A new release date trailer for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV has confirmed that the next entry in the long-running real-time strategy series will launch on PC on September 17. The new instalment is bringing the franchise back with four playable factions, dedicated campaigns, classic-style base building and a range of single-player, co-op and multiplayer modes.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV will allow players to take command of the Space Marines, Orks, Necrons and the Adeptus Mechanicus. Each faction is being presented as more than a visual reskin, with its own Commanders, units, buildings and gameplay mechanics designed to change the pace and feel of battle. The inclusion of the Adeptus Mechanicus is particularly notable, as the faction is making its Dawn of War debut in this entry.

The return of multiple fully playable factions suggests Dawn of War IV is aiming to recapture the scale and variety that made the earlier games stand out within the real-time strategy genre. The Space Marines bring the iconic disciplined force of the Imperium, the Orks offer their usual chaotic brutality, the Necrons add ancient mechanical menace, and the Adeptus Mechanicus introduce the machine-worshipping forces of Mars to the series’ playable line-up.

Storytelling is also being pushed heavily for this new entry. The game’s campaign has been co-written by Black Library author John French and is described as the biggest Dawn of War saga to date. Official materials also point to more than 70 campaign missions, giving the sequel a sizeable narrative structure across its four factions.

Rather than offering a single shared path, each faction will receive its own dedicated campaign, giving players a reason to experience the war from multiple perspectives. Those campaigns will be playable solo or in co-op, expanding the ways players can approach the narrative content. The story is also being supported by CGI intros and fully animated cutscenes, suggesting a more cinematic presentation across the campaign structure.

Gameplay-wise, Dawn of War IV is being positioned as a return to the series’ roots. The developers are placing emphasis on classic Dawn of War gameplay, including building a base of operations, growing forces and specialising squads during battle. That is likely to be welcome news for players who preferred the more traditional real-time strategy structure associated with earlier entries.

The combat system has also been designed to make Warhammer 40,000’s violent tabletop identity feel more dynamic on screen. One of the confirmed features is an expanded Sync Kill system, which aims to deliver a greater degree of detail during melee combat. These close-quarters executions have long been part of the series’ identity, and their return in expanded form should add extra impact to battlefield clashes.

Squad specialisation is another important part of the experience. Players will be able to develop and shape their forces as battles unfold, adding another layer of tactical decision-making beyond simply producing units and sending them forward. Combined with faction-specific mechanics, this should give each army its own rhythm and encourage different approaches depending on which side players choose.

Outside the campaign, Dawn of War IV will include several additional modes intended to support long-term play. Last Stand is returning, giving fans of the survival-focused mode another chance to face waves of enemies in a more concentrated combat format. Its return is likely to be one of the more eye-catching announcements for longtime players, especially given how strongly the mode was associated with earlier Dawn of War releases.

Skirmish mode is also included, allowing players to fight highly configurable battles against AI opponents. That should provide a useful option for those who want to experiment with factions, test strategies or enjoy standalone battles without committing to online multiplayer. For competitive players, Dawn of War IV will support 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 multiplayer, giving the game a clear route into head-to-head and team-based warfare.

Customisation will also feature through the Painter tool, allowing players to stamp their own personality on their armies. The game will also include the option to use existing factions from the wider Warhammer 40,000 universe, giving players additional flexibility when presenting their forces on the battlefield. For many Warhammer fans, that visual identity is a major part of the appeal, particularly when building armies that feel personal.

The overall package suggests Dawn of War IV is being designed to appeal to both returning fans and players looking for a new large-scale Warhammer 40,000 strategy game. Between the four factions, more than 70 campaign missions, dedicated faction campaigns, base building, squad upgrades, expanded melee detail and multiple multiplayer options, the game appears focused on bringing back the scale and tactical weight associated with the series’ strongest moments.

With its September 17 PC release date now confirmed, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is preparing to re-enter the battlefield with a major new chapter in the RTS franchise. Whether players choose disciplined Space Marines, savage Orks, relentless Necrons or the newly arriving Adeptus Mechanicus, the war for the 41st millennium is set to continue in brutal fashion.