This 2006 PC expansion for the acclaimed real-time strategy title introduces a significant expansion to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, focusing on the harsh desert planet of Kronus. Players are thrust into a conflict where control of the planet is fiercely contested by multiple factions. The expansion builds upon the core gameplay of its predecessor, offering new strategic layers and a fresh narrative experience.

The Setting of Kronus

The planet Kronus serves as the central battleground, a world dominated by vast deserts and ancient, buried secrets. Beneath the sands lies a sprawling necropolis, the resting place of the Necrons, an ancient and formidable race. The awakening of this dormant threat forms the narrative backdrop for the expansion's conflict, drawing players into a struggle for planetary dominance.

New Factions and Gameplay

A key addition to the gameplay experience is the introduction of two entirely new playable races: the technologically advanced Tau and the ancient, reanimating Necrons. Each race brings a distinct playstyle, unit roster, and strategic approach to the battlefield, significantly diversifying the available options for players.

Expanded Campaign and Player Choice

The single-player campaign offers a non-linear experience, allowing players to choose one of seven races to lead on an epic crusade across Kronus. Each race has its own unique storyline and perspective on the conflict, providing considerable replayability. The campaign structure emphasizes strategic conquest, where players capture strongholds by winning challenging battles on maps specifically designed around these locations.

Customization and Army Personalization

Players have the ability to customize their hero units, enhancing their weapons, items, and abilities as they progress. Furthermore, the expansion allows for extensive personalization of armies, including the application of various insignias, squad colors, banners, and unit names, enabling players to create a visually distinct force.

Multiplayer Enhancements

The expansion significantly bolsters the multiplayer component with 12 new maps designed for competitive play. These maps support up to 8 players, facilitating large-scale online battles for supremacy.

Integration with the Base Game

As an expansion, this title requires the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War to be installed and played. It seamlessly integrates new content and features into the existing game engine, enhancing the overall experience without fundamentally altering the core mechanics.

What makes this expansion a significant addition?

The introduction of two entirely new races, the Tau and the Necrons, provides a substantial shift in strategic possibilities. Coupled with a non-linear, multi-faction single-player campaign and expanded multiplayer options, this expansion offers a considerable amount of new content and replayability for fans of the original game.

What new races are playable?

The expansion introduces the Tau, a technologically advanced alien race focused on ranged combat and coordinated fire, and the Necrons, an ancient, robotic faction with powerful units and unique resurrection abilities.

How does the campaign work?

The single-player campaign is non-linear, allowing players to select one of seven races and pursue their own path to conquering the planet Kronus. This involves capturing various strongholds through strategic combat.