Relic Entertainment has officially announced that the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Definitive Edition will be launched on August 24. This updated version of the original game, which first came out in September 2004, will be accessible on PC through platforms like Steam and GOG.com. The Definitive Edition promises to take fans on a nostalgic journey back to the dark future of the 41st millennium, a universe filled with relentless conflict between humanity and various alien and demonic factions. Players will have the option to command one of four iconic factions: the Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, Eldar, or Orks.
Following the release of the original game, three expansions—Winter Assault, Dark Crusade, and Soulstorm—were developed. The series continued to evolve with the launch of Dawn of War 2 in 2006 and the third installment in 2017, solidifying its place as a cherished part of the Warhammer 40K franchise. The upcoming Definitive Edition will feature enhancements such as improved lighting, updated reflections, and more detailed shadows. While it won’t include any new content or post-launch downloadable content (DLC), players can expect a significantly enhanced visual experience, with texture improvements applied to all units.
Furthermore, an integrated Mod Manager will allow for community-created mods, adding another layer of customization to the game. In addition to graphical upgrades, the Definitive Edition will compile all previously released expansion content, which totals four missions and nine complete factions to play on over 200 maps. Even amidst an industry filled with new games, it’s heartening to see beloved classics like Dawn of War receiving renewed attention, especially as it laid the foundation for some of the best titles in the Warhammer 40K universe.