Anticipated RTS sequel set for some time in 2009.

Just as gamers are sinking their teeth into Soulstorm, the final expansion in Relic's superb Warhammer 40,000 RTS series Dawn of War, the first details of a sequel proper have exploded onto the Internet.

PCGameplay, a Belgian mag, has the scoop, spotted by eagle-eyed NeoGaf posters. Apparently the game uses the Essence 2.0 engine with Havok physics all optimised for DX10 support. Looks like Relic is incorporating some gameplay mechanics from its other brilliant RTS Company of Heroes, with improved AI.

According to the report, which has since been removed from PCGameplay's website, so far only the Orkz and Space Marines have been revealed, but you can bet your bottom dollar more races will make it into the final game. And, even better, there will be a Space Marine Orkz co-op campaign.

Dawn of War 2 has reportedly been in development since September 2006, and is set for release sometime in 2009.