# Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution

> video game

**Wikidata**: [Q1086249](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1086249)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warhammer_40,000:_Dawn_of_War_II_–_Retribution)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/warhammer-40-000-dawn-of-war-ii-retribution

## Summary
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution is a real-time strategy and tactical role-playing video game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. Released in 2011, it serves as a standalone expansion add-on within the Warhammer media franchise. The game features single-player, multiplayer, and cooperative modes set within fictional planetary environments.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Relic Entertainment (a Canadian developer based in Vancouver)
- **Publisher:** THQ (an American publisher based in Agoura Hills, California)
- **Release Date:** March 1, 2011 (Digital Steam release occurred February 28, 2011)
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux
- **Genres:** Real-time strategy (RTS), real-time tactics, and tactical role-playing game
- **Software Engine:** Essence Engine
- **Software Version:** 3.19.1
- **Review Score:** 83/100 (aggregated by Kritikanstvo)
- **Distribution:** Available via digital distribution (Steam) and physical DVD

## FAQs
### Q: Is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution a standalone game?
A: Yes, while it is classified as an expansion add-on of the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series, it functions as a standalone product. It was developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ in 2011.

### Q: What platforms support the game?
A: The game is compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Digital versions are distributed through the Steam platform.

### Q: Does the game support multiplayer or co-op play?
A: Yes, the game includes multiple game modes, including single-player, multiplayer, and a dedicated co-op mode.

### Q: What languages is the game available in?
A: The game supports several languages including English, French, German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, and Traditional Chinese. English is the only language featuring full voice acting, while others include localized user interfaces and subtitles.

## Why It Matters
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution is a significant entry in the tactical strategy genre, representing a fusion of real-time strategy and role-playing elements. Developed by the veteran Canadian studio Relic Entertainment, the title utilizes the proprietary Essence Engine to render its fictional planetary settings. Its release marked a key moment for the Warhammer franchise, offering a standalone experience that did not require previous installments to play. 

The game’s technical reach is notable for its cross-platform support, catering to Windows, macOS, and Linux users. Furthermore, its high critical standing—evidenced by a review score of 83/100—highlights its quality within the competitive RTS market of the early 2010s. By providing extensive localization for eight different languages and multiple gameplay modes (single-player, multiplayer, and co-op), it ensured broad accessibility for a global audience.

## Notable For
- **Genre Hybridization:** Successfully combines real-time tactics with tactical role-playing game mechanics.
- **Standalone Expansion Status:** Functions as an "expansion add-on" that does not require the base game to operate.
- **Broad OS Compatibility:** One of the few major RTS titles of its era to provide native support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- **Technical Foundation:** Built on the Essence Engine, supporting advanced tactical gameplay and diverse environments.

## Body

### Development and Publication
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution was developed by **Relic Entertainment**, a Canadian video game developer founded in 1997. The project was published by **THQ**, an American company that employed approximately 1,300 people at the time. The game is part of the larger **Warhammer** media franchise.

### Technical Specifications
The game runs on the **Essence Engine** and is currently at version **3.19.1**. It was designed for three primary operating systems:
- **Microsoft Windows:** (Inception 1985)
- **macOS:** (Inception 2001)
- **Linux:** (Inception 1991)

Distribution is handled primarily through **Steam** for digital copies, though physical **DVD** formats were also produced.

### Gameplay Modes and Setting
The title is categorized under several genres, including **real-time strategy**, **real-time tactics**, and **tactical role-playing game**. It offers three distinct modes of play:
- Single-player
- Multiplayer
- Co-op mode

The game's narrative and combat take place in a **fictional planet** environment.

### Localization and Global Reach
The game features extensive language support for a global player base. 
- **Full Support (UI, Voice, Subtitles):** English.
- **Partial Support (UI and Subtitles):** French, German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, and Traditional Chinese.

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  "name": "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution",
  "description": "A real-time strategy and tactical role-playing expansion add-on set in the Warhammer franchise.",
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  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1086249"],
  "gamePlatform": ["Microsoft Windows", "macOS", "Linux"],
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  "releaseDate": "2011-03-01",
  "softwareVersion": "3.19.1"
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## References

1. Steam
2. Kritikanstvo
3. Online Games-Datenbank
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. RAWG
6. GameSpot
7. Game Informer
8. VGChartz