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.

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

Fans have long demanded a revival of the Dawn of War series, and the first game, widely regarded as one of the finest Warhammer 40,000 titles, marks a promising start. There’s hope that Relic will use this release as a springboard for a new chapter, perhaps Dawn of War 4.

The Definitive Edition bundles all Dawn of War content and expansions (four classic campaigns, nine armies, and over 200 maps in one package). 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, and shadows, plus new gloss and emissive lighting, elevate the action’s intensity.

The camera now zooms out further for a broader view, and the HUD and layout are optimized for widescreen displays. Upgraded to a 64-bit platform, Dawn of War supports the modding community’s ongoing work and will be compatible with over 20 years of community mods at launch.

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

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

“With Warhammer 40,000 more popular than ever, we invite new players to discover the roots of the Dawn of War series while offering 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.