Relic Entertainment’s legendary Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series has stood the test of time, with its debut titles, Dawn of War (2004) and Dawn of War II (2009), turning 20 and 15 years old, respectively. To mark these milestones, both games are receiving Anniversary Editions, providing a wealth of content and nostalgic excitement for long-time fans. And the best part? These editions will be offered as free upgrades to all existing owners.
The Anniversary Editions pack in the original base games along with all expansions and downloadable content (DLC) released over the years. For Dawn of War II, this includes the Retribution and Chaos Rising expansions, along with additional multiplayer army skins and campaign wargear that were once exclusive DLC.
Dawn of War II: A Bold Evolution in Strategy Gaming
When Dawn of War II arrived in 2009, it represented a significant departure from the original game’s more traditional real-time strategy (RTS) mechanics. While the original Dawn of War earned accolades for its fast-paced, base-building gameplay that brought the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 to life, Dawn of War II veered into new territory. Eschewing base-building in favour of squad-based tactics, it put a greater emphasis on intense, small-scale battles, hero progression, and RPG elements.
This change was divisive among fans. For some, the removal of base-building was a bold and refreshing step that better captured the brutal, on-the-ground combat for which the Warhammer 40,000 universe is known. For others, it was a loss of the strategic depth that had made the original game stand out in the crowded RTS landscape. Yet, over time, Dawn of War II carved out its own legacy, bringing players closer to the visceral experience of commanding elite squads in a war-torn galaxy.
Six Factions, Endless War
Dawn of War II introduces players to six playable factions: the genetically enhanced Space Marines, the destructive Orks, the enigmatic Eldar, the insidious forces of Chaos, the monstrous Tyranids, and the mechanized might of the Imperial Guard. Each faction has a distinct playstyle, offering players a diverse array of strategic options.
Where Dawn of War II truly shines is in its three interconnected campaigns. The original campaign focuses on the heroic Space Marines, tasked with defending the sector from the Tyranid invasion. The Chaos Rising expansion deepens the narrative with the insidious forces of Chaos corrupting the very heart of your army, while Retribution opens the battlefield to all six factions, allowing players to experience the universe’s endless war from multiple perspectives. Each campaign is bolstered by an RPG-style progression system, where your heroes level up, unlocking wargear and new abilities as they fight their way through hordes of enemies. The option for cooperative play only enhances the experience, letting two players team up to command their forces in the campaigns.
A Multiplayer Gauntlet
The multiplayer aspect of Dawn of War II remains a robust and highly competitive experience, catering to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. With 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 matches available, players choose from three unique heroes per faction, customizing their loadouts and strategies on the fly. Whether you’re annihilating your enemies in all-out warfare or tactically capturing points in Victory Point mode, the destructible environments and dynamic gameplay offer countless tactical possibilities.
One of the standout multiplayer features is Last Stand, a unique cooperative mode where players choose a hero and team up with others to face 20 waves of enemies. It’s a high-stakes survival challenge, where teamwork and tactical prowess are key to standing against the relentless assaults from across the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
A Grimdark Legacy
The release of the Dawn of War II Anniversary Edition is a fitting celebration of one of the most influential strategy games of the last two decades. Its shift in focus from large-scale army management to squad-based tactical combat may have been a gamble, but one that paid off, cementing its place as a unique entry in the RTS genre.
For veterans of the series, the Anniversary Editions are an opportunity to relive epic battles and rediscover beloved factions. For newcomers, it’s a chance to dive into the Warhammer 40,000 universe and experience one of its finest video game adaptations. The updates included in these editions—now freely available to current owners—underscore the enduring appeal of Dawn of War and Dawn of War II. Two decades on, the call to war is as loud as ever.
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only Dawn of War.
Check them out on Steam:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4570/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Anniversary_Edition/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/15620/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War_II__Anniversary_Edition
