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. [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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. PatE.
    Oct 15, 2006
    10
    The best RTS game hands down! Go out and get your copy too!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Arno
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    I just love this game, the addition of the Necron is just plain good.
  8. OreoJ.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    If you don't like this game, go play Desperate Houswives.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!
  11. 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?
  12. JohnV
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    Fantastic game. If you like Real Time Strategy games, I have no doubt that you will love this game.
  13. JonB.
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    One of the Best RTS since Starcraft, a must have title.
  14. 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!
  15. 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!
  16. 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!
  17. 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!
  18. 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
  19. MasonH.
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    I think this expansion pack gave much needed upgrades to each race and gave it more life.
  20. 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
  21. 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!
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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!
  28. 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 ...
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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.
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  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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