What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For a first playthrough, use release order: Dawn of War → Winter Assault → Dark Crusade → Soulstorm → Dawn of War II → Chaos Rising → Retribution → Dawn of War III. This puts each expansion after the game it builds on and follows the series’ main releases without claiming to be a fully verified campaign chronology.
Recommended Dawn of War play order
- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War — Begin with the original game.
- Winter Assault — The first expansion to the original game.
- Dark Crusade — The second expansion; play it after Winter Assault.
- Soulstorm — The third expansion to the original game.
- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II — Move to the next main series chapter after the first game and its expansions.
- Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising — Play after Dawn of War II.
- Dawn of War II: Retribution — Follow Chaos Rising.
- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III — Finish with the third main chapter in the RTS series.
Relic’s official series history identifies Dawn of War II as the next chapter and describes Chaos Rising and Retribution as its expansions. Relic calls Dawn of War III the third chapter in the RTS series in its 20th-anniversary announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War Game of the Year - PC | $38.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War Soulstorm | $74.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Warhammer Dawn Of War Platinum - PC | $35.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Warhammer 40000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising - PC | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War Winter Assault Expansion Pack - PC | $5.69 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why release order is the best default
Release order is the clearest choice for a first run because it follows the series’ progression from the original game through its expansions, then Dawn of War II and its expansions, and finally Dawn of War III. It also avoids making assumptions about how every campaign fits into an exact internal timeline.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The official material cited here does not provide a complete campaign-by-campaign chronology or exact release dates for every expansion. If you want to arrange campaigns by in-universe events instead, treat that as a separate question: the available official descriptions do not establish a definitive alternative order.
#1 Best Overall
- Real-time strategy game based on the popular table-top war game
- Vie for the survival of mankind or its ultimate destruction
- Control 1 of 4 unique races
- Improved resource model makes it easier to focus on frontline action
- Single player campaigns; Multiplayer for up to 8 via LAN or Internet
What to buy and how the editions fit
Dawn of War: Definitive Edition
Steam lists Dawn of War: Definitive Edition as released on August 14, 2025. Its listing says it includes the original Dawn of War and all its expansions, with enhanced visuals, an improved camera, and 64-bit support. It covers the first four entries in the play order above; it does not include Dawn of War II, Chaos Rising, Retribution, or Dawn of War III.
Relic’s July 11, 2025 release announcement said the Definitive Edition would be available on PC through Steam and GOG. It also gave a US$29.99 launch price and a 30% upgrade discount for eligible owners at that time. Those were launch terms, not a statement of current prices or discounts.
Rank #2
- Customize your hero’s weapons, items and abilities as they grow in power
- Personalize your army’s insignias, colors, banners and names
- Earn and unlock achievements and medals as you prove your superiority online in 29 NEW multi-player maps
- Includes all previous Dawn of War maps for a stunning 114 maps in total
- Groundbreaking Hybrid Expansion design allows Soulstorm to be played alone, or combine it with Dawn of War, Winter Assault, and Dark Crusade to create the largest RTS ever
Later entries
The Definitive Edition bundles the original game and its expansions, not the later series entries. Check the current storefront listing for each later game before buying. Steam’s Dawn of War III listing identifies single-player and online PvP modes.
Platform and compatibility checks
The cited listings establish PC availability for the Definitive Edition and a Steam listing for Dawn of War III. They do not provide a complete current compatibility or storefront matrix for every legacy entry. Before purchasing, check the specific edition’s present listing for your operating system, storefront, and any stated requirements; do not assume that one game’s listing establishes compatibility for the whole series.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Real-time strategy game based on the popular table-top war game
- Vie for the survival of mankind or its ultimate destruction
- Control 1 of 5 unique races
- Improved resource model makes it easier to focus on frontline action
- Single player campaigns; Multiplayer for up to 8 via LAN or Internet
Rank #4
- Put new units for the Space Marines, Ork, Eldar, and Tyranid armies and two new last stand heroes to work for you on the battlefield.
- This expansion allows you to continue your fight against the enemies of the Emperor and use your squads’ wargear, abilities, and experience to battle Chaos in 15 new missions.
- New ice planet graphics set increases visual diversity and adds 7 new multiplayer maps while six-player online multiplayer and a raised level cap of 30 allows for even more glory and devastating abilities.
- New single player mechanic allows you to equip incredibly powerful equipment that corrupts your squad and will guide the story towards or away from the corrupting influence of Chaos.
- Swear loyalty to the Chaos Gods and play as the bloodthirsty Chaos Space Marines in multiplayer battles against both Chaos Rising and Dawn of War II owners.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
