A new story trailer for Dawn of War 4 has unveiled the Dark Angels as a playable sub-faction and teased the return of the ancient primarch Lion El'Jonson. The footage provides context for the campaign's setting on Kronus and introduces new units across factions. The game is slated for release in 2026.
Trailer Highlights
The latest story trailer for Dawn of War 4 showcases the Dark Angels Space Marines as a playable sub-faction, alongside familiar groups like the Blood Ravens, Orks, and Adeptus Mechanicus. It explains the factions' return to the planet Kronus, where Blood Ravens and Orks engage in battles reminiscent of earlier games, while the Mechanicus investigates Necron tombs. New units featured include a Chaplain on a bike for the Space Marines, Necron Skorpekh Destroyers, and an Ork Beastboss.
Lion El'Jonson, the 10,000-year-old primarch of the Dark Angels, makes a subtle appearance at the trailer's end, identifiable by his distinctive shield despite wearing a helmet. This marks a rare on-screen presence for the character, who is depicted interacting more directly with his successors.
Campaign Details
The campaign narrative has been crafted by Black Library author John French, known for works involving Ahriman and the Thousand Sons legion. This ties into longstanding fan theories about the Blood Ravens' origins as potential successors to the Thousand Sons, hinting at possible lore connections. Players can choose between Dark Angels and Blood Ravens missions in a non-linear structure, offering flexibility based on preferred Space Marine chapter.
The trailer also confirms Warboss Gorgutz's survival, aligning with the canonical Ork victory in the Dawn of War: Soulstorm expansion. Necron forces receive expanded representation, adding depth to their role.
Development and Release
Dawn of War 4 is set for a 2026 launch, with pre-order wishlisting available now. A preview by Chris Tapsell described it as 'the sequel to the original that RTS fans always wanted,' emphasizing its return to classic real-time strategy roots in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.