Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War Returns with Definitive Edition and Space Marine 1 Enhanced
Get ready to dive back into the grim darkness of the far future! Relic Entertainment is giving its beloved real-time strategy game, Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, a modern makeover with a Definitive Edition slated for release on GOG and Steam later this year. But that's not all – an enhanced re-release of Space Marine 1 is also on the horizon.
Dawn of War - Definitive Edition bundles the original game with its three expansions: Winter Assault, Dark Crusade, and Soulstorm. This means over 200 maps and nine armies to command. Originally launched in 2004, Dawn of War thrust players into the role of the Space Marines’ Blood Ravens 3rd Company, tasked with defending Tartarus from Ork invaders. This Definitive Edition promises to recapture the magic for a new generation.
According to Relic, this isn't just a simple port. The Definitive Edition boasts 4K support, upscaled textures (4x the originals), an enhanced battlefield camera, and optimized HUD layouts for widescreen viewing. Improvements extend to world lighting, unit reflections, and shadows, ensuring a visually stunning experience.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect for long-time fans is the continued compatibility with "over 20-years of lovingly crafted community mods". This means the vibrant modding community can continue to expand and enhance the Dawn of War experience.
Speaking about the remaster, design director Philippe Boulle said, "We don't want to fix something that isn't broken. The fundamental game still works. That's what we want to deliver." This sentiment underscores Relic's commitment to preserving the original experience while enhancing it for modern hardware.
The original Space Marine is also set for a return as the Master Crafted Edition, handled by developer SneakyBox. This "thoughtful restoration" features 4K resolution support, modernized controls, an interface overhaul, improved character models, and remastered audio. All previously released DLC is also included, making this the definitive way to experience the action-packed shooter. The Master Crafted Edition launched for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Game Pass on June 10th and costed £34.99.
Sega states this edition is a dialogue between past and present, and does service to what made the original special and making it shine for a new generation of players."
With both Dawn of War and Space Marine receiving these enhancements, it’s clear that there's still a strong demand for these classic Warhammer 40K titles, proving their enduring appeal and Relic's commitment to the IP.
Are you excited to revisit these classic Warhammer 40K titles? Which faction will you choose in Dawn of War, and are you ready to don the armor of a Space Marine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
