting features designed to elevate the on-screen action.

The game now allows players to zoom out further for a broader view of the battlefield, while the HUD and overall layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. Upgraded to a 64-bit platform, Dawn of War also offers better modding support and will be compatible with over two decades' worth of community-made mods at launch.

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

View 11 Images

“The Definitive Edition honors the original Dawn of War, ensuring this landmark Warhammer 40,000 experience endures for years to come,” said Justin Dowdeswell, CEO of Relic Entertainment.

“Warhammer 40,000 continues to grow in popularity, and we want both newcomers and longtime fans to revisit where the iconic Dawn of War journey began—now with a complete and polished experience.”

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition was announced during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase. For those who missed it, a full roundup of announcements and trailers from the event is available online.