Fans of real-time strategy games and the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K have reason to celebrate: Dawn of War 4 is officially in development. After years of speculation and silence following the divisive reception of Dawn of War 3, the fourth installment aims to bring the franchise back to its roots—massive armies, base-building strategy, and brutal large-scale warfare in the 41st millennium.
Announced during Gamescom 2025, the reveal trailer sent ripples through the strategy gaming community. While the teaser was cinematic in nature, it gave clear signals about the game’s direction: gritty visuals, enormous battlefield scale, and a familiar sense of chaos that longtime fans associate with the earlier entries in the series. Most notably, the trailer emphasized base-building, a beloved element that was scaled back significantly in the third installment—much to the disappointment of its player base.
Developers confirmed that Dawn of War 4 will feature a classic RTS format, including fully customizable armies, tech trees, resource control, and fog-of-war mechanics. Rather than focusing on MOBA-inspired hero mechanics like its predecessor, the new game promises large unit squads, defensive structures, and emphasis on map control—hallmarks of the RTS golden age.
A brand-new developer is leading the charge this time around, taking over from Relic Entertainment. While the studio’s name has yet to be publicly disclosed, insiders report that the team is composed of RTS veterans with experience on franchises such as Company of Heroes, Supreme Commander, and Age of Empires. The new leadership has made it clear: this is a clean slate reboot grounded in the series’ original strengths, not a direct sequel to the third game.
At launch, the game will feature four playable factions, with Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, and Tyranids all confirmed. Each faction will have its own campaign missions and strategic nuances, encouraging players to explore multiple styles of combat. Developers have also hinted at future expansions to include fan-favorite armies like the Imperial Guard, Necrons, and Chaos.
Multiplayer will return in full force, with support for up to 8-player online battles, ranked ladders, and custom map creation tools. A key feature being teased is dynamic battlefield deformation, where craters, destroyed buildings, and terrain shifts affect troop movement and line of sight—adding a layer of tactical depth rarely seen in previous entries.
Story-wise, the campaign will explore a galaxy torn apart by civil war, as long-dormant threats awaken and ancient empires clash in a struggle for dominance. The narrative is said to be non-linear, allowing players to make decisions that impact faction alliances, mission outcomes, and the ultimate fate of key characters.
With Dawn of War 4, the Warhammer 40K RTS franchise is being given a second life—one that acknowledges the past while aiming to evolve the genre for a new generation. While no release date has been set, fans can expect a gameplay showcase later this year. For now, the message is clear: the Emperor protects, and RTS is back.
