Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 is set to introduce the Adeptus Mechanicus and Necron factions, each offering a significantly different strategic experience from the previously revealed Space Marines and Orks. These new factions present unique mechanics and campaign narratives that differentiate them considerably.
Rise of the Machines
The Adeptus Mechanicus campaign delves into a more intricate story compared to the straightforward conflict of the Orks. This campaign is presented as the second chronologically, with player choices from the Ork campaign potentially influencing elements like enemy types encountered. The narrative centers on techno-archaeologist Potentia-Delta-9, who clashes with the by-the-book cultist Sek-Ix-23. Players face a choice late in the campaign: continue as the rogue Potentia or restore order with Sek-Ix. While the story unfolds similarly regardless of the chosen character, the perspective shifts, offering what the preview describes as higher stakes, more relatable characters, and compelling intrigue.
The Adeptus Mechanicus army is heavily reliant on ranged units. Their core forces consist of Skitarii Rangers and Vanguards, supported by melee-focused Ruststalkers. Advanced units include the armor-piercing Kataphron Destroyers and the formidable Kastelan Robot maniples. A unique mechanic is the Noosphere, a network of connected buildings that grants bonuses. Expanding this network requires careful planning, as structures disconnected from the main base lose these benefits, making the Adeptus Mechanicus vulnerable to flanking maneuvers. This system presents a strategic trade-off between rapid expansion and building redundant, defensible networks.
March of Oblivion
The Necrons operate with a distinct economy based on spreading a "machine lattice" across the map, emanating from their Nexus of Dominion structures. This lattice functions similarly to creep mechanics in other real-time strategy games, providing a territorial advantage. While capturing traditional resource points offers secondary benefits like cost reduction and faster production, the Necron economy is primarily driven by map control. This allows them to expand across uncontested areas, effectively "gooping up" the map even around heavily fortified enemy positions.
The Necron playstyle emphasizes inevitability, characterized by slow but inexorable advances. Early-game units like Scarabs are quick for capturing points, but Necron Warriors, their main infantry, are slow but durable. This makes them vulnerable to fast-moving or swarming factions in the early game, often requiring a patient, slow-motion tide of units to secure victories in the latter half of a match. Their late-game options include faster units and limited teleportation, but their strategic commitment can be difficult to pivot away from once deployed.
Technical Polish
While the build previewed is not final, some technical issues were noted. Loading times for campaign missions could exceed two minutes, even on an SSD, and client hangs occurred during cutscene triggers. These rough spots are expected to be addressed before the game's release on December 3. Despite these minor technical blemishes, the Adeptus Mechanicus and Necron factions offer engaging and distinct strategic additions to Dawn of War 4, enhancing the roster with unique approaches to map control and army composition.