Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution

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In "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution," players can command any of six unique factions in a standalone expansion of the popular real-time strategy franchise. A single player campaign, now available for all races, allows players to build a massive army or lead a small squad of elite heroes into battle. With six playable races in multiplayer mode, each with their own super heavy units, players can experience fast-paced, brutal combat in the 41st millennium.

Genres & Tags

Strategy

Play Modes

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution screenshot

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,828 reviews

story234 positive mentions

stability45 negative mentions

story
881 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
67%
6%
The story in "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution" continues the narrative from previous titles, focusing on the Blood Ravens and their quest against chaos. While the game allows players to experience the campaign through six different factions, the missions are largely identical across all races, leading to a repetitive gameplay experience despite some unique dialogue and character interactions. Overall, the story is engaging but lacks the depth and variety found in earlier installments, making it feel somewhat shallow and linear.
- “The story of Retribution is typical Warhammer 40k—bleak, chaotic, and filled with over-the-top monologues about duty, vengeance, and the end of the galaxy.”
- “The player assumes the role of Captain Apollo Diomedes of the Blood Ravens Honor Guard in his quest to uncover the truth about his brothers and the chapter master he serves.”
- “The campaign offers different factions to choose from, but they all have the same main quest line and in the end all roads lead to the same door, with you the player confronting Kyras and ending his reign of chaos once and for all.”
- “But don't expect a lot of difference in the main plot of the story though because the game will just relatively switch your enemies for most encounters without giving you a unique experience and story-rich gameplay.”
- “The campaign is quite short, and the amount of missions is really low as missions now take twice as long to complete which is a significant downgrade.”
- “The primary problem I have with this game is that all the campaigns, regardless of race, will have the same missions till the very end; the only differences are the cutscenes and the overall goal at the end.”
gameplay
478 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
62%
5%
The gameplay of "Dawn of War II: Retribution" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its tactical squad-based mechanics and the absence of base building, which shifts the focus to capturing points and strategic combat. While some players appreciate the refined gameplay and variety of factions, others criticize the repetitive nature of missions and the lack of depth in the story. Overall, the game is seen as a solid continuation of the series, offering engaging multiplayer options and a unique blend of RTS and RPG elements, though it may not satisfy fans of the original Dawn of War's mechanics.
- “Overall, I give it a 10/10 for gameplay and AI intelligence that actually defends the bases when they are getting attacked by hostiles.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with a variety of units and abilities that add depth and strategy to the game.”
- “Each faction is unique, with unique mechanics, unique units, unique strengths and weaknesses.”
- “Story is totally incoherent with the previous game, gameplay mechanics are broken during some boss battles.”
- “Gameplay has taken a nosedive in some places and a climb in others.”
- “Without base building in the campaign, I feel it severely limits what all you can do and overall gameplay; while it shortens gameplay time, it takes away from it being a true RTS; it's more of a MOBA now.”
graphics
259 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
38%
3%
The graphics of the game have received generally positive feedback, with many players praising their quality and detail, especially considering the game's age. While some reviews note that the visuals can appear dated compared to modern standards, they still hold up well and effectively capture the Warhammer 40k aesthetic. Overall, the graphics are described as impressive, enhancing the gameplay experience despite some technical issues and performance concerns on older systems.
- “The graphics and sound design are top-notch and truly enhance the overall experience.”
- “The graphics are simply gorgeous and you may lose combat from staring at them in awe.”
- “Amazing graphics and a well-realised game world seal the deal on this title.”
- “The graphics look dated for today's standards and the game can't be windowed.”
- “The graphics are dated.”
- “One of the only problems I have with this game is the graphics.”
replayability
112 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
55%
7%
Replayability in the game is a mixed bag; while the inclusion of multiple factions and the "Last Stand" mode offers significant replay value, the single-player campaign suffers from repetitive missions that lack meaningful variation across different races. Many players find the campaign enjoyable but limited, as it often feels linear and scripted, reducing the incentive to replay. Overall, the multiplayer experience and modding community provide additional longevity, but the campaign's replayability is notably less impressive compared to earlier titles in the series.
- “I really love this game a lot! It's fun; I played a lot of RTS games, mostly Warcraft, and if you like hero-only missions like me, it's awesome. There are so many races to play, each with their own abilities and builds, and each race has unique dialogue for each mission. Another good mode is the multiplayer Last Stand; it's hours of fun with a lot of replayability.”
- “The last stand is a great mode with high replayability and a fun premise.”
- “Retribution is hands down the best entry for Dawn of War 2, not only because it provides access to the most races and units per race, but also includes the addictive survival mode. The campaign allows one to play from the perspective of each race, which adds great replayability and provides greater insight into the overall story.”
- “The replayability isn't that fantastic considering how the missions are nearly entirely the same, but the campaign is short so you can burn through a few perspectives if you want to see the differences.”
- “Sadly, these campaigns are both very linear and slightly modified copies of each other, meaning that Retribution does not have the same replayability in my opinion as Winter Assault or Dark Crusade.”
- “You're supposedly given the option of six different campaigns (each one following a different race) but upon playing them you soon realize that each campaign is literally identical to the others - same levels, same objectives, etc. It stinks of lazy development and kills nearly all replay value.”
music
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
47%
5%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its epic and atmospheric qualities that enhance the gameplay experience, while others find it repetitive and generic. Some users highlight standout tracks and commend the voice acting, but technical issues, such as sound bugs leading to crashes, detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the soundtrack is often described as a strong point, contributing significantly to the game's immersive environment.
- “The intro music, the start of each level… they are all as perfect as ever, the battle themes set high standards to how they amp one up as your space marines charge the heretics…”
- “Relic Entertainment have outdone themselves, delivering an amazing soundtrack that complements the entire game, voice overs that further enhance the overall gameplay.”
- “Music once more is epic and inspiring, fitting in perfectly to the setting like few game soundtracks do.”
- “The music is very boring, repetitive, and I only ended up liking 1 piece of score really (and it plays on the night mission to Typhon against Eldar).”
- “The stupid space hulk mission, I literally cannot get through it as halfway through it the music starts to loop and then the game crashes.”
- “The music is the definition of generic.”
stability
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
94%
The game is plagued by significant stability issues, including frequent crashes, freezes, and unresponsive mechanics, leading to a frustrating experience for many players. While some enjoy the gameplay, the persistent bugs and glitches detract from the overall enjoyment, with reports of hard restarts and unplayable conditions on certain systems. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern, making it difficult for players to fully engage with the content.
- “I can confirm Dawn of War II: Retribution still runs great on modern hardware.”
- “Decent game, not bug free; however, it's an excellent game as it is.”
- “Constant freezes and crashes ruin this game.”
- “In my case I couldn't even finish it once because of constant crashes and freezes (gave up after the 20th crash during final mission).”
- “I absolutely don't recommend it, if you end in the same situation as I did, you're pretty much buying an unfinishable buggy mess.”
humor
45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is widely praised, particularly for its portrayal of the Orks, whose antics and dialogue provide consistent comedic relief throughout the campaigns. Players enjoy the witty voice acting and humorous interactions, especially in the Ork and Imperial Guard campaigns, which are noted for their clever writing and entertaining scenarios. However, some critiques mention a lack of depth in the overall narrative, suggesting that while the humor is a highlight, it may not compensate for other shortcomings in the game's design.
- “Not only is it a good strategy/tactics game and a good 40k title, but the humor in the campaign is so brilliant that I'm laughing and crying at the same time; an inquisitor being willing to let the orks sack an entire imperial world for her plan, but she refuses to sacrifice her hat!”
- “Literally worth it just for Diomedes' hilarious lines and Commissar Lord Bernn punching Kyras in the face.”
- “For example, if you play orks, and then order an attack on an Eldar, they might say something like 'Eldar are da squishiest..' capturing the humor and immersion of the Warhammer universe.”
- “Terrible, terrible game; lazy dialogues, lazy missions, lack of seriousness, and not funny at all.”
grinding
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
Reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a mixed experience, often described as tedious and repetitive, particularly in campaign missions and the Last Stand mode. While some players find enjoyment in the grind for achievements and customization, many express frustration with the lack of engaging content and the overall monotony of repeated tasks. Overall, grinding is seen as a significant aspect of the game, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its repetitive nature.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The missions themselves are quite tedious footslogs, though.”
- “Last stand is very fun but too grindy for my taste.”
optimization
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
47%
18%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with high performance metrics such as an average of 170 fps on max settings and a well-optimized Mac version. However, players have reported some issues, including resolution problems, crashes, and micro stuttering, particularly in late-game scenarios. While the graphics are well-executed and the gameplay performance is solid, there are still minor bugs and load time concerns that detract from the overall experience.
- “The performance is noteworthy, and I give this game a big plus for having a benchmark mode.”
- “The game itself plays well, optimized as well as it can be on newer machines, and it has that feel that only good old RTS games do.”
- “The graphics of this game are great and have a very good performance; if rating a game was to rate graphics, it would get a 10/10.”
- “While playing with friends, we have come across the following: resolution issues above 1920x1080, video memory errors, game crashing, connection issues, buggy AI, micro stuttering, etc.”
- “Load times are awful and it crashes after every battle; however, the performance in gameplay and the gameplay itself makes up for it.”
- “It can still have small performance issues around late game due to all the craters and terrain damage.”
atmosphere
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
20%
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and gripping qualities, effectively capturing the dark, gritty essence of the Warhammer 40k universe. Players appreciate the combination of stunning visuals, compelling sound design, and engaging story campaigns that enhance the overall experience. The visceral combat and unique faction dynamics further contribute to a rich and enjoyable atmosphere that resonates with fans of the franchise.
- “The voice acting and atmosphere of the game really capture the essence of the Warhammer 40k franchise and do justice to the respective factions.”
- “The gameplay is fantastic; I love the brutal 40k atmosphere, which brilliantly captures the bloodthirsty madness of war. It sucked me right in from the first moment I ever laid eyes upon Dawn of War.”
- “Mostly mystery, dark motives, grim atmosphere by Jeremy Soule.”
- “The atmosphere, sounds, and scenarios are truly gripping, which is the reason why I have played this game for so long.”
- “The voice acting and atmosphere of the game really hammers in the feeling of the Warhammer 40k franchise and does the respective factions in the game a lot of justice.”
character development
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the improved squad and hero abilities, as well as the engaging dialogue in the chaos campaign. However, many players feel that the reduced campaign length limits the depth of character development compared to previous installments, resulting in a less compelling narrative experience. Overall, while character design and voice acting are highlighted as strong points, the overall depth of character development appears to be lacking.
- “Brilliant character design with excellent voice acting; new areas are similarly varied and thoughtfully creative.”
- “The chaos campaign has delicious dialogue and character development.”
- “The plot also suffers from the changes, as with a reduced length there isn't time for nearly as much character development.”
- “Dawn of War 3 is back with the 3rd installment, playing as the Imperial Guard, Eldar, Tyranids, Orks, Chaos, and Space Marines through a short and rather bland and uninspiring campaign that lacks the depth and character development of Dawn of War 2 and Chaos Rising.”
- “Less emphasis on structure building but a stronger focus on unit abilities and character development.”
monetization
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
Reviews indicate a strong dissatisfaction with the monetization strategy, highlighting concerns over misleading advertisements and the prevalence of microtransactions that detract from the sense of achievement in the game. Players feel that the introduction of cash grab DLCs undermines the experience, making it feel less rewarding compared to previous titles.
- “Makes me wish relic could go back to the good old days instead of pumping out another half-assed game with microtransactions.”
- “I hate cash grab DLCs stealing the feeling of legitimate accomplishments given by worthwhile unlockables.”
- “Their advertisement for the items was very misleading.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users feel that while the emotional aspects of the game are impactful, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement to enhance the overall experience.

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Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution
€7.49
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150h Median play time

262h Average play time

50-400h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 17 analyzed playthroughs

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This game contains adult content

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