Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV was announced at Gamescom in August 2025, marking the fourth installment in the long-running RTSRTS. Real-Time Strategy — a strategy game where everyone plays at the same time, continuously, instead of taking turns. series. Developed by German studio King Art Games—best known for Iron Harvest—and published by Deep Silver, the game is slated for release on Windows PC via Steam on December 3, 2026. It was originally targeted for September 17, 2026, but was delayed. Players who purchase the Commander Edition gain early access on November 30.

Factions & Campaign

Set on Kronus 200 years after the original game and its expansion, Dark Crusade, Dawn of War IV launches with four playable factions: Space Marines, Adeptus Mechanicus, Necrons, and Orks. Each factionfaction. An in-game group or nation players can align with or fight against, with its own goals and reputation system. features distinct abilities and a unique campaign. The narrative continues the story of Cyrus and Jonah as they return to Kronus to rebuild their chapter. Writer John French was hired to craft a largely self-contained story with minimal impact on the wider Warhammer 40,000 universe. The time jump allows the team to use the updated version of the setting.

Campaign missions include critical decision points that alter the course of the story, meaning certain missions only appear based on choices made in subsequent playthroughs. The campaign supports cooperative play with another player.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Played from a top-down perspective, Dawn of War IV emphasizes large-scale battles inspired by the original game. Players construct and reinforce bases, capture requisition points, and allocate resources for research, recruitment, and unit deployment. A cover system reduces incoming damage for units positioned behind cover. The expanded Sync Kill system—evolved into what the developer calls a “combat director”—synchronizes melee animations between opposing units. Players can also deploy stratagems, powerful abilities such as the Space Marines’ orbital bombardment. Additional modes include Skirmish and the returning Last Stand mode from Dawn of War II, redesigned to be less hero-centric and less MOBA-like. Competitive multiplayer offers 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 formats. A “Painter” tool allows extensive unit customization.

Post-Launch Plans

King Art Games intends to support the title with downloadable content packs during its first year, including a fifth playable faction and a campaign extension.