The confirmed Dawn of War IV factions at launch are the Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and the Adeptus Mechanicus, who are making their series debut [1]. These four iconic Dawn of War IV factions will clash on the world of Kronus [2] in the new RTS from developer KING Art [1], which is set for a delayed PC release on December 3, 2026 [3].
Which factions are confirmed for Dawn of War IV?
Four playable factions will be available at launch in the new Dawn of War IV [1]. The game includes a 70+ mission campaign plus replayable Last Stand, Skirmish and multiplayer modes [1].
The confirmed launch factions are:
- Space Marines: a launch faction, and one of the forces contesting Kronus [1][2].
- Orks: a launch faction, and one of the forces contesting Kronus [1][2].
- Necrons: a launch faction, led in the campaign by Thothmek [1][2].
- Adeptus Mechanicus: a launch faction making its series debut, with the Skitarii as its military arm [1][2].
What is new about the Adeptus Mechanicus in this game?
Dawn of War IV introduces the Adeptus Mechanicus as a playable faction for the first time in the series [1]. Steam lists the faction among the four available at launch [1].
The Adeptus Mechanicus’ military arm is called the Skitarii [2]. In the campaign, the Skitarii are one of the forces contesting Kronus alongside the Space Marines and Orks, against the Necron leader Thothmek [2].
How do the factions connect to the story on Kronus?
The campaign of Dawn of War IV, with more than 70 missions, is set on the world of Kronus [1][2]. At the center of it is the Necron leader Thothmek, an ancient Chronomancer who commands a Necron fleet and seeks to reclaim the planet [2].
Thothmek’s plan to reclaim Kronus is contested by the other factions [2]. The Space Marines, the Orks and the Skitarii of the Adeptus Mechanicus are all named as forces contesting the planet [2]. The sources reviewed for this guide do not reveal further story details, so this guide stops there.
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FAQ
Is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV delayed?
Yes, the game’s release is officially delayed [3]. The launch was moved from September 17, 2026 to December 3, 2026. Publisher Deep Silver stated this change gives the development team at KING Art more time to incorporate community and playtest feedback [3]. This extra period will be used for bug fixes, performance optimisation, and overall polish to ensure the game meets quality standards [3]. The new release date is confirmed for PC via Steam, where the game is listed as “Coming Dec 3, 2026” [1].
Will Dawn of War IV be available on Xbox or PlayStation consoles?
As of the latest official information, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is confirmed exclusively for PC via Steam [1]. No announcements have been made regarding a potential release on PlayStation or Xbox consoles. The game is scheduled to launch on December 3, 2026, for the PC platform only. Additionally, official system requirements have not yet been published, with the Steam page listing both minimum and recommended specifications as “Coming soon” [1]. It’s also confirmed that Crusade mode, a returning fan-favourite feature, will not be available at launch but is planned as a free update later in Year 1 [4].
Sources
- https://store.steampowered.com/app/2272360/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War_IV/
- https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/t0ci7spd/necrons-return-to-kronus-in-a-new-dawn-of-war-iv-trailer/
- https://www.deepsilver.com/games/dawn-of-war-iv/news/release-date-update
- https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/videos/bzxxllqq/warhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iv-release-date-post-launch-roadmap-reveal-trailer/