Chaos Rising is a stand-alone expansion, so newcomers will be able to play through the single-player campaign and online, although they will be limited to commanding the forces of Chaos without the main game. In addition to a new army, Chaos Rising adds seven new maps and Free-for-all mode to multiplayer. The original game limited players to two teams, but in the new mode, up to six opponents terrorize the battlefield in search of resources and victory points. Free-for-all is a mode of pure, unbridled chaos, and the perfect addition to the Dawn of War II multiplayer scene.

World Eaters, Alpha Legion, Thousand Sons, and Iron Warriors are a few of the names fans will recognize, although the choice only dictates paint schemes. There are three choices of heroes; the offensive Chaos Lord of Khorne, the defensive Plague Champion of Nurgle, and a Sorcerer of Tzeentch. The dedication to a god is only superficial and starting units other than the hero will not be affected. Unfortunately, Slaanesh didn’t make the cut. Who wants to hear the crushing bass of Noise Marines or see half-naked Daemonettes anyway?

Heroes and units can be loosely dedicated to gods through the purchase of upgrades in battle, although there is no bonus for following a single denomination. Powers such as Daemonic Visage and the Sorcerer’s ability to teleport away from danger are perfectly translated from the tabletop rules, and lightning claws make an overdue debut. The first tier of basic units includes Chaos Space Marines, Havocs, and Heretics. I mistakenly passed on the ultra-squishy Heretics only to later realize the true power of their latent abilities. They have explosive powers that can be instant game-changers when faced with a swarm of Tyranids. After leveling up your base, Heretics can further bolster your forces by building shrines that spawn Bloodletters of Khorne to protect objectives.

Dreadnoughts have always been my favorite units and that remains true in Chaos Rising. The lumbering beasts of destructive metal can be outfitted with missiles or lighting claws. Activating the latter upgrade sends your walking tank into a blind rage capable of ripping entire armies asunder, albeit with one major drawback. Without an enemy in sight, my Dreadnought tore through three squads of friendly marines and slaughtered his own Lord. By far, the fan-favorite at Relic’s preview was The Great Unclean One. He’s a vile behemoth whose boils and rolls of rotting fat jiggle with every waddling step before a gaping maw of lesions lets loose a surge of noxious vomit.

Without a doubt, Relic has nailed the revolting and unpredictable nature of Chaos. Fans of the other armies won’t go empty-handed though. To balance out the sickening power of Chaos, Orks get the psychically charged Weirdboyz, Eldar get heavy-duty Wraithguards, and Tyranids receive a double dose with Genestealers and Tyrant Guards. As if you didn’t already know it, Chaos Rising looks to be a must-have expansion for Dawn of War II when it drops next month.