Relic Entertainment has exciting news for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with the announcement of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition. This modernized version of the iconic 20-year-old real-time strategy (RTS) game is set to launch on PC via Steam and GOG later this year. The Definitive Edition promises to deliver the original gameplay that fans cherish, now optimized for today's hardware. For a detailed look at what to expect, IGN features an exclusive interview with design director Philippe Boulle, which is a must-read for any Dawn of War enthusiast.

The Definitive Edition is a comprehensive package, 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 in one game. The game supports 4K resolution and features upscaled textures (4x the originals) along with image-based lighting to enhance the visual fidelity while preserving the classic experience. Improvements in world lighting, unit reflections, and shadows, as well as new unit gloss and emissive lighting, will elevate the moment-to-moment action.

To enhance the gameplay experience further, the camera system has been updated to allow for a broader view of the battlefield, and the HUD and screen layout have been optimized for widescreen displays. Additionally, the game has been upgraded to a 64-bit platform to support the modding community's ongoing efforts, ensuring compatibility with over two decades of community-created mods at launch.

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

View 11 ImagesJustin Dowdeswell, CEO at Relic Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the release, stating, “The Definitive Edition celebrates the original Dawn of War and preserves the legacy of this landmark Warhammer 40,000 title for years to come.” He further added, “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.”

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition was unveiled during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 broadcast. If you missed the event, you can catch up on all the announcements and trailers to see what else is coming to the Warhammer 40,000 universe.