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If you want an RTS that feels like Dawn of War, start with Company of Heroes 3—especially if squad tactics and battlefield control matter more to you than the Warhammer 40,000 setting. Relic’s own history connects the series’ design lineage: it describes the original Dawn of War as bringing resource-management and squad-interface innovations, and says Dawn of War II incorporated gameplay features introduced in Company of Heroes. For 40K itself, the best fit depends on whether you want large armies and base building, or smaller squads and character progression.
Choose by the part of Dawn of War you want to keep
| What you want | Best fit | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Squad tactics and battlefield control | Company of Heroes 3 | It shifts from 40K to a World War II setting. |
| Mechanized battles and a distinctive world | Iron Harvest | It trades 40K for an alternate-history 1920s setting with dieselpunk mechs. |
| Small forces and character progression in 40K | Dawn of War II | It emphasizes fast-action play and RPG progression rather than the large-army, base-building focus associated with the first game. |
| More Dawn of War, including mass battles and base building | Dawn of War IV | It is scheduled for release in December 2026, so it is not available as of October 3, 2026. |
Relic’s official studio history is the clearest support for the Company of Heroes connection. The other recommendations suit different preferences rather than reproducing every part of Dawn of War.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Warhammer 40,000 The Ultimate Guide | $25.68 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia: Includes Lieutenant Titus Miniature | $19.38 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Steve Jackson Games Munchkin Warhammer 40,000 | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Warhammer 40,000: Core Rules 11th Edition | $24.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Art of Warhammer Video Games | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Company of Heroes 3: the closest supported mechanical match
Pick Company of Heroes 3 if the appeal of Dawn of War is commanding squads, positioning them, and managing a changing battlefield. The connection is more than a surface resemblance: Relic says Dawn of War II incorporated gameplay features introduced in Company of Heroes. That establishes a developer-described lineage, not an exact match in economy, factions, or lore.
The Steam listing identifies it as an RTS and lists single-player, online PvP, and online co-op. It also offers an optional full tactical pause in single-player, giving you time to assess the battle and issue orders. The game is set in a historical war context, not the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
#1 Best Overall
- The first book of its kind, this Ultimate Guide goes into unparalleled detail on the miniatures and lore of Warhammer 40,000 and is sure to delight long-time fans and newcomers alike.
- Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of beautifully shot photographs of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures that showcase fine details and intricate designs across each faction, from the mighty Space Marines to the ravenous Tyranids, foul Chaos Daemons, deathless Necrons – and more.
- Written by Guy Haley and Gav Thorpe – these prolific Black Library authors who are household names of Warhammer fandom walk you through this world with richly detailed descriptions and insights into the lore.
- Packed with insight into the game’s defining miniatures, Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide goes deep into the Warhammer 40,000 universe like never before.
Iron Harvest: mechs in an alternate-history war
Consider Iron Harvest if you want tactical battles and imposing machines but are willing to leave 40K behind. It is set in an alternate 1920s and mixes soldiers and tanks with dieselpunk mechs. PC Gamer described it as a Company of Heroes-like RTS; that is the publication’s comparison, not a confirmed design lineage from the developer.
Dawn of War II: stay in 40K, shift to smaller-scale play
If you have not played the whole series, Dawn of War II may be the safest choice for keeping the setting while changing the scale and emphasis. Relic describes it as fast-action RTS play with RPG progression and enhanced character customization. Its three-player Last Stand mode offers a separate survival-style option.
Choose it for squads, progression, and character-focused play—not if what you most want is the first Dawn of War’s large armies and base building. Relic’s history describes Dawn of War II as incorporating features introduced in Company of Heroes, which helps explain why it occupies a different place in the series.
Dawn of War IV: the direct continuation, but not yet released
If your priority is another game in the 40K RTS series, Dawn of War IV is the direct continuation to watch. Deep Silver’s official product page schedules its Windows PC release on Steam for December 3, 2026; Commander Edition buyers are scheduled for early unlock on November 30. As of October 3, 2026, both dates are in the future.
Rank #3
- Enter the grim but silly Warhammer 40,000 universe with a standalone Munchkin card game where 3-6 players loot, level up, and laugh while battling monsters, grabbing gear, and racing to be the first to reach the top level.
- Choose from iconic factions like Ultramarines, Orks, Necrons, and more, each packed with tongue-in-cheek references that Warhammer fans will recognize while Munchkin fans enjoy new ways to break the rules and backstab friends.
- Build outrageous combos with armor, weapons, and abilities, then kick down doors to fight enemies including Mortarion and the Sloppity Bilepiper, turning every encounter into a chaotic mix of strategy, luck, and bad puns.
- Designed for 3-6 players ages 12 and up with a 1-2 hour playtime, this card game fits game night groups that enjoy tactical choices, take-that moments, and plenty of table talk as alliances shift from turn to turn.
- Features classic John Kovalic art, trademark Munchkin humor, and easy-to-learn rules, making this Warhammer crossover a playful way to introduce new gamers to Munchkin or add a fresh twist for long-time fans of the series.
The Warhammer Community announcement describes four factions—Adeptus Mechanicus, Blood Ravens Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons—and says the game will include campaigns, Skirmish, Last Stand, and multiplayer. It also announces more than 70 campaign missions playable solo or with a friend, and a return to mass battles and base building. These are announced features, not a basis for judging how the finished game plays.
Which Dawn of War style are you looking for?
For squad tactics
Start with Company of Heroes 3 if you are happy to exchange science fiction for a historical setting. Iron Harvest is another option if the combination of soldiers and large machines is the draw.
Rank #4
- The core rulebook for Warhammer 40,000
- Includes a breakdown of the rules you'll need to play games, from the basics to advanced rules
- Everything you need to get started with playing games in the grim darkness of the far future
- A softback, portable A5 book
For base building and big armies
Stay with the Dawn of War entries built around that style. Dawn of War IV is announced as returning to those roots, but it is still upcoming on the schedule above.
Recommended Free Tools
For character progression and a 40K campaign
Choose Dawn of War II for its RPG progression and character customization. Its Last Stand mode is the fit if you want a three-player survival mode rather than a conventional campaign match.
Best Value
For co-op
Company of Heroes 3 lists online co-op, while Dawn of War IV is announced with a solo-or-co-op campaign. In Dawn of War II, Last Stand supports three players.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you want 40K beyond a video game
A tabletop starter set or miniatures can extend interest in the same factions and setting, but they are a separate hobby rather than an RTS substitute. Games Workshop describes its Warhammer business as offering miniatures, kits, books, and hobby accessories in its company history.
Quick Recap
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