The Necrons in Dawn of War 4 are designed to be an unyielding force, embodying the Warhammer 40,000 faction's near-immortality and arrogance. Senior game designer Elliott Verbiest explained that each Necron soldier is a soul encased in living metal, practically undying thanks to reanimation technology. This resilience makes them adept at wars of attrition, continuously expanding their territory and absorbing enemy attacks. "Players love this type of playstyle," Verbiest noted, "but it's something that isn't necessarily conducive to interesting multiplayer gameplay."
To address this, King Art Games has introduced a vulnerability rooted in a very human trait: greed. The Necrons' primary strength, their Power Matrix, is also their Achilles' heel. This network of wires spreads from their HQ, acting as both a resource generator and a defensive buffer. Unlike other factions that capture outposts for resources, Necrons gain Dominion based on the expanse of their Power Matrix. This expansion also bolsters their units' durability by enhancing out-of-combat healing and armor stats. Furthermore, many Necron structures can only be built on terrain infused by the Power Matrix, incentivizing constant territorial growth.
This drive for expansion, however, leaves them open to counterattacks. The Convergence of Dominion structure, the most cost-efficient way for Necrons to rapidly spread their Power Matrix, is notably vulnerable. These structures are unarmed and lack durability, their sole purpose being territorial expansion. Verbiest elaborated that while rapid expansion in the early game can yield immediate rewards and durable forces, it often comes at the cost of fortifications. This leaves Necron bases susceptible to fast-moving enemy units capable of destroying expansion structures and retreating before significant retaliation. Conversely, a conservative playstyle that focuses on fortifications while expanding slowly grants opponents ample room to maneuver and develop their own economies across the map, leading to limited resources for the Necrons.
This design choice reflects the Necrons' lore within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Considering themselves ancient inhabitants of the galaxy, they view other factions as trespassers and covet territory above all else. This ideology influences other gameplay elements, such as the Necrons' inability to utilize cover, as they are too arrogant to perceive a need for it. They also cannot enter garrisons, a common defensive tactic for other factions.
The developers have also streamlined certain mechanics found in earlier Dawn of War titles. The morale system, which previously benefited the Necrons due to their lack of fear, has been removed and is now universal across all factions. Verbiest explained that this decision was made to ensure authenticity to the Warhammer fantasy, questioning the narrative sense of status effects like suppression for factions like Space Marines or Orks feeling fear. While this might seem like a disadvantage for the Necrons, Verbiest believes other aspects of their design sufficiently convey their distinct fantasy and gameplay identity.
Dawn of War 4 is slated for release on December 3.