The legendary real-time strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is making a grand return. Developer Relic Entertainment has officially announced that the Definitive Edition of Dawn of War will release on August 13, 2025, exclusively for PC via Steam.
This long-awaited remaster was unveiled during the Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase, a yearly celebration of all things Warhammer. With the Definitive Edition, Relic is reviving one of the most iconic RTS titles of the 2000s — now with modernized visuals, technical upgrades, and support for the massive modding community that has kept the game alive for nearly two decades.
What’s Included in the Definitive Edition?
The Definitive Edition bundles the original Dawn of War along with all official expansions, and introduces a host of improvements designed to bring the game up to current standards. Here’s what players can expect:
Content and Campaigns
- Four complete single-player campaigns, spanning the base game and all expansions
- Over 100 multiplayer and skirmish maps, offering endless replayability
Playable Factions
- 9 iconic armies from the Warhammer 40K universe:
- Space Marines
- Orks
- Eldar
- Chaos Space Marines
- Imperial Guard
- Necrons
- Tau
- Dark Eldar
- Sisters of Battle
Visual & Performance Enhancements
- 4K resolution support
- Upgraded textures and lighting
- Improved camera angles and smoother unit movement
- Optimized performance across modern hardware
Massive Mod Support for Creative Freedom
A major highlight of the Definitive Edition is its full compatibility with thousands of fan-made mods — many of which have expanded the game’s lifespan over the years. Thanks to native 64-bit mod support, modders will now have more flexibility and fewer technical limitations than ever before.
This change reflects Relic’s continued commitment to honoring the community-driven legacy of the series.
Discount for Loyal Fans
Players who already own previous versions of Dawn of War — such as the Anniversary Edition — will receive a 30% discount on the Definitive Edition upon release. This offer rewards long-time fans while encouraging them to revisit the game in its best form yet.
Why Now? Timing the Remaster Right
Releasing the Definitive Edition in 2025 is no coincidence. The Warhammer franchise is currently enjoying a huge resurgence, with Space Marine 2 recently crossing 7 million players worldwide and numerous titles in development across genres.
The original Dawn of War, first launched in 2004, was a pioneer in real-time strategy design. It combined aggressive frontline combat with distinct Warhammer lore, earning a cult following that persists to this day.
This remaster arrives at a time when both nostalgic players and newcomers are looking for rich, immersive strategy experiences — and Dawn of War is uniquely positioned to deliver.
What the Community Can Expect Moving Forward
In addition to launch features, Relic hinted at post-release support, potentially including modding tools updates, QoL patches, and community events. The game’s Steam integration will also make multiplayer sessions, community maps, and fan mods easier to access than ever.
There’s also speculation that strong reception of this remaster could lead to further revivals — or even a brand-new installment in the Dawn of War series.
Final Thoughts: A Definitive Return for a Strategy Classic
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition isn’t just a remaster — it’s a celebration. A celebration of one of the RTS genre’s most influential titles, of a universe beloved by millions, and of a passionate community that’s kept the game alive long after its initial release.
With updated graphics, enhanced mechanics, and deep mod support, this version offers the ultimate way to experience Dawn of War. Whether you’re returning to the battlefield or discovering it for the first time, Mournstead is ready — and war never changes.
