RTS Returns: Dawn of War IV Officially Announced

The opening night of Gamescom 2025 delivered one of the most surprising announcements in years: the reveal of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV. The new entry in the iconic real-time strategy franchise is being developed by King Art Games, best known for Iron Harvest, and is set to release on PC in 2026. For long-time fans, the announcement marks the revival of a series that many feared was finished after the underwhelming reception of Dawn of War III.

A fresh studio, a classic approach

Unlike previous titles developed by Relic Entertainment, Dawn of War IV is now in the hands of King Art Games, a studio with proven RTS pedigree. Early details point to a return to the series’ roots: base-building, resource management, and large-scale strategic battles. This pivot appears to be a direct response to fan criticism of Dawn of War III, which leaned heavily into MOBA-style mechanics and left many players disappointed.

The new game will feature four factions at launch:the Space Marines of the Blood Ravens, the brutal Orks, the relentless Necrons, and, for the first time, the Adeptus Mechanicus. Each faction will receive its own full-length campaign, with over 70 missions planned across the story mode.

Beyond the campaigns, Dawn of War IV will ship with a wide range of features. Players can expect over 110 unique units and buildings, more than 10 Commanders to lead armies, and the return of cinematic Sync Kill animations. Customization will also play a big role, with an army painter tool allowing players to personalize their forces.

On the multiplayer side, the game promises 1v1 to 3v3 battles, co-op play, skirmish options, and the much-loved Last Stand mode, a survival challenge that became a fan favorite in earlier entries. The storytelling will be bolstered by cinematic cutscenes and writing from John French, a well-known Black Library author, adding further authenticity to the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Learning from past mistakes

The announcement carries extra weight because of how poorly Dawn of War III was received back in 2017. Attempting to blend RTS gameplay with MOBA-inspired mechanics, the game alienated the franchise’s core audience. Planned expansions were quickly abandoned as sales faltered, and for years, the series seemed to be in limbo.

Many fans openly voiced their frustrations at the time, calling for a return to the base-building and tactical depth that made Dawn of War and Dawn of War II such beloved RTS experiences. With Dawn of War IV, it seems those requests are finally being answered.

A triumphan return for RTS enthusiasts?

The community response to the reveal trailer has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans celebrating the return of one of the most storied franchises in strategy gaming. By combining the scale of the original games with modern production values, King Art Games has the opportunity to deliver what many are calling a "true RTS comeback."

Whether Dawn of War IV can live up to its legacy remains to be seen, but its announcement already feels like a victory for real-time strategy fans. With a 2026 release on the horizon, all eyes will be on Games Workshop's grimdark universe to see if this long-awaited sequel can reclaim its throne. If you want to be ready for the game's release, keep track of the best deals to pre-order Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV wtih our comparator.