The Emperor protects, and so does Dawn of War. At Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, Deep Silver and KING Art Games officially revealed Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, the long-awaited new entry in the iconic RTS series. The game will launch on PC in 2026, marking the franchise’s return after more than a decade.
The Return to Kronus
The cinematic trailer places players in the boots of Cyrus, captain of the Blood Ravens 10th Company, who narrates his life of war and sacrifice. As his words echo, players witness the clash of Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and Adeptus Mechanicus, along with familiar faces like Jonah and Gorgutz.
The story unfolds on the planet Kronus, around 200 years after the events of Dawn of War: Dark Crusade, where the brutal realities of the 41st millennium once again come to life through massive battles and grimdark storytelling.
Classic RTS, Modern Innovation
Dawn of War IV promises to return to its roots while pushing the series forward. Classic base-building, resource gathering, and large-scale strategy return, but modern mechanics like the Combat Director aim to elevate melee clashes to cinematic new heights.
Key features include:
- Four fully playable factions: Space Marines (Blood Ravens), Orks, Necrons, and the Adeptus Mechanicus.
- Four campaigns, one for each faction, offering over 70 missions with unique perspectives on the war.
- Multiple modes: expansive solo campaigns, Skirmish, co-op, competitive multiplayer, and the fan-favorite Last Stand.
- Epic scale at launch: 10+ Commanders, 110+ units and buildings, robust customization, a Painter tool, and an in-game editor for player-created content.
- Legendary storytelling: co-written by Black Library author John French, with each faction featuring cinematic CGI intros leading into non-linear campaigns.
The Biggest Dawn of War Yet
With more factions at launch than ever, extensive customization options, and campaigns designed for replayability, Dawn of War IV is positioning itself as the largest and most ambitious entry in the franchise’s history.
Fans can expect large-scale battles with both ranged devastation and brutal melee clashes, all set against the war-torn backdrop of Kronus. Whether commanding armies in multiplayer, diving into campaigns, or creating custom content, players will find plenty of grimdark strategy to sink their teeth into.
Release Details
- Title: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV
- Platforms: PC
- Release Window: 2026
- Developer: KING Art Games
- Publisher: Deep Silver