Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® - Dark Crusade Reviews

the older I get the more I miss this game, it was a great way to get introduced to the 40K universe whilst being a great RTS

Absolutely brilliant game. So much fun. I do not play PvP but the campaign is the most fun I have had in an RTS besides maybe Wings of Liberty.

Absolutely love this game, is the sole reason I became obsessed with WarHammer40k in general.

Its a masterpiece in gameplay and strategy

Still the best Warhammer 40,000 game nearly 20 years later

Great game. Its fun running around as the orks having a nice waaaaaagh on the world.

Amazing game, brings back childhood memories

Such nostalgia, such a beautiful game. My first warhammer 40k experience and made me like it. No regrets 10/10 game

Probably the best conquest mode in the series, the apogee of Dawn of War. First game in the series with widescreen. Aged like fine wine, and it is still fun to play.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade stands out as one of the most compelling expansions in the Dawn of War series, bringing a fresh layer of depth and strategy to the already intense real-time strategy gameplay set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K. What distinguishes Dark Crusade from its predecessors is its expansive, non-linear campaign that offers players the freedom to conquer the world of Kronus in any order they choose. This sandbox-style map and faction selection inject a level of strategic choice and replayability rarely seen in RTS games of its era. The core gameplay in Dark Crusade remains faithful to the signature Dawn of War formula: fast-paced, tactical squad-based combat with a focus on unit positioning, cover, and resource control. The addition of two new factions—the Tau Empire and the Necrons—introduces entirely new playstyles and strategic options that feel distinct and fresh. The Tau emphasize ranged firepower and mobility, while the Necrons boast resilience and powerful late-game units. Each faction comes with unique abilities, units, and upgrades, encouraging players to adapt their tactics accordingly and learn the strengths and weaknesses of each race. One of the expansion’s standout features is its campaign structure. Unlike traditional linear RTS campaigns, Dark Crusade presents a strategic world map where factions vie for control of territories. Players must manage resources, build armies, and choose which regions to attack or defend, all while anticipating rival faction movements. This non-linear progression adds a layer of grand strategy, making every decision impactful. The persistent campaign also encourages multiple playthroughs with different factions, significantly enhancing the game’s longevity. Visually, Dark Crusade preserves the dark, gothic aesthetic of the Warhammer 40K universe. Unit designs are detailed and faithful to the source material, from the heavily armored Space Marines to the ancient, eerie Necrons. The battlefields are atmospheric, often littered with ruins and war-torn environments that add to the immersive feeling of constant warfare. While the graphics may feel dated by modern standards, the art style’s grim, brutal tone remains striking and effective in conveying the harshness of the 41st millennium. The multiplayer experience is robust and remains a highlight of the game. Dark Crusade supports competitive matches with a variety of maps and balanced faction matchups. The inclusion of multiple factions with different playstyles offers diverse tactical matchups, making multiplayer battles dynamic and engaging. The game’s mechanics reward strategic thinking and map control rather than simply rushing or brute force, allowing skillful players to outmaneuver and outsmart opponents in thrilling encounters. While the gameplay is deep and rewarding, some aspects of Dark Crusade can feel challenging for newcomers. The variety of units and abilities, combined with the non-linear campaign, requires a good grasp of both macro- and micro-management. However, this complexity is part of the appeal for fans of the genre and the Warhammer 40K lore. The AI can be aggressive and tactically sound, especially on higher difficulties, ensuring that players must constantly refine their strategies. In conclusion, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade is a standout RTS that successfully expands on the foundation of the original game with innovative campaign design, diverse factions, and tactical depth. Its open-ended campaign and the addition of new races keep the gameplay fresh and replayable, while its faithful representation of the Warhammer 40K universe appeals to fans and strategy enthusiasts alike. Despite some minor learning curve hurdles, Dark Crusade offers a rich, immersive experience that remains one of the most engaging and strategic entries in the Dawn of War series. Rating: 9/10