Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Dark Crusade is a premium utility from Relic Entertainment and SEGA, serving as the second major downloadable content (DLC) pack for the strategy game, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. As such, it adds two new playable races to the real-time strategy favorite. Play as the Tau or the Necron as you dominate the battlefield.

With a new campaign and a host of new content for players to enjoy, Dawn of War: Dark Crusade introduces players to the ever-growing 40K lore. Other expansion packs include Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: SoulStorm

Explore the rise of the Necron

In Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Dark Crusade, players are sent to the deserts of Kronus, where a vast underground network of tunnels and lairs has hosted massive cities dedicated to those who have fallen before the Necron. Aside from the Space Marines, Orks, the Eldar, Chaos Space Marines, and the Imperial Guard, you now have the Tau and the Necron to command.

These set the stage for a new single-player campaign. It offers a new host of missions, which can be played in a non-linear fashion as the player sees fit. For games against AI or other human players, there are 12 new multiplayer maps, with some capable of hosting up to 8 players at a time. Lastly, new customization options make your Hero stand out even more.

The biggest consideration before purchasing this game, however, is realizing that it essentially changes the game’s meta. New campaign aside, the two new races and their techs and gameplay potentials come with new learning curves. Also, some features have been disabled, with their issues carrying over to the expansion packs. Chief among these player grievances include the removal of LAN gaming options.

A definite must-have

In conclusion, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Dark Crusade presents an exciting expansion with the introduction of the Necron and Tau races, offering diverse gameplay experiences. The single-player campaign offers flexibility in mission sequencing, complemented by new multiplayer maps and enhanced customization options. However, potential buyers should consider the shift in game meta and the removal of certain features like LAN gaming. Despite these drawbacks, the expansion enriches the gaming experience with its new races and content.