Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is the sequel to the successful RTS series from the Canadian studio Relic Entertainment, and in 2009 it fundamentally changed how this universe was played. Instead of base-building and mass armies from the first game, the sequel introduced smaller, elite squads of Space Marines and other factions, with an emphasis on tactics, cover, and hero units – a much more intimate and personal take on warfare in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, where the fate of every single soldier matters.

The campaign takes place without classic base-building – instead, the player develops four veteran squads that gain experience, new abilities, and better gear between missions, much like in a tactical RPG. Missions take place on enclosed maps full of cover that must be actively used, since an exposed unit falls quickly under fire, and combat is clearer and more focused thanks to the smaller number of units compared to its predecessor. Losing a veteran soldier also hurts far more than in a classic RTS, so the player thinks carefully about every risk and would rather retreat than lose a squad they've been developing for nothing.

Multiplayer, on the other hand, stays closer to the classic RTS format with base-building, resource gathering, and larger clashes between armies, giving Dawn of War II two noticeably different faces depending on the chosen mode – one for story-focused players and another for fans of competitive strategy games. Visually and audibly, the game draws on the Warhammer 40,000 aesthetic – dark, brutal sci-fi with an emphasis on spectacular finishing moves and the atmospheric setting of devastated worlds. The camera also sits closer to the units than in classic RTS games, so even smaller skirmishes feel cinematic and easy to follow.

Why play it: It will appeal to players who want an RTS focused on tactics and hero development rather than base-building, and to Warhammer 40,000 fans looking for a campaign with a compelling story, atmosphere, and losses that actually matter.