Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Definitive Edition Revives Classic RTS with Modern Upgrades

Relic unveils Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, a refreshed take on the 20-year-old RTS masterpiece.

Set for release on PC via Steam and GOG later this year, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition retains the beloved original gameplay, optimized for today’s hardware. IGN’s exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle dives into the details of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition — a must-read for fans of the series.

Fans have eagerly awaited a Dawn of War revival, and the first game, widely regarded as one of the finest Warhammer 40,000 titles, marks a promising return. Many hope Relic leverages this release to pave the way for a new chapter, perhaps Dawn of War 4.

The Definitive Edition bundles all Dawn of War content and expansions (four iconic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps). It features 4K support, upscaled textures (four times the original resolution), and image-based lighting for enhanced visuals while preserving the classic feel. Improved world lighting, unit reflections, shadows, and new gloss and emissive effects elevate the action-packed gameplay.

The camera now zooms out further for a broader view, and the HUD and layout are tailored for widescreen displays. Upgraded to a 64-bit platform, the game supports the modding community’s efforts and is compatible with over two decades of community mods at launch.

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

“The Definitive Edition honors the original Dawn of War, safeguarding the legacy of this pivotal Warhammer 40,000 game for future generations,” said Justin Dowdeswell, CEO of Relic Entertainment.

“With Warhammer 40,000 at peak popularity, we invite new players to discover the roots of the classic Dawn of War series while giving longtime fans a chance to relive its full glory.”

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition was revealed during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast. Catch up on all the show’s announcements and trailers if you missed it.