A Primarch descends on the latest look at Dawn of War IV

The latest cinematic look at Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is here, and it stars not one, but two chapters of Space Marines.

The Dawn of War on Kronus

Exploding out of Deep Silver and KING Art Games today is the latest look at Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV. The long awaited real-time strategy sequel is rolling along in development, and looks like it’ll be targeting a 2026 launch for the PC. And if today’s glimpse is anything to go by, it’s setting up to be a ripper.

To be fair, not everything in this new trailer is in-game. There’s a disclaimer that shows the new video to be a mix of both engine and cinematic visuals. Still, we can’t help but get a little pumped over the trailer, since it’s just all kinds of cool.

In it, fans are treated to a look at the state of the planet Kronus. To put it mildly, it’s not great, as Orks run roughshod over the surface, battling each other and turning it into a war zone. There’s more though, as Tech-Priests are delving unseen and deep into the world itself, and the resting Necrons aren’t all that fond of the intrusion.

Then there are the Blood Ravens, who have returned to reclaim the world. Right? Well, not so fast, as the Ravens are not in the best of shape either, and might just not be up the task that lays in front of them. If that’s the case though, it’s a good thing that they’ve got backup. Serious backup.

A take of two Space Marine chapters

Yep, for the first time in Dawn of War history, players will be able to field not just one, but two Space Marine chapters. Both the Blood Ravens and the Dark Angels will be playable in all game modes, and it also sounds like they’ll play differently.

The two forces will have their own commanders, with Captain Cyrus and Chief Librarian Jonah Orion serving the Blood Ravens, and Company Master Astoran & Chaplain Ezrael commanding the Dark Angels. While the wargear looks like it’ll be shared between the chapters, we also know that the two will have “the distinctive flavor and abilities of their Chapter”.

Missions will also vary greatly, or at least it sounds like they will from the press release. The depleted Blood Ravens will engage in smaller scale battles, while the Dark Angels will “deploy their full might to the biggest battlefields”.

There’s more too, as the Angels will be packing a big surprise for the foes of the Imperium. Remember when we said there was a Primarch in the headline? That’s right, it’s Lion El’Jonson. He apparently won’t be strictly a story element either, as it sounds like he’ll be on the field of battle later in the game.

With a story penned by Black Library author John French, we can’t wait to get our hands on Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV. As to when that launch might be, we’re not sure, but stay tuned, as it’s expected some time in 2026.