Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade
Standalone Expansion
RELEASED
7.8
Oct 9, 2006
PC (Microsoft Windows)byRelic Entertainment•THQ
Part of: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Overview:|
This 2006 Real-Time Strategy (RTS) expansion for Dawn of War requires the base game to play. You conquer the planet Kronus through a non-linear campaign, choosing one of seven races, including the new Tau and Necrons. Key additions include deep hero customization for weapons and abilities, army personalization options, and 12 new multiplayer maps supporting up to eight players. Community reception generally praises the substantial content and strategic depth added to the core experience.
This 2006 Real-Time Strategy (RTS) expansion significantly broadens the scope of the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War experience, requiring the base game to play. It transports players to the desert world of Kronus, where an ancient conflict is reignited by the awakening of the Necron menace deep beneath the sands. This installment focuses on a massive, non-linear single-player campaign where players choose one of seven factions to conquer the planet, experiencing unique storylines tailored to their chosen race's perspective.
What New Content Does This Expansion Introduce?
The core appeal of this addition lies in the substantial new content it brings to the established RTS framework.New Playable Races
Two entirely new factions are introduced, dramatically altering strategic possibilities:
- The Tau: A technologically advanced race focusing on ranged combat, mobility, and coordinated fire support.
- The Necrons: An ancient race of living metal skeletons, known for their resilience, self-repair capabilities, and relentless advance.
Expanded Campaign Structure
The single-player experience shifts to a grand strategic map of Kronus. Players vie for control over various territories and must conquer the strongholds of rival races to progress. This non-linear structure allows for significant replayability as the path to victory changes based on the starting faction.
Core Gameplay Enhancements
Beyond new units and factions, several systems are enhanced or added to deepen the strategic layer of warfare.How can players customize their forces?
A key feature is the ability to customize powerful hero units. As these leaders gain influence through successful battles, players can personalize their loadouts by selecting unique weapons, items, and abilities, allowing for tailored battlefield roles.
Players can further distinguish their forces through cosmetic and identity options, including customizing insignias, squad colors, banners, and names for their armies.
Multiplayer and Scope
This expansion provides a robust multiplayer offering that builds upon the foundation of the base game.It features 12 new multiplayer maps designed to support up to eight players battling for supremacy across the war-torn landscapes of Kronus.
In terms of scope, this content is substantial, adding two full factions, a completely new campaign structure, and significant customization depth, making it a significant enhancement to the original title.
What are the platform and integration requirements?
Released in October 2006, this title is available exclusively for Microsoft Windows (PC). As an expansion, it requires the installation of the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War to function.
Regarding additional content, there are no further official DLCs or subsequent expansions released for this specific title.
Game Details
Primary Name: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade
Alternative Names:
DoW: DC (Other Alias)
Type: Standalone Expansion
Part of: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Series: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Publisher: THQ
Release Information
Release Date: Oct 9, 2006
Genres & Themes
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Themes: Science fiction
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Game Modes
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
Age Ratings
ESRB:M (Mature)
Soren