Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is set to launch nearly a decade after the divisive Dawn of War III, with developer King Art Games aiming to forge a stronger connection to the franchise's legacy. After an extensive preview, the game appears to be a more faithful and functional melding of the original Dawn of War's large-scale army management and Dawn of War II's squad-based tactics than its predecessor.
The Dawn of War series has a history of reinvention. The original game focused on amassing large armies and base building, while Dawn of War II shifted to micro-managing smaller squads and removed base construction, leaning closer to an action-RPG. Dawn of War III attempted to merge these disparate mechanics, incorporating elements from both while also chasing the esports scene. This approach, however, resulted in a game that broadly disappointed the community, with many finding its systems shallow and its MOBA-like maps and hero focus unappealing.
Now, with Dawn of War IV, King Art Games, known for the steampunk RTS Iron Harvest, is charting a new course. The preview suggests a game that makes every mechanic feel vital. Players will juggle large squads, their upgrades and abilities, powerful hero characters, destructive vehicles, and a deep base-building system. The pace of the game can be demanding, often requiring quick decision-making, which might tempt players to use the pause function to catch up. However, this constant activity contributes to a satisfying and engaging experience.
A significant focus of Dawn of War IV is the return of robust base-building, a mechanic absent in the second game and simplified in the third. The new entry adapts the first game's fundamentals, emphasizing faction uniqueness. For instance, Orks can quickly construct ramshackle structures using infantry, offering more flexibility in placement but resulting in less durable buildings compared to other factions. Conversely, the Adeptus Mechanicus relies on a tightly interconnected network of buildings, providing strong fortifications but leaving the system vulnerable if a key link is broken.
Combat in Dawn of War IV also seeks to harmonize the series' past approaches. While the game allows for more units on the battlefield than previous entries, it encourages upgrading and bolstering existing squads rather than simply replacing lost units. Losing a squad carries more strategic weight, as replacements are less experienced. The tactical squad focus from Dawn of War II is also present, introducing unique mechanics that complement the offensive capabilities of larger infantry units. Unlike Dawn of War III's overpowering hero characters, Dawn of War IV's commanders are potent but vulnerable, designed to support other units rather than dominate the battlefield single-handedly.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV is scheduled for release on PC on December 3. The preview also hinted at an enhanced Painter mode, potentially appealing to miniature painting enthusiasts looking for a digital equivalent to their hobby.