I absolutely love that Warhammer, specifically the 40K variant, is getting so much attention and affection thrown its way. I have been a huge fan of 40K since I was a child, and have constantly longed for epic video games to do justice to its brilliantly realized and endlessly complex world. Of course, few games have, until recently, with the likes of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 not only being one of the best games of 2024, but also a truly incredible representation of the source material.
However, there is one game, one I truly believe to be the very best Warhammer game, that has been long overdue for a sequel. It has languished for far too long, falling deeper and deeper into obscurity, to the point that I feared it would be forgotten altogether. Fortunately, a surprise announcement at Gamescom revealed that not only would it be getting a sequel, but the next entry may just save the series from the brink.
It Took Everyone By Surprise
There were so many incredible Gamescom 2025 announcements, many of which will have undoubtedly stolen your hearts and sent you rampant with hype and anticipation. However, one announcement flew somewhat under the radar, despite being a hugely significant reveal, one that both promises to curry favor with fans and offer an experience we’ve not had since 2008. Of course, I’m referring to the extremely exciting Dawn of War 4.
For those not in the know, Dawn of War is one of the greatest strategy games ever made, a title so good that no successor has managed to beat it. Indeed, even its sequels, both of which deviated greatly from its original winning formula, are weaker experiences, especially the third game, which many believe killed the series altogether. Dawn of War is a phenomenal game, one I spent the majority of my childhood playing, and the fact that it is getting a sequel is beyond exhilarating.
However, more importantly, Dawn of War always served as the easiest way to get into 40K, serving as both my introduction and, I’m certain, many others too. Whether you’re intrigued by its grimdark universe or have recently gotten into it via the wonderful Space Marine 2, Dawn of War 4 may prove to be a fun way to immerse yourself further in the rich lore and factions of 40K. That is, of course, if it manages to successfully save the franchise.
Dawn Of War 4 Needs To Save The Franchise
It Has Been Floundering Since The Original
There are few series that get progressively worse as they go on. Typically, the trajectory of a series, especially after a very successful and critically acclaimed first entry, is to gradually improve upon the foundation laid out in the original experience. Unfortunately, Relic Entertainment failed to understand this and instead took the Dawn of War series in a completely different direction.
While Dawn of War 2 and its expansions are still enjoyable, they deviated from the base building and army management of the original game and focused more on smaller skirmishes, character-driven battles, and hero units. The third game, which is often forgotten entirely by the fandom, attempted to turn the series into a MOBA for no discernably good reasons, and flopped as a result.
Dawn of War 4, however, is not being developed by Relic Entertainment. Rather, it is being made by the talented folks at KING Art, who were responsible for the surprisingly deep and beautiful Iron Harvest, another RTS set in a lore-rich sci-fi world. As a result, I’m somewhat inclined to believe that Dawn of War 4 could finally save the series, especially as it seeks to incorporate much of what made the original game so excellent.
The base building and army management of DoW have returned, as to have power and requisition points. Unit sizes are bigger, and players can replenish them on the field, much like in the first game. Indeed, a lot of the core mechanics that made up Dawn of War are returning, in addition to numerous improvements, such as a ridiculously intricate system that allows every unit to actually interact with one another, rather than throwing punches at nothing.
Dawn Of War 4 Looks Like It’s Missing Key Features
Major Factions Aren’t Present
Of course, Dawn of War 4 isn’t perfect, at least as far as we currently know. Only four factions have been announced for the base game – in its defense, this was the case with the original game back in 2004 – although more are likely to be added as DLC. The UI looks a little busy, and the art style more closely resembles Dawn of War 3’s gritty aesthetic, rather than the more colorful visuals of the first game.
The latter two frankly come down to personal preference – the darker visuals may even make it the perfect game for Space Marine 2 fans – but the lack of factions at launch will hurt, especially those who’ve been enjoying the original game’s numerous DLC for years. However, each faction has a completely bespoke campaign with branching paths and fully animated cutscenes, which would have been hard to implement were KING Art to have done eight or more in total.
Honestly, Dawn of War 4 looks as if it is doing everything right and will be a much-needed return to form. That’s what makes me so excited, but should also inspire you, especially if you’re a newcomer to the series and the Warhammer brand as a whole, to check it out. Dawn of War 4 is scheduled to release in 2026, which seems too far away, but fortunately, in the meantime, the original game just got a remaster, and it is the perfect way to start your Warhammer journey, or just play one of the best games ever made.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV
- Developer(s)
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KING Art
- Publisher(s)
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Deep Silver
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Prequel(s)
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Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3
- Number of Players
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1-6 players (online)
