Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade

 PC
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2006
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 410 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 359 out of 410
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 410
  3. Negative: 13 out of 410
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  1. onefatcow1
    Oct 10, 2012
    10
    After playing DoW: Retribution and loving it a friend told me this game was also pretty good, and quite frankly, this game exceeds Retribution, True, last stand is a great and fun game mode, but this game is so much more. While retribution's campaign is lackluster and feels like all you do is build a deathstar, this game rewards ingenuity, and each match feels like multiplayer. AnotherAfter playing DoW: Retribution and loving it a friend told me this game was also pretty good, and quite frankly, this game exceeds Retribution, True, last stand is a great and fun game mode, but this game is so much more. While retribution's campaign is lackluster and feels like all you do is build a deathstar, this game rewards ingenuity, and each match feels like multiplayer. Another great addition to campaign is AI's that fight back, something that was so lacking in retribution I was only able to complete a paltry 3 campaigns.
    In review: great game, good replay value, still has O.K. graphics despite being 6 years old    … Expand
  2. AggelosMw
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    what can i say about this game? it happened to be the first game i played on pc and it is really hard to describe it... it.... MAN THIS GAME WAS F*CKING AWESOME!
  3. Ndi
    May 14, 2013
    9
    Probably the best DOW ever, rivaled by only the original. Excellent replayability, interesting races, and a good overall campaign and story. Last good one before adding insanely detached races like sisters of whatthatwas and ruining the experience with DOW2.

    Not a 10, however, because it has some downsides: Cutscenes are lazy. Every time something interrups the speaker, you can hear the    Probably the best DOW ever, rivaled by only the original. Excellent replayability, interesting races, and a good overall campaign and story. Last good one before adding insanely detached races like sisters of whatthatwas and ruining the experience with DOW2.

    Not a 10, however, because it has some downsides: Cutscenes are lazy. Every time something interrups the speaker, you can hear the person finish the sentence and exhale, waiting for a second bfore he is "interrupted". Animations are poor in cutscenes, and they dulled the razor sharp units. Shackled creation of elite units, dulled damage. The low damage makes sharp painful combat be a long, dull, drawn out engagement, much like WC3.

    Also not a 10 because they are already slacking on the factions. Necrons are beautiful, but Tau is lazy, with many units being very similar in appearance. Too long range, overpowered when in AI hands that micromanages.

    But, with a nice, replayable, boss-fight campain it is one heck of a game. Too bad they didn't polish it a bit more. Better voice acting and cutscenes would have made this and incredible game. Also, they nerfed the Dreadnought. Pity.    … Expand
  4. Itsapaul
    Mar 31, 2011
    9
    Top of the line as far as strategy games go. It works like risk where you attack once a turn, but instead of rolling dice you battle rts style. The game focuses on proper squad management over infrastructure, and you really get rewarded for great tactics instead of memorizing hotkeys. You can spend points on various upgrades like elite units or boosts similar to what you'd find in risk,Top of the line as far as strategy games go. It works like risk where you attack once a turn, but instead of rolling dice you battle rts style. The game focuses on proper squad management over infrastructure, and you really get rewarded for great tactics instead of memorizing hotkeys. You can spend points on various upgrades like elite units or boosts similar to what you'd find in risk, and while the campaign doesn't really have much story since the other factions can win or lose at any time, its certainly a fresh look at the genre.… Expand
  5. LordOFlibertY
    Dec 19, 2011
    9
    Excellent strategy game for those who are bored with StarCraft. This is the best Dawn of War game in my opinion and exceeds Soulstorm and the Dawn of War II series. The gameplay is unique and refreshing to say the least and the graphics are pretty damn good for a 2006 title I recommend this game to anyone that enjoys the 40k universe or RTS in general.
  6. BiasedCRTC
    Sep 1, 2011
    9
    When I got Dawn of War, I was instantly hooked. I then Proceeded to get Winter Assault. Even better! But failing to find Dark Crusade, I turned to Soul Storm, which is the let down of the series. A year later I get Dark Crusade. From the second I picked it up, I noticed something. This was much better than Soul Storm, an alleged improvement. Nowadays, with Dawn of War already up to theWhen I got Dawn of War, I was instantly hooked. I then Proceeded to get Winter Assault. Even better! But failing to find Dark Crusade, I turned to Soul Storm, which is the let down of the series. A year later I get Dark Crusade. From the second I picked it up, I noticed something. This was much better than Soul Storm, an alleged improvement. Nowadays, with Dawn of War already up to the second expansion of Dawn of War 2, I STILL prefer Dark Crusade. It has a terrible balance, however, because most races are better at fighting than others, and some are just weak until WAY down the research chain (I'm looking at you IG, with your strong as paper infantry, and crazy strong tanks). Still, Dark crusade forced you to sometimes lose a province to destroy a stronghold, which has always made me double-check every move I made. In my opinion, this could never be as tedious as Retribution (It's the same map and enemies 7 times, woo hoo?).… Expand
  7. Crymson84
    Apr 12, 2012
    10
    An excellent expansion, and a great standalone game in its own right. Dark Crusade provides a tremendous amount of content at a stellar price. The game gives one the choice of any of seven distinctive, well-balanced factions for use in a campaign on a Risk-style map. No two factions play alike; this, coupled with the fact that each faction's individual campaign is tailored to its backAn excellent expansion, and a great standalone game in its own right. Dark Crusade provides a tremendous amount of content at a stellar price. The game gives one the choice of any of seven distinctive, well-balanced factions for use in a campaign on a Risk-style map. No two factions play alike; this, coupled with the fact that each faction's individual campaign is tailored to its back story, makes successive playthroughs of the game feel like new experiences rather than stale repetitions. This gives the game immense replayability. Needless to say, the gameplay is a lot of fun as well, and the campaigns are structured such that the battles fought therein do not feel repetitive.

    Fans of Warhammer 40K will love this game. I suggest to anyone that they buy Platinum Edition (the original Dawn of War plus Winter Assault and Dark Crusade) so as to get the entire experience, but if you must choose only one of the series, Dark Crusade is your best bet. 10/10    … Expand
  8. ActionBastard
    Jan 14, 2013
    8
    This is, by far, one of the most fun RTS games on the PC. The gameplay isn't balanced for competitive play, and the graphics are getting dated, but the great 40k lore and loads of interesting units more than make up for its shortcomings. If you can find a used copy somewhere, or it happens to be on sale on steam, grab this game ASAP.
  9. wowwow124
    Jan 18, 2014
    9
    this is not just one of the best rts games ever made it is also one of the best all time games ever made.
    this is a must buy for warhammer 40k fans and rts fans
  10. readock
    Apr 27, 2014
    10
    Really the best Warhammer 40k strategy game. I just like the necrons and the gameplay (espacially the multiplayer). If you like Strategy games this is a must have ...
  11. Kelu
    Dec 25, 2011
    10
    I seldom give perfect scores, but Dark Crusade deserves one. It's campaign replayability value is incredible (the dialogues between army commanders shine) and there are good times to be had playing this game online with mates. A standalone expansion with 7 playable, pretty balanced races and it should be cheap as dirt right now. If you don't own it, just get it. I'm serious. All-around,I seldom give perfect scores, but Dark Crusade deserves one. It's campaign replayability value is incredible (the dialogues between army commanders shine) and there are good times to be had playing this game online with mates. A standalone expansion with 7 playable, pretty balanced races and it should be cheap as dirt right now. If you don't own it, just get it. I'm serious. All-around, it's the best DoW to date.… Expand
  12. Fuzzi99
    Dec 28, 2010
    6
    This game IMHO ruined the single player story line of the Dawn of War series, as it introduced multi-race Campaign, so the story entirely depends on what race you chose, whereas the original had a very good story line that was only made for one race therefore the story was better. But I will admit that this game did increase the replay value and made multiplayer allot better.
  13. ursasolus
    Nov 24, 2012
    2
    This game ruined what could have been the best RTS game series ever, and is the single most driving reason why I have never bought another THQ/Relic game at full price when it was first released since that time. Having played the original DOW and Winter Assault, I was a die hard DOW fan and supporter; but the play and deviation from the original first person story line of the first twoThis game ruined what could have been the best RTS game series ever, and is the single most driving reason why I have never bought another THQ/Relic game at full price when it was first released since that time. Having played the original DOW and Winter Assault, I was a die hard DOW fan and supporter; but the play and deviation from the original first person story line of the first two took so much joy out of the game that I never bothered to finish it.… Expand
  14. JackG.
    Oct 16, 2006
    3
    Poor story, poor movement, poor game.
  15. Richard
    Feb 7, 2008
    4
    I bought Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War + Winter Assault almost three years ago, and it was a pretty cool game back then. My friend and I would play it online and have a good time. However with Relic releasing these expansions I thought I'd put my thoughts down here. I bought Dark Crusade last year. My criticisms about this game are agitated by the fact that Relic keeps releasing more I bought Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War + Winter Assault almost three years ago, and it was a pretty cool game back then. My friend and I would play it online and have a good time. However with Relic releasing these expansions I thought I'd put my thoughts down here. I bought Dark Crusade last year. My criticisms about this game are agitated by the fact that Relic keeps releasing more and more races into the online mix, (Nine total with the next expansion), and its become just silly. You cannot take this game seriously anymore, and while it's cartoonistic humour and style used to suit it well. It's become to the point where Relic dirtied the bath water with a bunch of filthy pointless races that don't complement the others at all. Every race has become foreign around the next, and it doesn't play smoothly like it used to when there were only four races. When it was the first game, vehicles like the dreadnought were immensely powerful and exciting to watch as they threw around squads and ripped through them. With every 'balance' patch relic has released, their sole idea was to NERF other units down to balance the gameplay instead of bump the other units up. After almost four years of patching in this fashion, Warhammer's battles are now painfully slow, the units take an incredibly long time to die, not helped by the instant reinforcement feature. I find that the excitement and the fast-paced gameplay is no-more because of Relic's constant balance nerfs. Secondly, the end result of having NINE races into the Warhammer mix is that this game is now IMPOSSIBLE to properly balance. And any attempt by Relic's traditional nerfing will simply cause slower and slower-paced fighting. I am positive that this game's future is dead. My four is given to this game mainly because of the way it's been handled over the years. It's just been terribly poor and the original depth to it has been filled in with poor design. The original pace and character of the series is utterly gone with the arrival of these new expansions. It seems like they just churn out their ideas constantly. And some of these ideas are just disturbing, they have three races revolving around Death, one based on Feminists, another two on technology worship, and the last on religious fanaticism. The Orks main theme is stupidity, seriously, the developers spell everything wrong in the Ork descriptions. ??? In conclusion, this game used to be really something, but Relic's deadening patches and un-inspired expansions have proven to be more like a cancer. There is not a chance in hell they can ever straighten out this gameplay as far as I can see, and the game is just no longer fun. It's just silly.… Expand
  16. BenjaminS
    Feb 7, 2008
    4
    I bought Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War + Winter Assault almost three years ago, and it was a pretty cool game back then. My friend and I would play it online and have a good time. However with Relic releasing these expansions I thought I'd put my thoughts down here. I bought Dark Crusade last year. My criticisms about this game are agitated by the fact that Relic keeps releasing more I bought Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War + Winter Assault almost three years ago, and it was a pretty cool game back then. My friend and I would play it online and have a good time. However with Relic releasing these expansions I thought I'd put my thoughts down here. I bought Dark Crusade last year. My criticisms about this game are agitated by the fact that Relic keeps releasing more and more races into the online mix, (Nine total with the next expansion), and its become just silly. You cannot take this game seriously anymore, and while it's cartoonistic humour and style used to suit it well. It's become to the point where Relic dirtied the bath water with a bunch of filthy pointless races that don't complement the others at all. Every race has become foreign around the next, and it doesn't play smoothly like it used to when there were only four races. When it was the first game, vehicles like the dreadnought were immensely powerful and exciting to watch as they threw around squads and ripped through them. With every 'balance' patch relic has released, their sole idea was to NERF other units down to balance the gameplay instead of bump the other units up. After almost four years of patching in this fashion, Warhammer's battles are now painfully slow, the units take an incredibly long time to die, not helped by the instant reinforcement feature. I find that the excitement and the fast-paced gameplay is no-more because of Relic's constant balance nerfs. Secondly, the end result of having NINE races into the Warhammer mix is that this game is now IMPOSSIBLE to properly balance. And any attempt by Relic's traditional nerfing will simply cause slower and slower-paced battles. I am positive that this game's future is dead. My four is given to this game mainly because of the way it's been handled over the years. It's just been terribly poor and the original depth to it has been filled in with short-sighted design. The original pace and character of the series is utterly gone with the arrival of these new expansions. It seems like they just churn out their ideas constantly. And some of these ideas are just disturbing, they have three races revolving around Death, one based on Feminists, another two on technology worship, and the last on religious fanaticism. The Orks main theme is stupidity, seriously, the developers spell everything wrong in the Ork descriptions. ??? In conclusion, this game used to be really something, but Relic's deadening patches and un-inspired expansions have proven to be more like a cancer. There is not a chance they can ever straighten out this gameplay as far as I can see, and the game is just no longer fun. It's just silly.… Expand
  17. Mobius
    Nov 6, 2006
    10
    have to say that this third game is perfect. i love how the necrons seem invicable and the fighting units are unable to capture stratagy points, this is much more a tactical game with plenty to offer.
  18. EdoardoV.
    Oct 23, 2006
    0
    The game is very good as the other WH40k ones. Good graphic, excellent music and sounds, wonderful settings and animations. The two added races (Necron and Tau) are very well designed. The campaign mode is a good RISIKO type territory conquest. Unfortunatly for THQ I do not appreciate the purely commercial initiative with the multiplayer mode: if you want to play with the old races you The game is very good as the other WH40k ones. Good graphic, excellent music and sounds, wonderful settings and animations. The two added races (Necron and Tau) are very well designed. The campaign mode is a good RISIKO type territory conquest. Unfortunatly for THQ I do not appreciate the purely commercial initiative with the multiplayer mode: if you want to play with the old races you have to install (buy) "Dawn of War". dark Crusade is a 4.4GB big game, it allows you to play all races in single player, WHY I HAVE TO PAY MORE TO PLAY ONLINE WITH SOMETHING I ALREADY HAVE? I am not pleased, I expect the gamers' community will not be pleased too.… Expand
  19. BillH.
    Nov 21, 2006
    0
    I'm a huge fan of the first two games, this third edition is absolutely horrible. They've taken away the ability to play the factions in unique methods which differ from what the computer does in replay by way of unit restrictions which affect each and every existing faction so severely as to essentially make the game actually different from the first two. Unfortunately, this I'm a huge fan of the first two games, this third edition is absolutely horrible. They've taken away the ability to play the factions in unique methods which differ from what the computer does in replay by way of unit restrictions which affect each and every existing faction so severely as to essentially make the game actually different from the first two. Unfortunately, this difference is not an improvement in my personal opinion. The risk-like campaign mode is new and interesting, but after two turns at it you begin to spot glaringly obvious balancing issues. It promises a sequel after completing the campaign, but I've already quit playing this one. There seems to be a movement in the game development industry as of late to restrict options of gamers, this saddens me greatly, this isn't the first good game I've seen destroyed by that mentality. I don't think it will be the last either, the first two are excellent and I highly recommend them, however, this latest edition is a complete waste.… Expand
  20. [Anonymous]
    Jan 6, 2007
    10
    The best RTS to come out since Starcraft. Each race is different and VERY unique which makes it interesting to play because race can be chosen by the style in which you play. I heard good things about it, got it, LOVED it.
  21. EricB.
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade; such a long title, accompanied by such a great game. With seven races to play, who all play in a unique way, there's a little something for everyone in this game. Already a great RTS, Dawn of War has solidified its position at the head of the pack by delivering solid game play with massive armies trading savage blows using everything from Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade; such a long title, accompanied by such a great game. With seven races to play, who all play in a unique way, there's a little something for everyone in this game. Already a great RTS, Dawn of War has solidified its position at the head of the pack by delivering solid game play with massive armies trading savage blows using everything from pistol wielding Commisars to bombardment from outer space. With very little resource micromanagement (you simply take a strategic point or build a power supply building, then solidify it's fortifications with pretty straightforward upgrades) it's a game that is very easy to pick up and play, or to embark on a world-spanning conquest of the six other races that inhabit the world of Kronus. For owners of the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, this expansion pack is a MUST HAVE, and for anybody else... well this expansion pack is still a MUST HAVE, you won't be bored anytime soon with so much to do.… Expand
  22. PaoloDC
    Aug 3, 2008
    9
    Grat Game! Very funny and easy to lear. The multy is more difficult but it is fun! Only the video aspect is not perfect, all the other it is!
  23. ChrisD.
    Oct 14, 2006
    10
    A fantastic expansion to an already fantastic game. A bargain at twice the price, it's a steal at $29.99. The addition of two complete new races and new units for the existing races is great on it's own, but the new campaign mode is superb! Plenty of variety to be had here, with seven completely different races, plenty of maps to play on, and plenty of customization. A fantastic expansion to an already fantastic game. A bargain at twice the price, it's a steal at $29.99. The addition of two complete new races and new units for the existing races is great on it's own, but the new campaign mode is superb! Plenty of variety to be had here, with seven completely different races, plenty of maps to play on, and plenty of customization. There's a lot of game to be had here.… Expand
  24. PatE.
    Oct 15, 2006
    10
    The best RTS game hands down! Go out and get your copy too!
  25. JohnD.
    Oct 20, 2006
    10
    I wonder the one who said this game is poor. I need reason because I don't see it at all. By the way,this game is awesome.
  26. Arno
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    I just love this game, the addition of the Necron is just plain good.
  27. OreoJ.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    If you don't like this game, go play Desperate Houswives.
  28. DakotaS.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    I've never been much of an RTS fan, but this game is starting to win me over. The SP campaign lets me choose my own path, and I really dig the commander upgrades. IDidn't even have to buy the original game to play it. Best 30 dollars I ever spent.
  29. RoyJ.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    One of the best games out there right now! The tau stronghold is something born from my most pleasent of dreams!
  30. WillT.
    Jan 20, 2007
    7
    I will say that I really enjoyed the original DOW. This is also a good game, but the difficulty ramps up too quickly. Instead of using intelligent strategies, the AI just spawns more units. As a result the game bogs down from time to time with the computer just pumping out tons of units. From there it turns into a clicking match. In my experience, this seems to be a particular issue with I will say that I really enjoyed the original DOW. This is also a good game, but the difficulty ramps up too quickly. Instead of using intelligent strategies, the AI just spawns more units. As a result the game bogs down from time to time with the computer just pumping out tons of units. From there it turns into a clicking match. In my experience, this seems to be a particular issue with the Chaos faction. Still, the game is very enjoyable.… Expand
  31. Chris
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    This game is great fun with lots of races. although you cant play online with original races without buying the previous games, be happy that you can actually own the game without needing to but the old ones. at least this isnt an expansion pack right?also necron arent rigged just get anything good against heavy infantry. notice that necron dont have any normal infantry at all?
  32. RobS.
    Aug 8, 2007
    9
    Absolutely amazing game, the combat is intense and the races are so different from each other despite how many races there are (I am using this game as an expansion to the first two). This game is a lot of fun but it can get a little repetative and that's the only reason I didn't give it a ten. If it expanded a bit more into the units and tech trees so that by the end of the Absolutely amazing game, the combat is intense and the races are so different from each other despite how many races there are (I am using this game as an expansion to the first two). This game is a lot of fun but it can get a little repetative and that's the only reason I didn't give it a ten. If it expanded a bit more into the units and tech trees so that by the end of the battle I hadn't done everything I could it would be better.… Expand
  33. FlaviuM.
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Kind of dissapointed .... in the originall dow a god of darkness escaped but they never continued that storie too bad... oh well dow dark crusade is super cool i hope they piece together some of the stories in the versions . Cheers mates.
  34. JoelS
    Jun 19, 2008
    8
    A nice expansion to a nice game.. The two additional teams are very unique and all, (as are the other teams) and so are the new maps and units each team aquires. Unfortunately, as with the other DoW games, I have found it to get extremely repitious with time. So, I find myself turning the game away for months at a time, and upon playing it again, find it extremely enjoyable. I only wish A nice expansion to a nice game.. The two additional teams are very unique and all, (as are the other teams) and so are the new maps and units each team aquires. Unfortunately, as with the other DoW games, I have found it to get extremely repitious with time. So, I find myself turning the game away for months at a time, and upon playing it again, find it extremely enjoyable. I only wish it were so enjoyable for extended periods of time.… Expand
  35. JohnV
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    Fantastic game. If you like Real Time Strategy games, I have no doubt that you will love this game.
  36. JonB.
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    One of the Best RTS since Starcraft, a must have title.
  37. JonD.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    I love this game! Relic/THQ did an awesome job on the new single player "RISK" style campaign, the graphics are wicked, and it only costs $29.99 for an entirely new game! I can't get enough!
  38. MarkA.
    Oct 25, 2006
    9
    It's hard to see how the subject matter could possibly have been brought to life any better. The new races on offer here offer interesting scope and a great new angle on things while staying true to the Dawn of War formula. The single player has been taken to the next level, the multiplayer is even closer to perfection. My only real gripes are with the fairly uninteresting vehicles It's hard to see how the subject matter could possibly have been brought to life any better. The new races on offer here offer interesting scope and a great new angle on things while staying true to the Dawn of War formula. The single player has been taken to the next level, the multiplayer is even closer to perfection. My only real gripes are with the fairly uninteresting vehicles and the ease with which Necrons can crush weaker opponents.… Expand
  39. James
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    This is an amazing expasnsion pack! So much stuff for so few of my hard earned dollars, and it still works even without the previous games - Genius!
  40. MarkS.
    Oct 25, 2006
    9
    I picked this up based on reading many comments that Company of Heroes borrowed heavily from Dawn of War for the game play. I bought this as well as the gold edition of Dawn of War (which includes the Winter Assault expansion) so that I could, if I wished, play all factions online. Although this is an expansion pack, it does not require you to own the original game. The only limitation, I picked this up based on reading many comments that Company of Heroes borrowed heavily from Dawn of War for the game play. I bought this as well as the gold edition of Dawn of War (which includes the Winter Assault expansion) so that I could, if I wished, play all factions online. Although this is an expansion pack, it does not require you to own the original game. The only limitation, is that all of the factions which are available in the single player campaign and skirmishs are not availble for online play. For that you must own and install the original game and use those CD keys to vaildate in the Dark Crusades expansion. This is an excellent game from an outstanding company. The graphics are very good considering the date of the original, and widescreen resolutions are available natively. Having the DVD in your drive is not required for play, which is something I wish all game makers would consider implementing.… Expand
  41. DavidM.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    This game is serious Pwnsaur for sure! I cant believe how much content they added for a expansion. Anyone who cries about needing more look at expansions from the past! Nothing even close to this!
  42. MartinP.
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    This game is a must for any fan of any RTS... seriously buy it right now... It combines simplisity with complex mechanics to make a game anyone can enjoy but that you may also master... what are you still reading this for?! Buy it right now!
  43. JonathanS.
    Jun 3, 2007
    9
    This game is really sweet! The first game was great and was probably the RTS with the most new features the ideas are really good. This is a great expansion pack. I was waiting for some new races and its briliant the way they have made the new necrons since they cant really be killed, witch would make them kind of imba, but they found a great solusion to that, but beware since its quite This game is really sweet! The first game was great and was probably the RTS with the most new features the ideas are really good. This is a great expansion pack. I was waiting for some new races and its briliant the way they have made the new necrons since they cant really be killed, witch would make them kind of imba, but they found a great solusion to that, but beware since its quite hard to learn these new races. Expecially the Tau... They are the only reason for im not giving this a 10 beacourse they are funny to play but the really lack firepower since they suck at meele. But everything else about this game is great, so if you have the first one, i deffenetly can recommend this expansion.… Expand
  44. TravisR.
    Aug 16, 2007
    9
    This is an excellent game that is challenging at first but once you get the hang of taking cover and such, giving dark crusade a 9 because of how over powered the Necrons are.
  45. bootsy
    Aug 31, 2009
    9
    Awesome RTS! I have bought the gold pack wich icludes winter assault/gold and dark cruisade. This is probably the best RTS i have played so far, i especialy like the necron race to play the campain with. The only reason why i did not give a 10 is because in the skirmish mode the easy , notrmal, hard settings are not well balanced. especialy the normal mode is pretty hard already (harder Awesome RTS! I have bought the gold pack wich icludes winter assault/gold and dark cruisade. This is probably the best RTS i have played so far, i especialy like the necron race to play the campain with. The only reason why i did not give a 10 is because in the skirmish mode the easy , notrmal, hard settings are not well balanced. especialy the normal mode is pretty hard already (harder then normal campain mode). Other then that, plain awesome game!… Expand
  46. KC
    Nov 12, 2006
    10
    Excellent game on all accounts. The SP concept is awesome which includes a feature for you to build up your commander with extra gear that gives them abilities and change their appearance to something more FEARSOME. or in comparison with other games, "level-up". and add a new range of dynamics to gameplay, the new features are enough to be split into two separate expansion and the Necrons Excellent game on all accounts. The SP concept is awesome which includes a feature for you to build up your commander with extra gear that gives them abilities and change their appearance to something more FEARSOME. or in comparison with other games, "level-up". and add a new range of dynamics to gameplay, the new features are enough to be split into two separate expansion and the Necrons add a whole new strategy of playing an army. The game feels very well developed, and thoroughly tested before release, not to mention the relatively short duration of it's development after Winter Assault. Honestly, I don't do user ratings like this one, but I really feel this game is very, very well done, and the developers deserve many slaps on the back, probably till they vomit blood, but they deserve it for the excellent work. I hope they keep this level of creativity and quality up for the next release! FOR THE GREATER GOOD!… Expand
  47. MasonH.
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    I think this expansion pack gave much needed upgrades to each race and gave it more life.
  48. Docsilat
    Oct 17, 2006
    9
    I am just starting this game but so far it is awesome! I am a casual gamer and was generally a FPS fan until this series converted me. The new turn based strategic level is very nice. It is great to be able to play through the campaign as any one of the seven races. I think if you enjoyed the first game , you'll enjoy this new addition as well. It looks great and plays very well thus I am just starting this game but so far it is awesome! I am a casual gamer and was generally a FPS fan until this series converted me. The new turn based strategic level is very nice. It is great to be able to play through the campaign as any one of the seven races. I think if you enjoyed the first game , you'll enjoy this new addition as well. It looks great and plays very well thus far. It's great that it is "stand alone" and the price is quite reasonable for what you are getting ! I recommend it !… Expand
  49. DavidG.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    I didn't play the two games before this (DOW and WA) but I have to say that as a stand alone title this game has captivated my attention more then any other RTS to date (including Relic's new huge success Company of Heroe's). The single player campaign can be played several times before you will lose any interest in it and then there is the multiplayer which is both fast I didn't play the two games before this (DOW and WA) but I have to say that as a stand alone title this game has captivated my attention more then any other RTS to date (including Relic's new huge success Company of Heroe's). The single player campaign can be played several times before you will lose any interest in it and then there is the multiplayer which is both fast paced and action packed which will keep anyones attention for a long time to come!… Expand
  50. ArshadS
    Dec 9, 2009
    10
    My most played RTS ever! With 7 races, simple controls, easy learning curve and ADDICTIVE online play DC is worth every cent you throw in!
  51. ShadusS.
    Nov 23, 2006
    8
    Great RTS. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the genre or a fan of Warhammer 40k, I started with this game having missed the first two installments and it inspired me to go out and purchase them.
  52. Dhelio
    Oct 29, 2014
    9
    For the Emperor!

    Dark Crusade (DC from now on) is a RTS game set in the Warhammer 40K universe, and that much you knew. What you probably didn't knew is that this game is awesome! The sheer number of different units makes the game varied and interesting, with dozens upon dozens of models. The units emanate charisma from every angle, faithful to the boardgame ones. The story is    For the Emperor!

    Dark Crusade (DC from now on) is a RTS game set in the Warhammer 40K universe, and that much you knew. What you probably didn't knew is that this game is awesome! The sheer number of different units makes the game varied and interesting, with dozens upon dozens of models. The units emanate charisma from every angle, faithful to the boardgame ones. The story is interesting enough, and the main campaign can hook you up for days.

    The balancing is superb, with no unit feeling overpowered or useless. It has not a resource gathering mechanic -well, it does, but revolves around the capturing and holding of key points rather than trees, iron and the like. A smart move, since the combat for key points is the heart of the boardgame.

    Visually it's okay, but it has aged - and it shows. The gripes I have with the graphics are about some special effects, with a few ingenuities regarding monitor resolution, resolved by mods. Because it's open to mods!

    Overall a great game, and a must for every RTS appassionate.    … Expand
  53. skyrimbestgame
    Dec 7, 2012
    9
    Dark Crusade is a rare triumph in PC strategy gaming. The 7 races are rich both in character and in fighting style, each with a substantial variety of different infantry and vehicular units, as well as an epic pantheon of heroes. The story mode is interesting and varied, and can be played through multiple times with different races and outcomes. Probably the most impressive element of thisDark Crusade is a rare triumph in PC strategy gaming. The 7 races are rich both in character and in fighting style, each with a substantial variety of different infantry and vehicular units, as well as an epic pantheon of heroes. The story mode is interesting and varied, and can be played through multiple times with different races and outcomes. Probably the most impressive element of this epic game, however, is the shockingly versatile camera, allowing for stunning cinematic battle scenes completely in real-time. The only downsides (and there are few) are the terrible difficulty customization, which changes enemy unit strength instead of their strategy, and the limited multiplayer options for those who don't own the core game. Overall, though, these really don't even put a dent in the overall experience. Buy this game and bring the grim darkness of the far future straight to your PC!… Expand
  54. faceless-1
    Sep 9, 2012
    10
    This Expansion is really perfect. Adds 2 races, interesting changes in gameplay, massive campaign with good replay value and new units for old races. This addon is definitely worth a try for every RTS fan. For fans of DoW a must buy.
  55. PKO
    Mar 30, 2013
    10
    Benjamin S: Your review, I think, was logical up till the point that you reiterated that nine races was obscene and that the themes taken by the writers for some races were questionable. This made me realize you probably have never rolled a dice nor played the tabletop game of this wonderful game. There are in fact more races than nine in the tabletop form of the game, and the "balance" isBenjamin S: Your review, I think, was logical up till the point that you reiterated that nine races was obscene and that the themes taken by the writers for some races were questionable. This made me realize you probably have never rolled a dice nor played the tabletop game of this wonderful game. There are in fact more races than nine in the tabletop form of the game, and the "balance" is made by making each individual really good at something, but lacking in something else. For example, Eldar had tons of specialist troops that were really good at what they do (Dire Avengers absolutely pouring out shots like it was nothing),but were extremely fragile and somewhat expensive as far as points. If there were a universal "balance" of power, then I agree, gameplay would become pretty boring as the races seem to be intertwined. That's why the developers at the former company of THQ added more races with different attributes, which can clearly be seen in the Tau's overall godliness at shooting, the space marines being expensive but good at everything, the Eldar's speed, the Necron's toughness, and the imperial guard and ork's strength in numbers. Your criticism of the themes that the people at THQ had for their races also rings hollow when you dig into some of the tabletop game's lore. Orks are meant to be stupid, they're fungi made into a humanoid form. Necrons and Tau basically worship technology but their lore says why. Necrons made a pact with a god who appears as a metallic figure to immortalize their race as they were facing extinction, but the god turned them into soulless machines to do his bidding to pretty much annihilate anything. The Tau worship technology because they were deprived of it. Think of going to a third world country with an iphone, or even better think of Hernan Cortez being worshipped as a god by the Incas for his appearances, ships, and horses. I'm assuming the death theme has to do with the Chaos faction. That should really be a no brainer, there has to be a villainous character, so why not exemplify it into an entire race who, in the lore, attempted to kill the Imperial Guard's/Space Marine's god? Feminist's? The only feministic race I could think of in Dark Crusade would be Eldar, and yeah that's just because the founders of the table top game just made like that to fit their attributes of sneakiness and deception. So really, all your problems with the dev's as far as themes are honestly unfounded because they took most of the content from the tabletop game. Warhammer 40k deserved a game and got it, to go astray from the game now would just be utter stupidity.… Expand
  56. Generarl_Zass
    May 12, 2017
    5
    Early born child lack limbs and arms.
    Death to the corpse emperor
    Plain vanilla story writing, any fan could easily predict the story about 3 missions into the campaign

    Multiplayer AI resource cheat is real and stupid

    No retreat, units are weak as ants
    Micro intensive and lack auto-cast for units
  57. Chowjust
    Dec 5, 2022
    8
    A very solid sequel the the first Dawn of War. While there's no campaign, there is a map-conquest mode where you choose a race and fight other races for control. You can upgrade your hero and it's actually not bad and still holds up in 2022.
  58. TIE_Breaker
    Aug 22, 2014
    9
    It's a standalone DLC for the real game that surpasses its base in every way, though you should still buy the original and maybe Winter Assault for the extra multiplayer races.

    An RTS made by Relic, it deviates from other games in the genre by having units grouped into squads beforehand. As much as I hate Warhammer, this game was just excellent in general, especially with the    It's a standalone DLC for the real game that surpasses its base in every way, though you should still buy the original and maybe Winter Assault for the extra multiplayer races.

    An RTS made by Relic, it deviates from other games in the genre by having units grouped into squads beforehand. As much as I hate Warhammer, this game was just excellent in general, especially with the territorial conquest in single player.

    I'd recommend getting the game on Steam so that you can still play online MP (moved from GameSpy to Steamworks) or just buy the Amazon DRM-Free copy and check the game's forums. There's a pinned article from SEGA with a link to a website where they accept box codes and give Steam keys out to retail owners.    … Expand
  59. ShodanSpectre
    Feb 12, 2021
    10
    In terms of gameplay - the best DoW game out there, and I've played all of the original series.
    The armies are more distinct, assymetric, yet - better balanced, than in Soulstorm which came out later.
    For example - DoW: DC doesn't have flying units across the board, but some factions, most notably the Eldar - have units which can "hop" some distance through the air. This really gives    In terms of gameplay - the best DoW game out there, and I've played all of the original series.
    The armies are more distinct, assymetric, yet - better balanced, than in Soulstorm which came out later.
    For example - DoW: DC doesn't have flying units across the board, but some factions, most notably the Eldar - have units which can "hop" some distance through the air. This really gives them an advantage and makes then the most mobile race, prioritizing stealth and speed over everything else.
    In SoulStorm - each race (except Necrons, I think) - gets an air unit, which is poorly implemented both visually (it gets repaied by ground units while in the air), and tactically (Soulstorm doesn't _really_ support air-air or air-ground combat, the air units are just awkward there)

    Also, the campaign - each race's HQ area has a unique gameplay to beat. With Necrons - you gotta plant a bomb with your main commander and escape in time. With Eldar - you fight them as well as Orks as well as Chaos which the Eldars control, until you finally find and destroy their main base. With Chaos - you gotta destroy the Warp Gate.
    OTOH, in Soulstorm - EVERY HQ battle is about destroying their main building. Simple as that. Except against Dark Eldar, where you gotta destroy their mobile superunit.

    DoW: DC also has many non-HQ areas which give certain perks which are hugely valuable.

    The earlier DoW games have more linear campaign, and less playable races. They aren't bad but offer less in terms of gameplay.

    The DoW-2 games shift from RTS to something ARPG-style, no more base building. So can't really compare.

    DoW:DC probably has the highest replayability factor among the DoW series as playing each race is offers a hugely different, and in 1 playthrough you'll probably only ever step foot on half of the maps, and beat half of the 6 opponents.

    The AI in DoW:DC seems to be some of the best AI I've seen in RTS. It's not dumb nor particularly predictable except for very edge-case situations.

    And unlike many games where the AI kinda sits there and waits for you to come to them - the 6 AI factions actively fight each other, too! It's not a one-way progression, it's totally possible to beat 3 out of 6 enemies but lose the campaign because one of the remaining 3 has beaten the other 2, but became stronger than you are.

    The AI can and will attack your hard-earned territories. You might lose some of them during the course of the game. It will even force you to pull back and defend your HQ instead of pushing forward - in huge contrast to many RTS where the player's expansion is a one-directional path to domination.

    Overall, for the non-linear gameplay, dynamic in-map and global progression (where the AI can take initiative and come knocking on YOUR HQ's door when you're happily having victory after victory on the other side of the planet, or even within map), the uniquely non-symmetric but still very balanced factions, 7 of them - makes me give this game an overall 10/10 score - which I haven't given to many games at all.

    There's mods for DC to add more units from the lore. I've played those a bit but they aren't nearly as polished, nor balanced, as the vanilla game with the just right variety of units to be fun but not overwhelming.    … Expand
  60. ImperialCast
    Dec 19, 2015
    10
    This game absorbed me for almost 100 hours. I loved the new addition of the Risk style campaign map, though I found the Necrons basically swept across the map killing everyone and losing zero battles. But that is the only complaint I have. The Necrons are very over-powered, but it was pretty awesome to watch my guardsmen wipe their stupid base once and for all, and their strength reallyThis game absorbed me for almost 100 hours. I loved the new addition of the Risk style campaign map, though I found the Necrons basically swept across the map killing everyone and losing zero battles. But that is the only complaint I have. The Necrons are very over-powered, but it was pretty awesome to watch my guardsmen wipe their stupid base once and for all, and their strength really felt true to the lore and canon of Warhammer 40,000. The skirmish mode is great, I found that the AI is pretty challenging and always kept me on the defensive on hard. I did not get a chance to play multiplayer. The Army Painter is also great, making a return from DoW and Winter Assault. Making endless different Imperial Guard regiments was very fun.
    Overall, this game deserves a ten. It has balancing issues, yes, but if you're looking for an authentic Warhammer 40k experience, with space marines mowing down orks and guardsmen desperately holding their base, this is where to go.    … Expand
  61. Mistforged
    Apr 8, 2016
    10
    Such a fun game. Never been a fan of thes etypes of games (i normally play MMO's and FPS games) but being a slight warhammer fan and finding almost no faults with this game i ahve to give it 10/10.
    My only critisicm would be that i was sad to find no expansion to this game, outside of its none official Titanium wars add on which i thoroughly reccomend.
  62. destinyfan1
    May 1, 2017
    9
    Best dlc for a down of war game ever it brought a new awesome faction great extra missions and improved the game even more if you don't like this dlc there's something wrong with you
  63. Imnuktam
    May 9, 2017
    10
    This and soulstorm are still to this day the best Warhammer games that have been made. The main difference between the 2 are that in the DC campaign mode all your buildings stay built when you defend.

    Grab a good mod like Titanium and this game will destroy DOW II and DOW III. With titanium you have just about every unit that is in the codex. I think IG has about 25+ different tanks,    This and soulstorm are still to this day the best Warhammer games that have been made. The main difference between the 2 are that in the DC campaign mode all your buildings stay built when you defend.

    Grab a good mod like Titanium and this game will destroy DOW II and DOW III. With titanium you have just about every unit that is in the codex. I think IG has about 25+ different tanks, and that is just their tanks. Each faction has more units available than all 3 of the pathetic factions combined from DOW III. Save your money and don't buy DOW III, just download the mods for this and enjoy.    … Expand
  64. Kotofon
    Jun 6, 2020
    6
    Глубоко под центральной пустыней Кронуса, в обширных сотах туннелей и погребальных камер пробуждается раса Некронов. Много эонов тому назад это были бульвары и площади великого некрополя. Он был построен для погребения останков рас, павших под натиском Некронов. Наконец, и сами Некроны ушли навечно в этот город. За прошедшие миллионы лет песок и камень погребли их, но неудачные раскопкиГлубоко под центральной пустыней Кронуса, в обширных сотах туннелей и погребальных камер пробуждается раса Некронов. Много эонов тому назад это были бульвары и площади великого некрополя. Он был построен для погребения останков рас, павших под натиском Некронов. Наконец, и сами Некроны ушли навечно в этот город. За прошедшие миллионы лет песок и камень погребли их, но неудачные раскопки вновь пробудили бессмертных. Играйте за любую из семи рас, стремящихся к власти над Кронусом. Захватывайте крепости других рас в жарких боях на разнообразных картах, индивидуальных для каждой крепости.… Expand
  65. MillersWeeb
    Nov 17, 2018
    6
    Неплохая кампания, если играть за некронов и имперскую гвардию. Очень весело когда-то было.
  66. COTOR
    Jul 24, 2019
    10
    The most epic game ever made and BEST game in Warhammer 40000 series
    Must play!
  67. Kolert
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    Даже сегодня - в игру можно играть и наслаждаться. Просто великолепный, проработанный лор. За Императора!
  68. nw2010
    Jul 3, 2020
    7
    I enjoyed this game as much as the previous 2. Although at first I missed the lack of story, I then got to play the game with just the races I wanted to - Orcs and Necrons. Both play enjoyably differently and it's unusual for me to enjoy a game enough to effectively play through it twice.

    There is a little bit of grind going on, but it's enjoyable all the same.
  69. KilledShinigami
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    My favourite expansion for the original Dawn of War. It adds several new races and mechanics and has a brand new campaign based on the conquering of the planets part by part. The last thing as actually a downgrade compared to the original and Winter Assault expansion as it's not a well-written story but just a series of levels poorly connected to each other. What it lacks in storytellingMy favourite expansion for the original Dawn of War. It adds several new races and mechanics and has a brand new campaign based on the conquering of the planets part by part. The last thing as actually a downgrade compared to the original and Winter Assault expansion as it's not a well-written story but just a series of levels poorly connected to each other. What it lacks in storytelling is totally compensated by the great gameplay with diverse factions and applicable tactics.… Expand
  70. ZetMoriz_
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    Скажу кратко. Dark Crusade такой же шедевр как и Warcraft 3, меня никто в жизни не переубедит, что это не так.
  71. Renat20
    May 6, 2023
    9
    This was my first Warhammer game. I like it. The animations are very good and detailed even tho it is a strategy game. You zoom in and see how good they are. Soundtrack adds to the atmosphere of the game. The campaign has some interesting mechanics.
  72. otherxy
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    i still love the game to death! over 1000 hours played wish there was more game like this
  73. Kytaanax
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Spent countless hours playing this game with my brother. Best game, and still is, very much playable even today.
  74. denisc205
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    Всё потому что это Warhammer Warhammer WarhammerДа здравствует Великий пират
  75. nastyjes
    Jan 23, 2023
    8
    XXL version of the original game .
  76. LT_Gruber
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another excellent expansion of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War.

    The Dawn of War series kept amazing me back in the day, and Warhammer 40, 000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade did not disappoint. Yet again, it got a completely new way of playing with some fresh ideas, new races and, in this case, more freedom to play and a break from the linear path from the previous installments. This one is also standalone and does not require the original Warhammer 40, 000: Dawn of War game.

    In Dark Crusade, your objective is simple: Conquer the planet Kronus and take full control of its resources. You are not the only one that wants this and all available factions in the game have set up a base of operations from where they will expand their influence over the planet. You need to conquer all the territories and strongholds of the enemy and claim your place as ruler of Kronus.

    Although the core game play on the battlefield is the same as the other games, now you can choose which territory you want to attack in every order you like. You can make one attack/conquest per turn and sometimes need to defend your claimed territories against a counterattack from the enemy.

    You can fight every scenario yourself or use auto resolve to calculate the outcome of the battle. This could come in handy when defending against a desperate little territory that you just do not have the time for.

    Each faction has a unique ending when conquering all of Kronus. Every other faction, which is off course kicked off the planet, all have a different reaction and cut scene.

    Warhammer 40, 000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade includes the Imperial Guard from Winter Assault and adds two more playable races. Those are the Necrons, which the Eldar failed to stop in Dawn of War: Winter Assault, and my personal favorite: The Tau Empire.

    The new approach of “just conquering a planet” and doing this in every order you like, is yet again, a fresh new idea. It gives you a break from the linear story missions from the previous games and laid the foundation to the last expansion of Dawn of War, and the absolute best one, in my opinion: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm.

    In terms of graphics and sound, nothing changed from the earlier games. This is fine however, the focus was mainly on the new factions, units and way of playing. I do like the detail in the world map tough.

    The action, tension and adrenaline rush I got from the previous games is back in full in this game and, it is even more present with the added objective of conquering, defending and managing your territories.

    Warhammer 40, 000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade is an excellent game and although I like Soul Storm more, purely because it has two more factions, it will always be one of my favorite Dawn of War games, along with Winter Assault.

    Definitely recommend this gem.    … Expand
  77. Naked_Snakee
    Apr 7, 2023
    7
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PC Game of 2006
22
#22 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
29
#29 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. IGN
    87
    The campaign mode is absolutely interesting and fits wonderfully within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It's a great beginning to something that we're sure will be bigger and better in the future and provides a ton of gameplay hours and exciting moments.
    Read full review
  2. GamesRadar+
    90
    An enormous amount of top-drawer content for $29.99, and newcomers may rightly mistake it for a full blown sequel. Highly recommended.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    90
    By adding more stuff for you to admire and kill, and more places and ways to do it, Dark Crusade gives the already lively Warhammer RTS universe even more life, personality, blood, and meat. It's a gory, giddy delight, with more depth and gameplay than ever.
    Read full review
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